VA San Diego Healthcare System
"The VASDHS dietetic internship was one of the most formative experiences of my dieteics career. You are surrounded by people dedicated to helping you become the best Dietitian you can be. In this rigorous program, you will become well versed in clinical dietetics, you'll be immersed in the Veteran community, and you will certainly be prepared to enter your first career."
-Daisy Mercer, Class of 2022 (Denver, CO)
"The VASDHS dietetic internship has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, despite the many challenges, rotations and stressful projects that await you. This internship is MNT-focused with lots of clinical rotations but also provides a variety of experiences. The driving success of this internship stems from the loving and caring guidance you receive from the Internship Director and the openness and knowledge from the preceptors. In the 10 short months of the program, you develop the knowledge, skill, and clinical judgment necessary to become a competent entry-level dietitian. The VA San Diego is just a wonderful learning environment for the interns."
- Roger Chou, Class of 2019 (Rosemead, CA)
"The VASDHS Dietetic Internship is a challenging yet rewarding program. The preceptors are highly involved in your growth as a prospective RD, and the hands-on experience you receive is of utmost value. I graduated from this program feeling very proud of my achievements and ready to take on an entry-level position!"
- Kristin Heim, Class of 2019 (Lake Orion, MI)
"If you want a comprehensive and rigorous clinical training in dietetics, then the VA San Diego internship is a great choice. I would recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in clinical dietetics, who learns best from a hands-on approach, and who is ready for a challenging but very rewarding year. The preceptors at the VA are all amazing teachers who are truly invested in your learning, and the interns benefit from the culture of teamwork and support that is present at the VA. Thanks to the training I received from this internship, I feel confident that I will be able to successfully take on any entry-level dietitian job."
- Charlotte West, Class of 2019 (Edmonds, WA/San Diego, CA)
"The VASDHS internship is as rewarding as it is challenging. I can't imagine an internship doing a better job of preparing me for my entry into the dietetics profession. The program is very well organized, and the preceptors are knowledgable and dedicated to your success, as well as the well-being of the patients. The variety and complexity of medical conditions you see allows you to put into practice, and build on, your MNT knowledge. It's a fantastic learning experience."
- Claire Wade-Hak, RD, Class of 2017 (Ojai, CA)
"This internship is challenging and intense, but because of that, you learn and grow so much as a nutrition professional. The preceptors and internship director are incredibly helpful, supportive, and encouraging, and they truly are there to guide you every step of the way. The exposure to different disease states is tremendous and the program is well-rounded so you get a taste of just about every nutrition-related area. Being at a teaching hospital is extremely beneficial because all providers (doctors, nurses, speech-language pathology, etc.) are prepared to teach you - and I feel confident I am ready for an entry-level position."
- Sarah Schellinger, RD, Class of 2014 (Sartell, MN)
"I couldn't be more satisfied with my decision to choose the VASDHS internship. The internship is extremely well organized; I never had a question as to where my next rotation would be or when my next assignment was due. Coming out now, I feel very well prepared to enter any area of practice. It has definitely helped keep my options open and exposed me to many different job opportunities."
- Sam Accardi, RD, Class of 2014 (Stone Harbor, NJ)
