Memphis VA Medical Center
Comments from Recent Grads
Our dietitians are experienced in mentoring dietetic interns to prepare them to take and pass the RD exam and to accept employment as an entry-level dietitian.
Here are some comments from our recent graduates regarding their training at the Memphis VA Dietetic Internship Program.
"The Memphis VA will always hold a special place in my heart—especially the Catherine Austin Dietetic Internship program. This rigorous program challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, far beyond what I expected. Each rotation required critical thinking and adaptability, but the support from my preceptors and program director made all the difference. Their encouragement and dedication pushed me to become the best version of myself each day. I left this program not only well-prepared for the RD exam but confident in my ability to step into the field as a registered dietitian. The veterans you’ll serve, the professionals you’ll learn from, and the experience as a whole are truly unforgettable. I would choose this program again in a heartbeat."
- Anna Shamblin, Class of 2025
"My time at the Catherine Austin Dietetic Internship at the Memphis VA was a transformational experience. I remember feeling very nervous to speak to patients and other healthcare providers. My Dietetic Internship Director at the time told me I would feel like a different person by the end of this internship, and they were right! This internship gradually increased my responsibilities in a manageable fashion to the point where I was able to confidently speak with patients and my coworkers with great knowledge, pass my CDR exam, and get a job with the VA as an inpatient Dietitian. The focus on outpatient counseling, inpatient medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and community nutrition really helped to create a balanced internship. I particularly enjoyed my staff experience. I was able to participate in the Renal clinic for a few weeks with minimal supervision and truly bonded with my patients. The preceptors that I shadowed were very encouraging and supportive. My preceptors knew how to challenge me without overwhelming me to help me to achieve the growth I needed. Additionally, the other healthcare staff and support staff were very friendly, which created an amiable environment to grow in. This hospital is a teaching hospital, so there are always opportunities to learn, whether it be from a doctor teaching residents during rounds, a preceptor taking the extra time to explain the why behind patient care, or a seminar/webinar on medical conditions. I was able to gather an immense amount of experience and knowledge while here and know that I am a much more rounded Dietitian because of it."
- Adam Pillsbury, Class of 2024
"This internship was a high quality experience that not only furthered my professional growth, but also my personal growth. I am so grateful I had this opportunity. I would strongly encourage others to apply."
- Heather Carpenter, Class of 2017
"I am so thankful to have been trained by the wonderful preceptors at the Memphis VA. My internship experience stretched me, challenged me, and gave me a foundation of evidence-based knowledge I could never have anticipated. Thanks to this internship, I feel well-prepared to begin my career as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist."
- Emily Hood, Class of 2017
"The Catherine Austin Dietetic Internship at Memphis VAMC provides an unprecedented opportunity to learn and grow as nutrition professionals. The internship provides a solid clinical foundation along with a variety of enriching rotations and opportunities, such as research projects and being able to present a poster at the state meeting. Every component of the internship is amazing, but the best parts are having the chance to "honor and serve" the Veterans and also have preceptors who are fully invested in maintaining the profession by going the extra mile for the interns. The internship prepared me 110% for the RD exam and I would do the Memphis VAMC DI a thousand times over. In addition, Memphis is a fun city with lots of festivals, delicious food, and great weather. I am so thankful that I was matched with the Memphis VAMC DI!"
- Kaitlyn Moorhead-Hill, Class of 2017
"I feel like in our undergraduate programs we tend to hear a lot about the internship application process, but not about the internships tehmselves. I cannot speak for other internships, but I can share my experiences at the VA. The internship was certainly tiring and stressful. But more importantly, it was rewarding and an absolutely necessary component in jumpstarting my professional career."
- Ryan Smith, Class of 2017
