Orlando VA Dietetic Internship
Program Introduction
Dear Applicant,
Welcome to the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) Dietetic Internship website. Here you will find all the information you need to help you decide why our internship is the best option for succeeding in your professional career.
The OVAHCS DI Program provides supervised practice experience principally in medical nutrition therapy and research. Additionally, we complement our program with a food services system and community nutrition rotations. Our dietetic interns complete most of the experience on the main campus, located at the Medical City, Orlando. We have the opportunity to rotate in other outpatient clinics in Lake Baldwin, Viera, and community-based outpatient clinics in Clermont and Kissimmee, as well as other locations that require traveling. The goal is to offer diverse learning experiences in 41 weeks, which will prepare you for a variety of positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The OVAHCS DI Program will accept four interns for the Academic year 2025.
The OVAHCS serves more than 140,000 Veterans in Central Florida and we strive for a 24/7 word class healthcare service committed to the I CARE values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence.
Here are some highlighted characteristics of the program;
- Preceptors: our dietitians’ practice at one of the highest scopes of practice in the VA.
- Learning activities and curriculum: our program is guided by evidence-based practice. We endeavor for the appropriate practice of the Nutrition Care Process, Nutrition Focused Physical Exam and comprehensive provision of Nutrition Support.
- Research: students will complete a special project that provides the opportunity to work on and practice the scientific method.
- Work Opportunity: we can assist you in finding a job within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is America’s largest integrated healthcare system.
Effective October 7, 2021, all VA Health Professions Trainees, including dietetic interns, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Because the VA is a federal agency, you must be a US citizen to apply for and participate in our dietetic internship program.
Thank you for your interest in the OVAHCS Dietetic Internship in Orlando, Florida.
Virtual Open House
We're hosting a virtual open house event for the Orlando VA Dietetic Internship. We invite you to join us by clicking the link below, or simply email Giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov to secure your registration. Don't miss out!
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 - 1200-1300pm (EST) Join the meeting now
We hope you can find all the information on our webpage, and if not, we will be honored to assist you by email at giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov.
Sincerely,
Giselle M. Diaz Luquis, DCN, MHSN, RDN
Dietetic Internship Director
Orlando VA Healthcare System
13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL
giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov
407-267-7694