Clinical Rotations and Focus
UVA Health Dietetic Internship provides up to 24 weeks of clinical rotations. This includes the unique opportunity to spend up to 7-8 weeks in pediatrics and up to 7-8 weeks in adult nutrition support. As a Level 1 trauma center, interns will learn to manage complex cases and have the opportunity to specialize in areas not available in all hospitals, such as Transplant, Bariatric Surgery, a NICU, and others. Clinically focused outpatient rotations give interns the opportunity to learn from experts in a variety of disease states, including oncology, GI, and specialty pediatric areas. Dietitians at UVA Health are valued members of the interdisciplinary team and participate in numerous inter-professional activities. UVA Health DI provides the clinical background necessary for interns to feel competent and confident for their first job in the field of dietetics. For more information, see the Rotation Information page and check out the past intern perspectives.
Preceptors
Our program takes pride in our 75 (plus) preceptors. The preceptors include both clinical staff and community Registered Dietitians as well as our foodservice management staff. Interns will also learn from other highly qualified healthcare providers during their rotations and class day lectures.
- Advanced degrees - Over half of our RDN preceptors have Master's degrees
- Specialty training and certifications - Dietitians at UVA Health System specialize in particular disease states and patient populations including pediatrics, nutrition support, diabetes, renal, oncology, and obesity and weight management. Many of our dietitians hold specialty certifications in these areas.
- Speaking and presenting at the local, state, national and international level - Many preceptors have presented at national conferences such as ASPEN's Clinical Nutrition Week, the Academy's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, the National Kidney Foundation meetings, and others. Others are active at the national level in program planning or within dietetic practice groups.
- Professional writing in peer-reviewed publications - Our preceptors routinely publish their work in well-known peer-reviewed publications.
- Leadership - In addition to serving on hospital committees, numerous preceptors hold leadership positions on local, state, and national level boards and committees.
- Awards - Our preceptors are often recognized for their outstanding achievements in the field of nutrition and education on the state and national level.
Location
Graduating interns consistently rank the location of our internship as one of the top reasons for coming to the UVA Health DI. The University of Virginia Health System is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville is situated within the rolling hills of the Piedmont Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The health system was recently ranked as the No.1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report with several specialty areas ranking in the top 50 or as high performing. It is also recognized as one of the National Cancer Institute's designated cancer centers, American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition hospital, and as a Baby-Friendly hospital.
Charlottesville is also home to the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson founded the public university in 1819, which was designed to advance human knowledge, educate leaders, and cultivate informed citizenry. The academic environment provides ongoing opportunities for learning and activity; UVA’s Division I sports teams provide fun and excitement in various seasons.
Charlottesville is known for its restaurants, wineries, breweries, orchards, and thriving arts and cultural scene. It’s proximity to the mountains allows for year round activities including hiking, skiing, and beautiful sightseeing. There is a plethora of shopping available – from larger known chains to many local merchants and farmers markets.
Charlottesville is easily accessible to major cities such as Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The city is also within driving to distance to major points of interest: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Skyline drive, Colonial Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach.
The city has an appealing climate. Winter is usually mild and the last frost typically occurs the first week of May. The blooming dogwood trees introduce the coming of Spring. Summers can be hot and humid, but shortly after the start of the school year, the leaves begin to change, leading to beautiful panoramic views of the Fall foliage.