Residencies, Internships and FellowshipsDietetic Internship
Contact Information
Dr. Karen Kritsch, PhD, RD
Program Director
(608) 263-8237
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitation is are limited to the areas of conference rooms and food systems in order to maintain patient privacy. Students will find attendance at the fall Open House to be beneficial. This will be available as a webinar 2013 for distance participation. Thereafter, the session will be posted to the webpage.
If you feel that you have questions, yet unanswered, please contact Abigail Fischer at dietintern@uwhealth.org or (608) 263-8230.
How many hours will I be expected to work each week?
A minimum of 40 hours per week is expected in rotations, meetings and projects. Various projects and assignments will be allocated during each rotation that will require additional work at home. Interns also attend professional meetings such as the Madison District Dietetic Association. The majority of graduate class study is completed outside of the 40 hours per week dedicated to the internship.
Do I have to work on weekends and holidays?
Yes, you may be asked to be in rotation on weekends or holidays. The Clinical Nutrition Management rotation preceptor may request that you follow the same staffing scheduling. If your preceptor is working the weekend, it is considerate that you also follow that schedule in the Management (3-week) rotation.
Interns participate in rotations on some holidays. Each intern is provided one week of vacation which includes a legal holiday (the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's). The intern may take three personal days and two legal holidays (separate from legal holidays included in the one-week vacation). Most preferences are usually granted with considerations to planning ahead.
Is there anything I can do to earn extra money during the internship?
Yes, you may earn hourly wages by working in the role of Nutrition Student on weekends or evenings. You also may participate in making research trays or supplementing catering staff at special weekend events. You will learn about these options after you match with the program. Limited work is encouraged within the Clinical Nutrition Department as supports organizational knowledge and supplements and balances with Internship Learning. Work hours are above and beyond the minimum 40 hours per week requirements of the internship.
What is the dress code?
You must wear footwear that is comfortable and quiet. During the food systems rotations, wear sneakers and casual clothes you don't mind getting dirty and that can easily be washed. All other rotations require professional attire.
Will I need a car?
Yes. While the Madison Metro Public Transportation can be used to get and from to most practice sites, transportation is necessary for the Food Systems Administration and Community rotations.
Are there any additional items not previously listed that I may wish to purchase?
Although not required, many interns find it helpful to purchase a small binder or notebook and a calendar to carry with them as they work. You can use it to jot down any notes, calculations, etc. You also might wish to purchase a pocket folder for storing handouts and brochures. It is necessary to have a basic calculator as well.
