For pre-health
professions students, gaining clinical experience can be one of the most exciting aspects
of a student’s undergraduate years. The opportunity can confirm they are
pursuing the right career path, teach them valuable professional lessons, and provide
practical applications for the material they study in class. Many students
work with the Patterson Center for the Health Professions (PCHP) to coordinate their shadowing, internships, and
practicums. In conjunction with the PCHP, Kelsey Dodd is completing her clinical practicum this summer as a requirement
for her major in exercise science. Her career interests include dietetics and
personal training. Below Kelsey shares a bit about her practicum experience.
"While working here at
KSB Hospital (Dixon, IL) I saw so many aspects of nutrition that interest me, and I learned
so much while being here. By being in a hospital I saw patients in all types of
situations, and was able to personally interact with them when I brought them
up their breakfast and lunch trays. I also was able to see where the food
preparation all begins in the kitchen and how everyone in the kitchen works
together in order to effectively serve the patients, meals on wheels recipients,
and the guests in the cafeteria. This all taught me that my career choice of a
dietician and a personal trainer is perfect for me, because I really enjoyed
being here and knowing that every single day as a dietician is different. There
are also so many opportunities and areas in the medical field that require diet
and fitness, and everyone in the hospital such as: doctors, nurses, and lab
technicians, all work alongside the dietician for the patient." --Kelsey Dodd
