Nutrition

Purpose

Nutrition training is integrated into all service programs provided by the Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities. The program focuses on increasing skills in nutritional assessment and intervention with emphasis on the interdisciplinary approach in the specialty area of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

Objectives

• Possesses core knowledge and skills to improve the well-being of persons with chronic diseases, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
• Understanding of the scope, content, and delivery of nutrition services for medical facilities, public health facilities, residential facilities, schools, worksites, and child/adult care programs, to help implement quality nutrition programs in these facilities and programs for persons of all ages and stages of development.
• Knowledge of the political, legislative, and economic factors that affect nutrition services for persons with special healthcare needs.
• Ability to function as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing comprehensive, community-based, family centered care to children and families.

Description

Training experiences are included as part of dietetic internship and graduate degree programs. Traineeships are available to nutrition professionals and to students enrolled in graduate degree programs at acceptable universities. Graduate credit may be earned. The training is individually planned, considering the experience, goals, and length of training for each student. In addition to nutritional assessment and remediation as part of the interdisciplinary process, the trainee focuses on feeding problems common to children with developmental disabilities. Participation is also available in other special programs such as the Newborn Screening and Inborn Errors of Metabolism Team and Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic.

Lectures, staff conferences, and workshops are planned to enhance the clinical training experiences. Although most of the training takes place within the BCDD, the trainee learns about community resources and may visit other facilities. Traineeships/fellowships with length varying from two months to one year are planned at various times during the year. Training for professionals is also available by special arrangement.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants for stipends must be United States citizens or non-citizens admitted to the United States as permanent residents. To download an application for a traineeship or fellowship, click here to view critera and details.

Contact

For further information, contact Chief of Nutrition, BCDD, 711 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105 (901) 448-6511.

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