NOSM Welcomes Interns to New Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) recently welcomed its first intake of dietetic interns into the new Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP). The program, a joint initiative between NOSM and the NODIP Professional Advisory Committee, involves multiple health-care facilities throughout Northern Ontario, with funding provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario.

As with NOSM’s medical students and residents, NOSM’s dietetic interns will be undertaking community-based learning, with placements across Northern Ontario. Graduates of NODIP will have an appreciation for the unique health-care needs of Northern Ontario, as well as the cultural diversity of the people who call it home. Of the ten dietetic interns, three will be based in Sudbury, three in Thunder Bay, two in Sault Ste. Marie, and two in Timmins. Placements will take place in hospitals, public health units, long-term care facilities, and clinics and will be coordinated by Denise Raftis, NOSM’s NODIP Coordinator.

Dr. Marc Blayney, NOSM Vice Dean, Professional Activities, welcomed the new interns at a luncheon during their orientation week at NOSM. “It’s a pleasure to welcome our first class of dietetic interns to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program enhances the School’s commitment to support interprofessional health initiatives in the North,” he said.

The achievement of a sustainable Dietetic Internship in Northern Ontario represents over six years of committed effort by a number of key stakeholders, including Dietitians Canada. Marlene Wyatt, Regional Executive Director of Dietitians Canada, expressed how pleased the dietitians in Northern Ontario are to have an internship program. “Dietitians Canada is very pleased with NOSM’s role and support in the administration of the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program. The first class of interns will feel the tremendous support from their dietitian preceptors,” she said.

The one-year program will permit graduates of university dietetic programs to complete the necessary practical experience needed to obtain their dietitian registration.