Clinical Nutrition Training Program

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the world’s premiere centers for study of molecular, genetic, and biochemical bases of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Clinical research efforts are aimed at understanding the mechanisms of disease, developing better diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and providing a bridge from the laboratory to the bedside.

The Department of Clinical Nutrition Services operates as a supportive department of St. Jude and is committed to excellence in patient care, research, and teaching. Clinical Nutrition offers training opportunities for dietetic interns interested in obtaining an understanding of the nutritional management of pediatric oncology and catastrophic illnesses.

Dietetic interns and dietitians requesting a training opportunity at St. Jude in the department of Clinical Nutrition must fit into one of the following categories:

• Dietetic interns must be enrolled in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) approved dietetic internship and have completed their pediatric and nutrition support rotations.
• International visitor must be an approved visitor through the St. Jude International Outreach Program
• Dietitians must have experience working with pediatric and nutrition support patients

Application process

• Complete an online application prior to deadline.
• Submit information regarding rotation objectives, goals, and evaluation method.
• Provide two letters of reference from current professors and/or employer.
• Provide a contract between the school and St. Jude that has been approved by the St. Jude Chief Operating Officer and Legal Services.

All applications must be received by August 1st to be reviewed for acceptance for the upcoming year. Opportunities are limited to one intern/visitor per month for the following months: January, February, March, April.

To complete your application

Send hard copies of letters of recommendation to:

Karen Ringwald-Smith, MS, RD, LDN
Department of Clinical Nutrition Services
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 732
Memphis, TN 38105-3678

Prior to beginning your experience at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital you will need the following:

• Documentation of current TB skin testing within the 12 months of visit.
• Proof of immunity to Varicella (chickenpox) by titer or documentation of 2 doses of the vaccine or MD note verifying illness during childhood. Personal history of the disease is not enough.
• Proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Titers or documentation of 2 doses of the vaccine.
• Documentation of receiving 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine and/or titer showing reactive antibodies after receiving the vaccine.

Participants in the St. Jude Clinical Nutrition Training Program obtain the following experience

• Observe nutrition education provided to the patients and family members.
• Observe nutritional assessment and the development of nutrition care plans for specific disease states.
• Observe research conducted by registered dietitians in Clinical Nutrition Services.