Published on January 23, 2025 at 8 p.m. by Alison Ingle  
Dietetic Interns 2025 White Coat

Samford University's School of Public Health recognized the 2025 cohort of dietetic interns during its annual White Coat Ceremony on Jan. 18. 

The seven interns have completed the first four months of the 16-month post-baccalaureate program, which fulfills the Commission on Dietetic Registration requirements to become eligible for the registered dietitian exam. The ceremony included the presentation of a white coat to each intern, symbolizing the beginning of their year of clinical rotations. 

"Some programs award white coats at the end of the internship as a symbol of going out into the workplace as a medical professional," said Megan Kaal, instructor and director of the dietetics program. "But you are putting on your white coats today in this ceremony that emphasizes our confidence in your ability to become compassionate and knowledgeable dietitians." 

Amy Cameron, instructor and director of the dietetic internship, said, "Each of us needs nourishment from food to survive." Quoting author Irene Sun, she added, "Food heals, sustains, fills and nourishes. This is what God has chosen to display His goodness." Cameron continued, "As we honor and celebrate each of you today, I pray that you will grow closer to the Lord this year. I encourage you to view your journey to becoming a registered dietitian as a gift from God to glorify Him and serve others." 

Over the next year, the interns will complete six supervised practice rotations in areas such as food service systems management, community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, child nutrition and lifestyle management. Several are also pursuing a master's degree—either a Master of Science in Nutrition, Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration, Master of Public Health or Master of Healthcare Administration—at the same time. 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.