Preceptors
What is expected of NODIP preceptors?
NODIP preceptors are expected to plan learning activities that provide interns with opportunities to meet the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP). Preceptors take the time to teach and coach interns to support knowledge application and skill development. By regularly discussing their learning needs and providing timely feedback on performance, preceptors can facilitate learning and help interns hone their dietetic practice skills. It is also the preceptor’s responsibility to help the student prepare for their placement by creating a rotation description for your practice setting. Identifying pre-requisite readings, case studies and/or assignments to complete prior to their first day, and during their placement will set them up for success. The NODIP Program Manager will support you in developing this rotation description and orienting you to the preceptor role. NODIP has many resources to support you in your preceptor role.
Through your guidance and supervision, interns gain the valuable hands-on experience needed to begin their dietetic careers with skill and confidence.
News and Events
NOSM U Health Sciences – Northern Connections
Northern Connections is intended as a professional development, networking and appreciation event for those clinicians who support our Health Sciences programs, including dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists and physician assistants. We are pleased to provide this event at no cost to these clinicians, including current preceptors and those interested in getting involved as preceptors in the future. Registrants are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses.
This year the event took place May 12th at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay, ON. More details to follow regarding our 2024 NOSM University Health Sciences Northern Connections Conference hosted in Northeastern Ontario.
For details on the award nominees and recipients this year, please see the preceptor awards sections of the Rehabilitation Sciences and Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program webpages.
Invitation to Health Sciences Preceptors – Facilitate Interprofessional Education-Community Learning Sessions
Preceptors interested in the role of small group facilitator for the Interprofessional Education- Community Learning Sessions (IPE-CLS) at NOSM University are invited to contact Sheila Renton, CLS Coordinator at srenton@nosm.ca
IPE-CLS are a mandatory component of the Phase 1 (Yrs 1 & 2) curriculum of the Undergraduate Education (UME) program at NOSM U and include students of various health disciplines, including medicine, nursing, dietetics, kinesiology, social work, health promotion, and where possible, rehabilitation sciences and other health and social science professions.
All sessions are conducted by Webex allowing the participation of facilitators from across Northern Ontario.
The role of the facilitator is to promote discussion and interactions within a small group of students. Facilitators are not expected to provide content expertise but can offer valuable perspectives on interprofessional collaborative practice in real-life settings.
Orientation is provided to all facilitators.
Remuneration is provided as per the NOSM U Faculty Handbook but faculty appointment is not a requirement for this role.
Currently we need 1-2 back-up facilitators for CBM 102 this Fall as follows:
- Tues. Oct. 18, 9am-noon
- Tues. Oct. 25, 10am-noon
- Tues. Nov. 08, 9am-noon
This provides an opportunity to shadow more experienced facilitators and prepare for more facilitation opportunities to come in January 2023 and beyond.
Please contact Sheila for more information and to express your interest in sessions this Fall or in the future: srenton@nosm.ca
Health Sciences Preceptor Development Series and Webinars
Practice-Based Project Advising
- Do you have a practice-based question you want answered?
- Do you want to enhance your research and/or evaluation skills?
- Do you want extra help on a project?
Become a NODIP Project Advisor
The purpose of this project is to provide interns with a basic foundation and introductory experience in collaborative practice-based dietetic research and evaluation. The project can take place in any RD practice setting; see past projects below.
The project must be practice based, relevant to the sponsoring facility, manageable within the NODIP program year (September to July), and within the budget and resources available to the Project Advisor(s).
Dr. McElhaney Dietetic Learners Research Fund
The Dr. Janet McElhaney Dietetic Learners Research Fund was established by Dr. McElhaney’s family in memory of her commitment to collaborative clinical practice, equity, and social accountability in the context of older adult health and well-being. This annual fund was established to support the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP) learners’ research projects that honour Dr. McElhaney’s legacy.
Dr. Janet McElhaney was an award-winning Professor at NOSM University, a beloved member of the Health Sciences North medical staff, Scientific Director of the Health Sciences North Research Institute, and the Health Sciences North Volunteer Association Research Chair in Healthy aging. Dr. McElhaney recognized the many challenges faced by older adults due to the devastating health effects of socially constructed inequities. She made it her mission to serve the most vulnerable in our society.
Registered Dietitian preceptors who are interested in being a research advisor for NODIP learners may apply for funds to complete a practice-based research project that aligns with Dr. McElhaney’s mission.
Practice-Based Project Information Template
This fund is an annual award for research projects that are completed (either partially or in full) during the NODIP program year (September to July).
Applications for the 2023-24 are now open.
Completed applications must be received at nodip@nosm.ca by June 30, 2023.
For examples of previous projects, please see the Practice-Based Projects.
For more information, please email nodip@nosm.ca
Annual Preceptor Awards
Each year, we ask learners and members of our clinical community to submit nominations for our Preceptor Awards to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional experiences to learners. For more information about the award categories, please see Annual Preceptor Awards.