Students

Student-Specific Benefits

DHCC HAS A NEW STUDENT MEMBER PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES:

Student Webpage on the DHCC Web site
Student Editor & Feature Column in Connections
Reduced registration for the Workshop held just prior to FNCE
Quarterly newsletter, Connections with CPEUs
Access to the online Electronic Mailing List (EML)
Access to the members' only section of the website, which provides current updates, materials, and resources

**A reduced fee Student Membership does not mean reduced benefits; students still receive all benefits of DHCC membership.

Join Now!

DHCC is pleased to announce its new student membership fee of just $15.00

Log in to the Academy's website at www.eatrightPRO.org/renew to pay online with a credit card. Or,
You may call the Member Service Center at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 (Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Time). International callers can reach us at +1-312/899-0040, ext. 5000. Or,
Return your mailed dues statement and payment to: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, P.O. Box 4489, Carol Stream, IL 60197-4489.

Why Join DHCC?

What can you get for 15 dollars today? What if you could get a head start on your career and an incredible source of information from Registered Dietitians (RD) across the US with varied experience and expertise? I'll take it!

WHAT IS DHCC?

Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC) is a dietetic practice group (DPG) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with dietitians committed to the nutrition health and safety of individuals living in long-term care (LTC) facilities, correctional facilities, and home health care.
DHCC members are setting industry standards and forecasting future trends.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Quarterly newsletter, Connections with CPEUs
UPDATE! – a mini newsletter published up to 4 times per year
Access to the online Electronic Mailing List (EML)
Access to the members' only section of the Web site, which provides current updates, materials, and resources
Annual pre-FNCE workshop (with reduced cost for student members) and other member events held at the Academy's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER / WHY AM I A MEMBER?

When I went to Baylor, I had a clear idea of where I would be in 10 years: an MD starting my own practice. My junior year, I did a summer medical internship and every physician that I worked with told me to rethink my decision. So, I graduated with my BBA and started looking for a job. I got a good job as a supply chain manager for a company that supplied parts to Boeing. I hated it; I longed to be in the medical field. I went back to school and got my BS nutrition, did my internship and got my RD. Then I thought, "OK now what? Get a job – but where, doing what?" I got a job as a consultant in LTC and my employer introduced me to DHCC. I have learned so much and been exposed to so many different things through this group!

Being an RD in such a diverse field as healthcare, sometimes it is hard to see where you fit in. I also found it difficult to establish my expertise where majority of my "peers" were 20-30 years older than I was. Having DHCC gave me a place to belong and a shoulder when I needed assistance. The EML is a great source of information and a link to a live people who are more than willing to share their knowledge.

Through DHCC, I keep up with the latest trends, news and changes in the healthcare field. My employer is on the developing board of the new specialty, Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition. She suggested I look at the DHCC website and ask on the EML thoughts, comments, opinions, etc., regarding the CSG certification. I can proudly say that, hearing much advice regarding studying and preparation, I am a Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition. There are so many ways to stay ahead of your game and DHCC can keep you apprised of them all.

I love going to FNCE, but it can be overwhelming with the number and diversity of sessions out there. DHCC offers focused, pertinent sessions available to members. They also have 'meet and greet' parties so you can put a face to the name on the EML.

I have had the opportunity to work on the Website committee, work the booth on the Exhibit Floor at FNCE, and help at the FNCE Reception. I am young and getting started in this industry (less than five years' experience) but I have found an organization that truly values my opinion and my contributions. Working the booth at FNCE not only allowed me the opportunity to meet RDs and share my experience as a member of DHCC but also meet vendors and leaders in the industry as resources for my continued development.

If you can't go to FNCE and you have a limited budget keep in mind that the quarterly mailing of Connections has CPEU's for reading the articles and answering questions. You get valuable information to stay head in your field and complete some of those looming CPEU's you need anyway.

I would recommend membership in DHCC to any student. Even if you don't know what career field you want to join – get a first hand glance at what it is to be a DHCC member. Join DHCC and for only $15.

Katy Adams, MDA, RD, CSG, LD
Piland, Adams, and Associates, Inc
kadamrsrdld@hotmail.com

Top Ten Reasons to be a DHCC Member

Lorie Stake, MS, RD, LDN

Membership renewal is still possible and the DHCC Executive Committee (EC) is thankful for your past support and hope you will renew your membership with DHCC. Here are top 10 reasons to join DHCC:

10. Liaisons with professional organizations. DHCC appoints members to be liaisons with organizations such as American Medical Directors Association (AMDA); the Association of Nutrition and Food Professionals (ANFP); National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC); National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and Pioneer Network. These individuals represent our profession and provide feedback on current trends and participate as appropriate.

9. Volunteer opportunities. Do you enjoy writing articles? Are you working on a research project? Do you have a program or form you would like to share? These are just a few of the ways you can help. Just contact an EC member.

8. Publications. DHCC has published and updated many resources over the years and will continue. See the publication list on the website. Members also volunteer to write and review these publications.

7. Website. Visit www.dhccdpg.org often. As a member you have access to UPDATE!, our quarterly electronic newsletter, member generated resources, links to relevant websites and access to educational resources.

6. Awards and Scholarships. DHCC proudly recognizes exceptional members and nominates for national awards. Students are supported annually through the Academy's stipend award to attend FNCE; DHCC also has two scholarships administered by the Foundation for students. The Abbott Leadership Award, Circle Award and Distinguished Member awards are presented annually.

5. Educational Opportunities for CEU's. DHCC offers free and reduced cost webinars to members. The events are archived and can be accessed by members at a more convenient time if you are unable to listen to the live event. Pre-FNCE^® workshops are always full of relevant information provided with nationally recognized speakers.

4. Connections and UPDATE! Our newsletters have evolved, and remain a top rated member benefit for our members. Free CEU's are offered for feature articles for members. These publications provide our members with current information regarding regulations, trends in the industry we are employed and new research.

3. Corrections and Home Care Subunits. For our members that are employed in these areas, there are opportunities to connect and consult with colleagues.

2. Electronic Mailing List. Have a problem resident? Have a question regarding dining policies? Need feedback on a recent survey? Submit your question or comment and our members will answer!

And the number one reason to be a DHCC member?

1. NETWORKING! All of these resources result in a myriad of avenues to connect and consort with professionals that share the same challenges and opportunities that you do.