Nutrition Behind Bars (and not the protein type)

Clinical rotation

These words strike fear into the hearts of most interns: they mean TPN calculations, carbohydrate equivalents, and the dreaded PES statements. Each clinical rotation comes with its own unique set of challenges. Now imagine learning the ropes of MNT while simultaneously adapting to life inside a prison. This week, I began my clinical rotation at the California Men’s Colony—the first intern to ever go there! I am still adapting to the unique rules of working there: no cell phones, always telling people where you’re going, keeping your guard up at all times, and making sure you always have your ID, keys, PAD (Personal Alarm Device), and chits (small tokens for checking out the keys and PAD). However, the adaptation has become far more manageable with the help of my incredible preceptor Kamala. If you’re an avid follower of the Cal Poly DI blog, you may recognize her as one of last year’s Cal Poly interns! She recently began working at CMC, so in a way we are learning the ropes together. I sat down with Kamala to learn a little more about her life as an RD in a correctional facility, as well as her advice for other future RDs.

Introduction/How did you become a dietitian?