Development of a pediatric residency program for registered dietitians.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) strategic framework for 19961999 identifies key initiatives for guiding dietitians into the next century. The member initiative outlines a vision of ADA members as professionals who are competitive and well positioned for advancement in an ever-changing environment. Key strategies include "providing skills through education to keep members competitive and ensure the viability of the profession" and "establishing mentoring opportunities for members who wish to change their area of practice" (1). One means of accomplishing these goals is through the development of residency training programs.

Although hospital and community-based dietitians are familiar with training interns who are pursuing their practice-based experience, training programs beyond the entry level have been limited in number and scope (2). In the past few years, guidelines for the development of pediatric residency training programs have been published (3).

The following experience may serve as an example for the development and implementation of a pediatric nutrition residency program for registered dietitians that is both viable and easily established.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Funding and Recruitment

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia pediatric nutrition residency for registered dietitians was developed through a pilot …