by Dawn Mulkern, MBA, RD, LD Baptist Health, Patient Educator, Health Management Center 

1. What is your new work position and when did you start?

I began as Internship Director and Clinical Instructor at UCA on May 17.

2. What are the duties?

As Internship Director, I am responsible for facilitating the intern selection process, coordinating intern rotations, acting as a liaison between preceptors and interns, assisting interns in preparing for the RD exam and the job market, and compiling reports and data for CDR. As Clinical Instructor, I teach classes in the DPD program.

3. What were you doing work wise before this job?

Prior to accepting the position at UCA, I worked for almost ten years as a clinical RD at White County Medical Center in Searcy and was an adjunct instructor for 3 years at ASU Jonesboro and UACCM at Morrilton.

4. What is your favorite aspect of your new job?

I have always enjoyed the teaching aspect of dietetics. I feel very fortunate to have a job where I can do what I love and the interaction with students is very fulfilling.

5. How many students do you have this year?

As far as interns, ten are selected each year for our program. Our program runs over two consecutive summers; this year there are 19 interns over the two classes. In my classes this fall, I have around 130 students.

6. Tell us about your family and where you live?

I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 years and we have two married daughters (and two fabulous sons-in-law!) We live in Rose Bud, about ten minutes from Greers Ferry Lake.

7. Which positions have you held in ArDA? What benefits have you gotten from being an officer in ArDA?