Overview
Integrative and functional nutrition is a rapidly growing area of practice for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and there is a need to provide the next level of formal, evidence-based training opportunities to support both practitioners as well as the health and well-being of the patients and clients. The Academy’s Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certificate of Training (CoT), planned with the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetics Practice Group (DIFM DPG), is an excellent introductory resource, but there is a need to create a higher-level, advanced training opportunity to continue to prepare RDNs with the best available information and resources.
The Academy is launching a new type of training in 2023 to accelerate learning. Intended to be a next step following CoTs, “microcertifications” will provide a logical next stepping stone in practitioners’ continuing education journey.
To launch this new program, the Academy is partnering with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation (Foundation) to offer a new fellowship focused on creating the first-of-its kind microcertification focused on integrative and functional nutrition.
The Foundation’s Fellowship program deploys dynamic RDNs in the U.S. and globally to advance the profession and to address food and nutrition challenges around the world, and this new fellowship opportunity will continue in the spirit of the program. The fellow will work closely with the Academy’s Center for Lifelong Learning team and the Foundation to accomplish the goals of the project. This one-year opportunity is available through a grant from the DIFM DPG to the Foundation.
Application
Interested candidates should apply online by 3:00 pm CT on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Applications should include a tailored resume and letter of interest highlighting relevant experience and skills that makes this candidate a good fit for the fellowship.
Questions? Please read the Frequently Asked Questions first. Further questions can be directed via email to Nicci Brown, MS, RDN, FAND, Program Director, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation at nbrown@eatright.org with the subject “IFN Fellowship.”
Program
As part of the Foundation’s successful Fellowship program, this project will include an RDN expert selected for the fellowship who will lead a one-year project focused on creating a microcertification in integrative and functional nutrition. To achieve the program’s goals, the Fellow will work with the Academy’s Chief Learning Officer, Director of Lifelong Learning and Engagement, and Chief Science Officer as well as the Foundation’s Program Director and two to three experts in integrative and functional nutrition to provide guidance and mentorship to the Fellow.
This program seeks to:
- Phase 1: Planning
- Review usage and feedback on the integrative and functional nutrition CoT
- Phase 2: Development
- Develop the microcertification
- Document the processes used to serve as a roadmap for future microcertifications in other areas of practice
- Phase 3: Dissemination
- Submit proposal to share details on the new microcertification concept and at the Academy’s FNCE®
- Promote the new microcertification through newsletters, social media, and a free, joint all-member webinar between the Academy, Foundation, and DIFM
Program success will be measured against the successful creation of the following deliverables:
- RDN expert selected as the Fellow to lead the program of work
- Development of the complete microcertification
- Documentation on the microcertification development process
- Dissemination strategy developed and executed
- Webinar hosted by the Foundation
Additional Position Details
- The position is based in the Academy’s Chicago office, but applicants outside of area are encouraged to apply. The Fellow will not be required to relocate. Most work will be accomplished through telecommuting methods (webinars, conference calls, etc.) with occasional travel.
- This position will require a full-time effort. The grant for this fellowship is $85,000/year and can be used for the fellow’s time on the project and/or at the fellow’s discretion. Overhead/indirect fees are prohibited.
Fellow Criteria
Required:
- Credentialed status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the United States
- Member of the DIFM DPG
- Seven to ten years of relevant experience in integrative and functional nutrition
- Strong knowledge and experience in integrative and functional nutrition either through work, research, and/or professional presentations
- Master’s degree in nutrition/dietetics, public health or other relevant degree strongly preferred
- Candidates without a master’s degree but with significant, relevant experience may be considered.
Fellow Skills:
As the project lead, qualified applicants should have demonstrated experience and expertise in:
- Analyzing and reporting on data, such as through surveys, interviews, and reviewing existing literature and reports
- Survey research
- Seeing patients/clients and using an integrative and functional nutrition approach, such as in a clinical, outpatient, community, or private practice setting
- Experience in creating continuing/adult education, such as webinars, conference sessions, and other educational offerings
- Collaboration with external partners and organizations (both public and private)
- Additional skills include:
- Self-motivated with the ability to work and make decisions independently
- Ability to function at a high level and lead this program of work with minimal oversight
- Strong leadership, interpersonal and team skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgement
Additional Fellow Requirements
- Willingness to travel as needed, such as to Academy conferences (costs covered by the Foundation)
- Willingness to participate fully in the expectations of the Academy and Foundation, including project reports and professional presentations
- Availability and commitment to the full-time position beginning around September 11, 2023 for one year
Fellowship Award
The Foundation will provide funding support for the fellowship as quarterly payments as follows:
- $85,000 per year fellowship grant, which can be used for the fellow’s time on the project or at the fellow’s discretion to accomplish the goals of the project
Additional benefits (retirement, etc.) are not available for this fellowship.
Apply Here