Awards/Stipends/Grants

The content you are trying to view is for members of the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) Dietetic Practice Group only.

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Take advantage of these awards/stipends. Learn more and apply below.

DIFM Diversity Stipend - Apply by September 1, 2021

Four $250 Diversity Stipends will be awarded in 2021

One for a Professional Member (current RD/DTR and DIFM member)
Three Student/Intern Members (currently enrolled in an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or in a supervised practice through a Dietetic Internship (DI)).

Benefits of This Award

Winners may choose to be a featured member on the DIFM website or participate in an interview with the hosts of DIFM’s “EmpoweRD Nutritionist Podcast”.
Winners may be invited to join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to raise multicultural awareness within DIFM and the field of dietetics.
Winners will be recognized for working with or intending to work with diverse clientele that may include people of lower socioeconomic status and use or intend to use Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine (NIFM) for their care. (https://integrativerd.org/ifmnt-radial/)
Each applicant is considered on an individual basis, including consideration of any underrepresented and marginalized groups with which the applicant self-identifies, works with or intends to work with.

Ready to Apply?

Submit all 3 below to diversity.difm@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m. on SEPTEMBER 1, 2021:

Personal Statement of 500 words or less
Your Resume or CV
Completed Application:
Please write us at diversity.difm@gmail.com if you would prefer a Word document version of this application.

Download the Diversity Award Application 2021-22

More about the Personal Statement

Please attach a personal statement (maximum 500 words) to explain your background and interest in sharing integrative and functional medical nutrition therapy (IFMNT) with a diverse community. Please address the following in your statement:

A detailed explanation of your target audience.
Why does this community or population matter to you?
What changes do you hope to make with IFMNT within your target audience?
How will this award help you to promote IFMNT to your target audience?

More about the DIFM Diversity Stipend

DIFM aims to gain a diverse membership representing many different demographics including race, gender, age, religion, nationality, disability, and more. Our goal is to make DIFM an inclusive and welcoming group to new members from diverse backgrounds. We understand it is crucial to provide education on diverse practices, therefore, we have formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to promote and educate dietitians about diverse food practices, health beliefs, approaches, and considerations. This committee launched the Diversity Stipend and the Diversity Webinar Series to shed light on the value and importance of diversity awareness. Our selection criteria gives preference to people who identify with marginalized communities in order to center the voices of people of color and other groups underrepresented in the nutrition field.

NOTE: Current members of the DIFM Executive Committee and Leadership Team are not eligible to apply. Stipend winners are eligible to win only once every 3 years.

QUESTIONS? Contact us at diversity.difm@gmail.com

Conference Speaker/Presenter Stipend

Speaker/Presenter Stipends are intended for those invited to speak/present or whose submission has been accepted, but are not limited to, a conference, academic institution, state affiliate, local district, or international dietetic meeting. Speaker stipends are not intended for presentations associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (pre-FNCE or FNCE), as the Academy offers its own honorarium.

This application will be differentiated from the Application for Conference Attendance, as it is intended specifically for speaker/presenters and experts in the field presenting on an integrative and functional medicine topic, simultaneously being able to promote DIFM and further support DIFM’s mission and vision within the presentation. These individuals will be regarded as DIFM Ambassadors.

DIFM Speakers will not accept invitations to meetings and events that involve or require endorsement and/or positioning of a commercial product(s) or service(s).

It is expected that whenever possible, expenses of DIFM Speakers who are asked to attend meetings and events at the invitation of other organizations will be reimbursed by that organization. This application may also be completed if the stipend may assist in complimenting any compensation from the requesting organization that may not be sufficient for travel, lodging or time.

In order to share the education, opportunities and relevant topics with all of our DIFM members, it is a requirement to provide a review of the presentation(s), in a newsletter article (guidelines and requirements will be provided by our Newsletter Editor), as a blog, webinar, or on a social media platform within two months of the presentation’s completion. The DIFM speaker/presenter may also be highlighted on the website. A photo and bio may be requested and should be easily available upon request. The DIFM board also reserves the right to request to preview the presentation to make sure it is aligned with the strategic plan, mission and vision prior to granting the stipend.

Marketing materials, official logo e-files and additional items will be available for the DIFM speaker/presenter to utilize. Coordination of these items will be done with Executive Assistant, in a timely manner prior to the speaker engagement. Materials are to be responsibly distributed and promoted. The DIFM video may be shared with attendees and on individual websites with the completion a WAIVER RELEASE FORM (see website for details or contact our Member Services Chair).

The voting members of the DIFM board will review the application and approve or deny financial support for this engagement. The voting members may also ask key Executive Committee members to review the application if pertinent (such as the Speaker Bureau Chair or other officers) that may objectively contribute to the evaluation process and final decision. If an applicant(s) is a voting member(s), they will be recused from the review and approval process.

Applications may be completed and emailed to DIFM’s Executive Assistant at info@integrativerd.org

Please submit as early as possible due to the process and time necessary for each evaluation. Please note there are a limited number of applicants accepted per fiscal year (for example June 1, 2017-May 31^st 2018).

Application and Policy. Speaker/Presenter Stipend (word doc)

Application and Policy. Speaker/Presenter Stipend (pdf)

Conference Attendance Stipend

Invitations to meetings and events will be individually evaluated using the External Representation Assessment Tool and Application for Conference Attendance documents.

DIFM does not accept invitations to meetings and events that involve or require endorsement and/or positioning of a commercial product(s) or service(s).

It is expected that whenever possible, expenses of DIFM representatives asked to attend meetings and events at the invitation of other organizations will be reimbursed by that organization.

In order to share the education, opportunities and relevant topics with all of our DIFM members, it is a requirement to provide a review of a session(s) or conference in a newsletter article (guidelines and requirements will be provided by our Newsletter Editor) or on our website as a blog within 2 months of conference attendance. A webinar or other educational tool may be requested upon approval as well at the executive board’s discretion.

In conjunction with the completion of these documents the DIFM representative must complete and fulfill all obligations and requirements stated within these documents within 2 months of returning from the event.

The voting members will review the assessment tool and application and approve or deny financial support for attendance to the event. The voting members may also ask key Executive Committee members to review the application if pertinent (i.e. Speaker Bureau Chair or other officers) that may objectively contribute to the evaluation process and final decision. If an applicant(s) is a voting member(s), they will be recused from the review and approval process.

Please submit as early as possible due to the process and time necessary for each evaluation. Documents may be completed and emailed to Amy Jarck at info@integrativerd.org

Application and Policy Conference Attendance (word doc)

Application and Policy Conference Attendance pdf

DIFM Excellence in Practice Award

Application Deadline: TBD Spring 2022

Purpose

To recognize an individual DIFM DPG member who has demonstrated extraordinary skills and commitment in the practice of integrative and functional nutrition including nutritional genomics, whole foods, dietary supplements, and/or natural healing modalities. Nominees will be considered for this award based on: active participation and leadership in DIFM DPG, promotion of DIFM DPG outside the practice group, involvement in other dietetic organizations that promote the registered dietitian in integrative and functional nutrition practice, and / or contributions to research in the area of integrative and functional nutrition.
$500 awarded to chosen recipient.

Eligibility and Required Criteria

All active members in good standing with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and DIFM DPG are eligible. Exempt members include the following: previous winners of the Excellence in Practice Award and any current DIFM Executive Committee member (or currently on ballot for DIFM elected office). Required criteria include the following:

Academy and DIFM member for a minimum of 5 years
RDN for a minimum of 10 years
One professional letter of recommendation
Demonstrated excellence in practice, as evidenced by work that is innovative, creative, and recognized as exemplary by professional peers
Currently practicing clinical integrative and functional nutrition

Optional Criteria

Founding member of NCC/DIFM
Leadership/volunteerism in DIFM or Academy (elected or appointed positions)
Precepting/mentoring experience
Teaching/educating experience
CPE presenter in integrative and functional nutrition
Volunteer/public service to promote nutrition
Published author or editor on integrative and functional medicine topic (e.g. DIFM newsletter, journal, book)
Research contributor (completed work)
Media contributor
Advanced education degree or credential/certification in integrative/functional nutrition
Fellow of the Academy
Professional awards

DIFM Excellence in Service Award

Application Deadline: TBD Spring 2022

Purpose

To recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership and service as a member of DIFM DPG, is a leader in the profession, and has worked toward the promotion of dietetics professionals involved in integrative, functional and holistic medicine, nutritional genomics, whole foods, dietary supplements, and/or natural healing modalities.
$500 awarded to chosen recipient.

Eligibility and Required Criteria

Active members in good standing with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and DIFM DPG are eligible. Exempt members include the following: previous winners of the Excellence in Service Award and any current DIFM Executive Committee member (voting members).

Academy and DIFM member for a minimum of 5 years
RDN for a minimum of 10 years
One professional letter of recommendation
Demonstrated excellence in service, as evidenced by DIFM leadership/volunteerism (elected or appointed positions), and/or by leadership/volunteerism in other Academy positions
Contributed to the advancement of DIFM and to the profession by supporting DIFM initiatives, and advocating for the integrative and functional dietetics practitioner.

Optional Criteria

Founding member of NCC/DIFM
Precepting/mentoring experience
Teaching/educating experience
CPE presenter in integrative and functional nutrition
Volunteer/public service to promote nutrition
Published author or editor on integrative and functional medicine topic (e.g. DIFM newsletter, journal, book)
Research contributor (completed work)
Media contributor
Professional awards
Fellow of the Academy
Advanced education degree or credential/certification in integrative/functional nutrition

DIFM Outstanding Student Award

Application Deadline: TBD Spring 2022

Purpose

To recognize an individual student who has demonstrated extraordinary skills and commitment in the practice of integrative and functional nutrition including nutritional genomics, whole foods, dietary supplements, and/or natural healing modalities. Nominees for this award will be considered based on: volunteering and service related to integrative and functional nutrition, leadership, GPA, awards, and participation in research, teaching and/or mentoring.
$500 awarded to chosen recipient.

Eligibility and Required Criteria

All student members in good standing with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and DIFM DPG are eligible. Exempt members include the following: previous winners of the Outstanding Student Award and any current DIFM Executive Committee member (voting member).

Required criteria include the following:

Academy member for at least 1 year
DIFM member for at least 1 year
Must attend a college or university with an ACEND approved nutrition program
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Two letters of recommendation – one letter from a faculty member and one from a DIFM member
Personal statement that demonstrates leadership skills (250-500 words)
Demonstrates active interest in integrative and functional medicine/nutrition including school projects, writing projects, presentations, leadership, volunteer and/or work experience

Optional Criteria

Published author in peer reviewed journal or book
Research contributor (completed work)
Media contributor
Advanced education degree or credential/certification in integrative/functional nutrition
Awards - student, community, etc.
The awardee is willing to volunteer on a committee for DIFM based on his/her preference/interest/availability

DIFM Diversity Stipend Winners 2021-2022

Diversity Stipend Student Winner 2021-2022

Jamika Smith, MPH, BS

Born and raised in Columbus, Ga I have always had an interest in nutrition and wellness. In 2010, I graduated salutatorian of my class from William Henry Spencer High School. I attended Fort Valley State University to receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition. During my years attending Fort Valley State University, I was presented with numerous great opportunities. I was able to study abroad in Tanzania for two consecutive summers. I assisted my professor Dr. Johnson in research grants as student site coordinator in the “Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters No Kid Hungry Program.” The research findings were presented in a poster session during the Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, GA. I also served as president of our Food and Nutrition Club. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I sought to continue my education and obtained a Master in Public Health from Fort Valley State University in 2017. Shortly, after graduation, I enlisted into the United States Army Reserve, as a Nutrition Care Specialist. I worked for WIC as a public health nutritionist serving as the head-start liaison to provide WIC services within the schools through WIC on Wheels. I am president of our Columbus District Dietetic Association. Currently, I am completing my dietetic internship with Andrew’s University and simultaneously enrolled in their Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness program, which has a plant-based emphasis. After completing this program and becoming a registered dietitian, I plan further my education at Loma Linda University in the doctoral program in Nutrition.

Diversity Stipend Student Winner 2021-2022
Katherine Hinojosa, MS

Katherine Hinojosa is currently a Dietetic Intern at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Dietetics and Human Nutrition. After the internship, she hopes to become a dietitian and work in sports nutrition. In the past, Katherine ran cross country, track and played tennis for a while. After going through injuries, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and improper food intake as an athlete, Katherine decided that she wanted to learn more about nutrition for performance and functional nutrition for athletes who may encounter the same issues she had. As a Bolivian woman, Katherine also wanted to incorporate cultural foods into sports nutrition as she grew up with a Bolivian family that had different foods and nutrition practices than her teammates and classmates. In her spare time, she enjoys running, baking sweet goods, traveling, and learning more about nutrition from her older sister, who happens to be a registered dietitian!

Diversity Stipend Student Winner 2021-2022
Nency R Patel

Nency Patel is a BS Nutrition student from South Asia currently living in Norwalk, California. This stipend will help her become an Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy based RDN in her South Asian community, which is in Western India. This award will fund travel and activities in the Community Nutrition class which requires her to go to elementary and middle schools in Pomona (a community with low-income Hispanics) to provide nutrition education. She will use it for her community education project and to pay part of her internship applications.

Diversity Stipend Professional Winner 2021-2022

Sheetal Parikh, MS, BSc, BSDN, RDN, LDN

Sheetal Parikh has been very passionate about plant-based nutrition since her childhood. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and one Master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She brings her unique experience and skills in the nutrition world by blending eastern and western cultures with innovative diets. She specializes in Plant-Based Nutrition, has been a vegetarian all her life, and promotes vegetarianism and its health benefits with a holistic approach and diverse perspective. Since 2019 she has been an author of "Vegan and Vegetarian Diets" for the Nutrition Care Manual which is a book from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). She has been involved with setting standards for the RD Exam (Passing Score Study Task Force) and the Item Writing Workshop for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). She served on the Advisory Board Committee for Diversity and Inclusion for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Some positions that she served are: Florida State Coordinator, Diversity Liaison, and present Treasurer for Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. She achieved the feat of being a BSDN Advisory Board Member for Keiser University; the institution from which she graduated and won an award for Outstanding Student of the year in 2017 from the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Today, she works as the Lead Regional Dietitian in Clinical and Patient Services for Morrison Healthcare and also counsels patients and clients on the importance and advantage of eating Plant-Based foods for their health and the earth’s well-being. She is proficient in creating new plant-based recipes, designing techniques for happy & healthy cooking, and preparing appetizing meals for her clients, family, friends, and colleagues. She lives with a motto of, “You are what you Eat”.

UPDATE from the 2020 Diversity Winners

Demetria Cox-Thomas, MS
2020 Diversity Stipend Award
Student Winner

I finished my MS program in May and started my internship with Garden to Table this summer. Still working as Community Garden Manager at Southminster as well. I did get to use my stipend to purchase & complete DIFM's certificate of training. It has inspired me to learn more & get the credentials needed to practice IFM. I really appreciate DIFM for providing the opportunity so I could explore my interests as a RD2Be.

Malu Trehan, RDN, MP
2020 Diversity Stipend Award
Professional Winner

I am in the process of creating a South Asian based group diabetes prevention program. Meanwhile, I began teaching with the HALT program at Kaiser Dublin (Health Achieved through Lifestyle Transformation)! Several South Asian patients participate in this class. HALT is a diabetes intervention program for patients with HgA1c of 8.0 or higher and is a 20-week whole foods plant based dietary intervention.