Welcome Students!

Let’s come together and get to work!

Calling all dietetic students and interns! Are you ready to make this the year you broaden your horizons, expand your networks, and make strides in your path in dietetics?

There is so much you can learn about the DIFM philosophy which centers around a holistic, “Food as Medicine” approach to personalized health and healing and is based firmly in the Integrative Medicine Model. Please take a look at the tremendous list of Member Benefits. (Note: you must be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to become a member of DIFM.)

DIFM Student Members

Why should YOU become a student member?

As student members, we are privy to the most spectacular opportunities that lend themselves to helping us develop into better professionals. Registered Dietitians (RDNs) in the workforce do not receive the membership discounts available to student members of the Academy, including the annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) and practice groups. The DIFM membership fee of $20 is half the membership fee for RDNs and DTRs (Dietetic Technicians, Registered). Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity!

Our generation is connected by Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, texting, IMing, emailing, zooming, and blogging, so why not seize the opportunity to connect and do something more with these resources—together?  Through regular Facebook and Instagram postings, DIFM wants to keep student members up to date on the current findings in integrative medicine.  Join DIFM and continue to learn while becoming a part of this education!  We as students are savvy about eating and living well and have a lot of knowledge we can share with others.  Although we may be limited in our budget, we are resourceful, passionate, and possess the drive necessary to initiate change in the field of nutrition. We are the driving force for change and the pillars of strength and continuity that the field of dietetics needs to make a difference all over the world. The working and retired RDs and DTRs that comprise the Academy have worked tirelessly to pave a better path for others to follow – it is our responsibility to do the same.

DIFM is always looking to increase our membership of students and professionals alike. Students can get their foot in the door by reviewing books and/or authoring articles; by participating in booths at FNCE or state events; by writing for the NEW student section of the DIFM newsletter, by becoming a subcommittee member; or by volunteering with DIFM public relations or networking teams.   Student members can volunteer to assist with member recruitment, member retention, or even hold a position on the member services subcommittee.  If interested in using your creativity to grab the attention of other dynamic individuals, contact me to get involved!  As a student member, you can also take charge of member recruitment on your own by hosting a DIFM event in your area or by sharing information over social networks to recruit other students.

Let’s do it! Today is the day I challenge you to call or email that mentor you have been wanting to shadow, write the educational article (for our newsletter, maybe?), read that book on integrative and functional medicine, join our Facebook page, and/or volunteer for a food pantry, school, or church function. Whatever it is—make it happen, share it, learn from it, and appreciate all the opportunities we have and create more.

Outstanding Student Award now OPEN!

Application Deadline: April 19, 2024

The purpose of this award is 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.

Apply Here

Quick tips for getting started?

  • If you aren’t a member already…join DIFM!
  • Already a member? Look up a DIFM RD in your area and reach out to see if they are available to meet for tea/coffee or have shadowing opportunities
  • Join the DIFM Discussion Board
  • Read the quarterly Newsletter! Archived newsletters are available here
  • Participate in upcoming webinars and enjoy past webinars that have been archived
  • Explore educational resources suggested by DIFM members
  • Join the private Facebook group "Students of Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine

On the "Students of Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine" (DIFM) DPG Facebook page, you are able to:

  • to connect with one another and ask questions to your peers and select executive members
  • post current news and articles on integrative nutrition therapies and medical practices
  • share personal initiatives to promote awareness of functional nutrition or integrative health therapies on campus or in the community
  • share recipes, ingredients, and cooking tips that support functional nutrition
  • find opportunities for involvement within the DPG and with practicing DIFM members
  • encourage the growth and development of student member education in integrative and functional nutrition practices

You must request to join the group and only current DIFM student members and DIFM members will be accepted.

     

Join the Student Facebook Group