Shawn Tobin, MBA, MA, RD, LDN
Clinical Nutritionist
Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Why did you choose this field?
I originally chose the field because I was interested in bodybuilding and wanted to be a nutritionist for weight lifter and bodybuilders. In high school, I took the college prep track with AP Chemistry and felt I was well prepared for College. But, as it would be fate had a different route.
How many years did it take to become a RD or DTR?
It took me 4 total years to complete my Masters and Dietetic Internship at Immaculata and 5 years undergraduate at Penn State and Farleigh Dickinson University. I originally started as a Chemistry major and Computer Science Minor at Farleigh Dickinson University then transferred to Penn State as a sophomore. It took me 5 years to graduate from Penn State University with a BA in Applied Nutrition because I needed to take one year off to pay for school between my freshman and sophomore years. Getting into an internship is so competitive. I felt a couple of poor grades even with a good grade point average would make me less competitive. Therefore I didn't even apply for an internship.
What did you do next?
Thankfully, I found a position at WIC about 5 months after graduating and realized how much I loved nutrition. I was really motivated become a registered dietitian but I felt I needed to earn a master’s degree to enhance my chances of getting into an internship. I went on to Immaculata University to complete my Masters of Arts in Nutrition Education and internship.
How do you like it?
I love my job and currently work with The Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The position is very stimulating and always rewarding, especially when you make a difference in a child's ability to consume a nutritious and developmentally appropriate diet. I also work in the Army Reserve's counseling patients on the Army Weight Control Program.
How would you tell a student to prepare to apply to a program in dietetics?
It begins from the start of your college experience. It is very competitive process now. You need to excel in your classes and become involved in research and volunteer work as most people do not get a second chance to reverse poor grades and start over.
What role did the Army have in your life?
I never joined the military until 1999 after I finished my Internship and Master's Degree in 1998. Looking back, I would strongly suggest all prospective candidates consider the Army Dietetic Internship. It is a top-notch program and has lots of benefits: full salary, full medical and dental benefits with the satisfaction of serving your country.
(NOTE: for more information about military dietetic internships, please read Margaret Gordon’s testimonial.)
What role does the Army have in your life?
Last year, I was an Environmental Science Officer for the Government Section of the Army Reserves. I have a new position: the Executive Officer of the Headquarters Company of the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade.
Please click on my name if you have any questions.
Shawn Tobin
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