Field Experiences with the Nutrtion Service of the Ohio Department of Health

This report is based upon the 7 weeks' field experiences obtained with the Ohio Department of Health, under the direction of the Chief of the Nutrition Service.

The purpose of the supervised field work was to supplement the on-campus requirements of graduate study in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, and to provide an understanding of the functions of a nutritionist in various official and non-official agencies.

Information was obtained on organization, facilities, policies, and services during a two-week orientation program of the state health department. The remaining 5 weeks demonstrated the activities and methods of operations of nutritionists. It provided opportunities for participation in school health programs and institution consultations; and permitted observation of in-service education and well-child conferences.

The student gained an understanding of the functions of some official and non-official health agencies on the state, district, and local levels through the supervised field work. An appreciation of team approach was gained as a result of observing the effectiveness of coordinated activities and cooperation extended between the various disciplines to promote and improve programs. The student is convinced that suggestions for changes should be feasible and prevailing conditions must be accepted as a basis for improvement. She has a clearer concept of the relationship of nutrition in the over-all public health program than she had prior to the field experiences, and believes she is now better equipped to contribute worthwhile services as a public health nutritionist.