The students of Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, GNA University, undertook an educational clinical visit to the Dietetics Department at Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, aimed at bridging classroom learning with real-time hospital experience. The visit was organised to enhance students’ understanding of clinical nutrition, therapeutic diet planning, and hospital food service management.
During the visit, students gained detailed exposure to the process of diet planning for patients with diverse clinical conditions such as diabetes, renal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal issues. They learnt how dietitians modify nutrients, portion sizes, and meal frequencies to support patient recovery. The team also observed the workflow of the central kitchen, including procedures for food storage, preparation, portioning, and distribution, ensuring quality, safety, and consistency.
The students interacted with the hospital dietitians and witnessed the importance of patient hospitality, understanding how empathy, clear communication, and personalised meal service contribute to patient satisfaction. A significant part of their learning included understanding food service according to patient requirements, such as liquid diets, soft diets, high-protein diets, and specialised therapeutic meals.
The department also oriented students on hygiene and sanitation practices, covering personal hygiene of staff, kitchen cleanliness protocols, waste segregation, and temperature control measures to prevent contamination. Students observed live diet consultations, witnessing how dietitians conduct nutritional assessments, interpret medical reports, provide counselling, and monitor dietary compliance.
Additionally, they were introduced to the hospital’s systematic record-keeping practices, which include documenting diet sheets, patient preferences, nutritional interventions, and follow-up plans. This helped students understand the importance of documentation in ensuring accuracy and continuity of care.
Overall, the visit offered excellent exposure to the practical workings of clinical dietetics. It strengthened the students’ professional competencies and provided them with a deeper understanding of the multidisciplinary role of nutrition in healthcare. The experience was highly enriching and motivational, preparing them for future roles as skilled dietetics professionals.
