Featured Preceptor Alumni - Mieka Chobotar, RD, medicine dietitian and practice lead for Clinical Nutrition at Trillium Health Partners

Why do you choose to take on the role of a preceptor?

What keeps me coming back to the preceptor role is that I feel it is an integral part for learning and development for both the student and for myself. As dietitians we have a responsibility to our profession to support the education and training of competent interns and students which involves much more than ensuring competency in clinical skills. It is the mentorship and modeling of exemplary professional practice standards that embody inter-professional collaboration and accountability. I want the students to leave feeling they are well prepared for the road ahead. 

What do you believe is the most important role a preceptor plays in augmenting a student’s education?

Guidance - The preceptor helps to translate theoretical learning into practice in a supportive and non-judgemental experience for the students. Our job as preceptors is to help the student see the big picture and that nutrition is only one part of exceptional client care.  We support them to make decisions that are grounded in client centred care and enable them to have the confidence to make those decisions.

Please share any tips to precepting dietetic students you have found effective? 

Students all come with different experiences in life and school that affect their ability to learn in a clinical setting. Getting to know your student and understanding what makes them tick, what successes and opportunities for improvement they have identified and how they see themselves all contributes to how they will learn. Students want to feel supported not judged and they will all take a different path to the finish line.

What do you do to prepare yourself for precepting a dietetic student? 

Read articles and drink lots of coffee!

What do you perceive to be the professional benefits of becoming a preceptor?

Having the opportunity to see the potential within them and to participate in their growth and development of becoming an exceptional inter-professional team member. And then hiring them to be a part of your outstanding team ☺

What do you perceive are the personal benefits of precepting a student?

It provides an opportunity to stay up to date on current research and trends and develop leadership skills. It also provides me with opportunity to receive feedback for my own development.