Industrial Training Story 2024 : Salami Mariam

Brief Introduction

I am Salami Maryam Tomiwa, a 400 level student from the department of Nutrition and Dietetics. I am doing my industrial training (IT) at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso in the Dietetics department.

How did you get there?

I was opportuned to be part of the few students that were selected after going through the selection process. The selection process involves the submission of an application letter, reference letter from the school, and a letter from religion. For us though, it was like a first come, first serve. As it was those who submitted first that got placement there. The selection process is not very tedious.

What do you do there?

My work is specific to the dietetics department where we get to give nutritional counseling for in and out patients, prepare therapeutic diets to manage patients conditions and also participate in studies and research. Together with my colleagues, we were also exposed to how to work hand in hand with health professionals from other departments and the importance of an adequate diet in the management of some health related conditions

What are the other places students in your department can work?

People from the nutrition and dietetics department can also get training from the food industry, hotels, pharmaceutical companies and any establishments that deal with health and wellness.

What was your first shock experience?

The first shock that I experienced during my training was realizing the extent of diet misinformation amidst patients, and the fact that this information was given by other health professionals.

What are the interesting things about the place?

One interesting thing about the place is the readiness of the dietitian to teach you anything as far as you are ready to learn. I believe she even taught us more than what we are supposed to know.

What are the challenges you face?

One of the challenges I faced is that we do not have enough patient referrals from other hospitals or facilities. In coherence, the institute also lacks access to diet kitchens. So, they only have a demonstration room for preparation of therapeutic diets.

What are the new things you learnt there?

I learnt the concept of counseling including how to relate with patients with deep Yoruba, team work, and the art of giving ( materials or non materials).

With your brief experience, work or school: which is easier?

I'll say school is easier, because in school, two weeks before the exams, I can read my books , and go pour am down for the exam hall. Work can be stressful when it comes to learning because everyday I have to be reading, and it's something I will be doing for a long time if I am taking the course as a career. In general though, if it's in terms of being a lazy person, I'll choose school, because at the workplace, especially my IT placement, one must mark attendance, and be present. However, if it was in school, one can decide not to attend class at all. Industrial Training placement work is choking, demanding. I have to resume at 8am in the morning and leave there around 3pm.

How has the training contributed to your personal life and academics?

The program has contributed a lot. Yes, even more than my expectations. I have gained exposure to practicals and access to professionals in the field. The hospital setting has also helped me to hone my speaking skills, counseling skills, and I have been able to network, gain a lot as regards nutrition that is beyond the four walls of school.

I was able to see some practical examples. My supervisor is a very nice woman and she gave us some things that are beyond school and I can say it is still helping. I have the privilege to counsel lots of patients, talk to them without panic. I can, in a blink of an eye, prescribe a diet. In addition, IT has also taught me how life outside school will be because looking for placement was not a joke.

Random facts about your IT placement

Well, while I focus on training, I cannot but notice that the fun fact about this place is that they have the cheapest food in the whole world. Anytime I go to their restaurant, I cannot finish ₦500 food. On top of my ₦500, I go buy rice, buy meat, and buy egg. Another thing about them is: they are very nice. December 2023, they gave all the IT students a December package and it was so nice. One thing I'll not forget is the food sha. 😂