Domain 1: Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: integration of scientific information and translation of research into practice.

KRDN 1.1 Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature to make ethical evidence-based practice decisions.

Using the knowledge I gained through my Research Methods course of how to utilize evidence-based research, I was able to gain a proficiency in locating and critically reviewing this scientific literature.  I used this skill in my Advanced Nutrition Principles: Macronutrients course when completing an annotated bibliography and poster project involving supplementation as a method to treat traumatic brain injury.  Through this project I came to understand the importance of using peer-reviewed studies to provide accurate, reliable information synthesized into a professional opinion.  I have continued to use these skills to research the appropriate MNT for case studies in my Nutrition Assessment and Therapy coursework and in my volunteer work studying ayurvedic diets.  The usefulness of proper research is a theme that has continued to weave its way through my time at Bastyr University.

Traumatic Brain Injury Poster                                   Traumatic Brain Injury Annotated Bibliography

KRDN 1.2 Use current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.

For Dietitians, it is important to remain on top of the plethora of new information in the industry using current information technologies to continue assessments of peer-reviewed literature.  As part of my Nutrition Assessment and Therapy coursework, I was able to explore emerging nutrition therapies and information regarding their application in helping patients in future practice.  This included contributing to our clinical question forum, investigating the possible link between curcumin supplementation and Alzheimer's progression.  In addition, I have continued to use this application of current evidence-based guidelines and protocols though my work in other courses, and during my time interning at the Bellevue Acne Clinic, where I was able to see results from many of the researched approaches.

Alzheimer's and Curcumin Supplementation

KRDN 1.3 Apply critical thinking skills.

The ability to apply critical thinking skills has been an important part of every course I have taken as a part of my program, as well as applying the information I have learned in other aspects of life.  Through classes such as Disease Processes, Food Science, and Nutrition Assessment and Therapy, I have been allowed the opportunity to use these skills in determining disease states, examining symptoms, and finding therapeutic approaches for treatment as in our Case Study assignments, an example of which being the Chart Note from our Chronic Kidney Disease case.  In order to further hone these skills outside of the classroom, I have used these skills when working with my students at Forest Ridge, in helping create our curriculum and find ways to help aide the girls to better health.   

Chronic Kidney Disease Case Study - Chart Note