Graduate Program in Public Policy Alumni Profiles
Bailey Weiner
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Education
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Master of Clinical Nutrition; 2015
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Biology, B.A. History; May 2013
Professional
Clinical Dietitian II at Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Education
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Master of Clinical Nutrition; 2015
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Biology, B.A. History; May 2013
Professional
Clinical Dietitian II at Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center
“[As an Archer Fellow] I valued the opportunity to live, work, and experience the epicenter of American politics and history with wonderful people from all different walks of life and various interests in public policy."
Q & A with Bailey
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
As part of the interdisciplinary team, I work closely with physicians in the John S. Dunn Burn Center and the Red Duke Trauma Institute to provide specialized nutrition support therapy and medical nutrition therapy to level 1 trauma and surgical patients. As part of a teaching hospital, I am also involved in clinical research and education of medical students and residents.
What has been your general career path?
After completing my degrees in history and biology from The University of Texas at Austin, I attended the Master in Clinical Nutrition program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Upon graduating, I accepted the position as a clinical dietitian at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
Although my work is clinical currently, I am volunteer my time as the State Policy Representative for the Texas Academy of Nutrition in Dietetics. I planned, organized and led our biennial advocacy day at the Texas State Legislature to support certain nutrition-related legislation priorities. I have also spoken at Texas Academy Events on the importance of public policy and getting members involved in policy that impacts the registered dietitian nutritionist profession.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
I valued the opportunity to live, work, and experience the epicenter of American politics and history with wonderful people from all different walks of life and various interests in public policy.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
I learned the power of networking. As a shyer person it was difficult at first but I learned that it's really about listening and taking an interest in that person, which allows you to understand their viewpoint better and make real connections.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
The best part about being an Archer Alumna is meeting other alumni and knowing that you have that shared experience even if you were not in the same cohort. It's a great sense of community.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory was the 4th of July. We went to the parade in the morning in the pouring rain and to dry off we went into the National Archives to see the Constitution. Later that day we attempted to go to the Capitol early to get good seats for the concert but it was raining so much that they turned everyone away. A couple of hours later the rain subsided so we made our way back. In the end we sat on the Capitol steps listening to the concert and seeing the fireworks flash over the National Mall.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
I highly recommend applying. The program is a phenomenal opportunity. You can go get an internship in D.C. but having the experience of living in community with fellow Texans, taking classes together and sharing your day with people from outside your interest in policy is what sets this program apart.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
As part of the interdisciplinary team, I work closely with physicians in the John S. Dunn Burn Center and the Red Duke Trauma Institute to provide specialized nutrition support therapy and medical nutrition therapy to level 1 trauma and surgical patients. As part of a teaching hospital, I am also involved in clinical research and education of medical students and residents.
What has been your general career path?
After completing my degrees in history and biology from The University of Texas at Austin, I attended the Master in Clinical Nutrition program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Upon graduating, I accepted the position as a clinical dietitian at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
Although my work is clinical currently, I am volunteer my time as the State Policy Representative for the Texas Academy of Nutrition in Dietetics. I planned, organized and led our biennial advocacy day at the Texas State Legislature to support certain nutrition-related legislation priorities. I have also spoken at Texas Academy Events on the importance of public policy and getting members involved in policy that impacts the registered dietitian nutritionist profession.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
I valued the opportunity to live, work, and experience the epicenter of American politics and history with wonderful people from all different walks of life and various interests in public policy.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
I learned the power of networking. As a shyer person it was difficult at first but I learned that it's really about listening and taking an interest in that person, which allows you to understand their viewpoint better and make real connections.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
The best part about being an Archer Alumna is meeting other alumni and knowing that you have that shared experience even if you were not in the same cohort. It's a great sense of community.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory was the 4th of July. We went to the parade in the morning in the pouring rain and to dry off we went into the National Archives to see the Constitution. Later that day we attempted to go to the Capitol early to get good seats for the concert but it was raining so much that they turned everyone away. A couple of hours later the rain subsided so we made our way back. In the end we sat on the Capitol steps listening to the concert and seeing the fireworks flash over the National Mall.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
I highly recommend applying. The program is a phenomenal opportunity. You can go get an internship in D.C. but having the experience of living in community with fellow Texans, taking classes together and sharing your day with people from outside your interest in policy is what sets this program apart.
