NEWS

Louisiana Tech University’s program in Nutrition and Dietetics recently received a grant from Entergy to support its Common Book Program.

The grant will provide copies of the book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman for students in the Nutrition and Dietetics program. The novel explores the colliding of two cultures around health care, a Hmong family, and the American doctors caring for their child.

“Our programs focus on teaching students the value of diversity, sustainability, and wellness in an ever-changing world,” said Dr. Ethel Jones, chair of the School of Human Ecology. “The Common Book Program is one way we can create opportunities and educational experiences so that our students become competent and engaged professionals.”

The theme for this year’s common book discussions is health beliefs and diversity in health care delivery, said Dr. Simone Camel, Assistant Professor in Food and Nutrition. Extra books will be made available to students in health and wellness-focused programs who wish to participate in the program.

“The future registered dietitians in our academic program will soon be part of inter-professional teams caring for a diverse population,” Camel said. “We look forward to learning how our faculty will incorporate this book into their curricula and engaging in a discussion with the author.”