Abstract
Two nutrition-based standardized patient (SP) sessions (diabetes and hypertension scenarios) afforded dietetic interns (DIs) with the opportunity to practice their counseling skills. During focus group discussions, 8 weeks after the SP activity, the DIs (n = 10) highlighted resulting benefits to their understanding and clinical practice of counseling. Key benefits included the following: (1) SP sessions provided realistic experiences that changed DIs' awareness about counseling, (2) SP feedback was surprisingly relevant, and (3) DIs increased self-confidence with counseling methods. Meeting dietetic education goals, the DIs' practice in SP sessions enhanced counseling development and emphasized the patient's perspective on counseling for behavior changes.