Nutrition Education in U.S. Medical Schools: An Analysis and Discussion of its Necessity

Author(s)

Marie G. Fam, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Major

Nutrition and Dietetics

Advisor

Amin, Sarah

Advisor Department

Nutrition and Food Sciences

Date

5-2023

Keywords

Medical school; Nutrition education; Chronic disease

Abstract

MARIE FAM

(Dietetics)

Nutrition Education in U.S. Medical Schools: An Analysis and Discussion of its Necessity

Sponsor: Sarah Amin (Nutrition and Food Sciences)

Although approximately 80% of chronic diseases across all ages can be treated, prevented, or even cured with proper nutrition therapies, preliminary evidence suggests that medical schools in the United States deemphasize its importance by not allotting appropriate time and resources to nutrition education. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting organization for U.S. medical schools, recommends no less than 25 hours of nutrition education. The objective of this study was to evaluate how nutrition education content is covered in a sample of MD and DO programs in the United States. A convenience sample of twenty MD and DO programs in the United States were analyzed via public information each program presented on their websites including curriculum, course descriptions, syllabi, and lectures when available. In order to qualify for the study, each program must: (1) require the MCAT, (2) require all four years of study in the U.S., and (3) rank within the top 1-15 spots according to U.S. News & World Report across four chosen specialties: research, pediatrics, family medicine, and serving underserved populations. Out of all twenty programs, seven provided a clear indication of nutrition education within their programs, seen either during the first or second year. Indications for whether or not each program provided an adequate amount of nutrition education are presented using evidence including credits, presence in modules and individual courses, lecture slides when available, and number of hours. While results suggest programs implement proper nutrition education, areas for future improvements include exploring the role that Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can have with lecture delivery and clinical rotations alongside physicians. Medicine must be a collaborative effort in order to both treat and prevent the onset of chronic diseases in the United States.