Dietitians can make a difference: a look at nutrition in medical education
Wile, H.
Today's health conscious consumer wants accurate, sound advice about food and nutrition. Since their physician may be the only health care professional they visit, the consumer expects their doctor to be nutrition wise. Yet, many physicians have not been adequately trained in the area of nutrition. In order to establish and maintain credibility in the eyes of their patients and the students they encounter and to effectively deliver health care, physicians should have structured nutrition training. Emphasis on nutrition in medical education is described as inadequate. Although recognized as important since the 1960s, in 1991 only 78% of U.S. medical schools had taught some nutrition, with only 23% of schools devoting required curriculum time to nutrition. Medical schools have been criticized for not ranking nutrition as a priority subject, for not structuring their curriculum to include nutrition and for not hiring trained teachers in the area of nutrition. This commentary introduces how dietitians can have an impact on nutrition education of physicians. It discusses the rationale for teaching nutrition, problems identified in the current medical curriculum and recommendations on curriculum content. Teaching methods and priorities for future success of nutrition in medical schools are also addressed.
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