Nutrition Education In U S Medical Schools

As the general public has become more aware of advances in nutrition, consumer demands for advice on matters of diet and disease have grown. This book offers recommendations to upgrade what were found to be largely inadequate nutrition programs in U.S. medical schools in order that health professionals be better qualified to advise and treat their patients. A comprehensive study of one-third of American 4-year undergraduate medical schools provided information on the current status of nutrition programs at each school. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made from analysis of this gathered information. Questions examined in this volume include: Has medical education kept pace with advances in nutrition science? Are medical students equipped to convey sound nutritional advice to their patients? What strategies are needed to initiate and sustain adequate teaching of nutrition in medical schools?

Abstract: An authoritative report to aid medical school administrators in ensuring the adequacy of nutrition education (NE) in medical school curricula presents the findings of a national survey by a special committee of the US National Research Council that concluded that medical school NE programs are largely inadequate to meet present and future demands of the medical profession. The survey assessed the extent to which NE is incorporated in medical education, the prevalence of medical schools teaching nutrition, and the success and failure of NE programs provided in different categories of medical schools. The major findings and recommendations of the committee are highlighted, and an outline of NE core concepts that all medical schools should acquire is included. Ancillary documentation and survey questionnaires are provided in 7 appendices.

Nutrition education may be defined as a combination of educational tactics accompanied by physical or environmental supports, the purpose of which is to encourage voluntary adoption of foods and other lifestyle behaviors that are beneficial to health. This book highlights the importance of nutrition education as an integral part of day-to-day life. The first part takes an in-depth look at what nutrition education is and how it can be used to influence various target populations. The second part explores the complexities of eating behavior, underscoring the importance of early childhood as a critical time for intervention. The final part focuses on nutrition education in medical schools, highlighting the latest educational technologies being used in curricula, as well as methods for bringing nutrition to the clinic. The insights presented in this book cover the basis of how nutrition interventions can be designed and delivered to improve food choices and, ultimately, an individual's health. The publication will be of great interest for educators, pediatricians, dietitians, public health, professionals, and policy makers.