Survey of Nutrition Education in U.S. Medical Schools - An Instructor-Based Analysis.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey of institutional educators without a control group
PubMed 28253745 · doi:10.3402/meo.v6i.4526
What was done
Between July 1999 and May 2000, researchers surveyed nutrition educators at 122 U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools via mail, fax, or web to evaluate the status, curriculum structure, and required hours of nutrition instruction.
What was found
Of 122 surveyed institutions, 98 medical schools responded. In 90% of responding schools (88 of 98, representing over 65% of all institutions), all students were guaranteed exposure to nutrition. Schools required an average of 18 ± 12 hours of nutrition education, typically integrated into existing basic science and clinical courses.
Why it matters
This survey provides a baseline measure of nutrition training across U.S. medical schools around the year 2000, showing widespread curriculum integration but relatively few required hours and substantial variation.
Limits
The study relies on self-reported survey responses from instructors, 24 schools did not respond, and it does not assess instructional quality, student retention, clinical competency, or patient outcomes.
Cited by
- context The average medical school curriculum provides only around 12 hours of total nutrition education.