The Mandate of Nutritional Courses for Medical Students: A Consideration
Keywords:
Keywords: nutrition, education, controversial issuesAbstract
Unhealthy lifestyle choices and eating habits are the primary factors contributing to chronic diseases. Many diseases are associated with obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. An unhealthy lifestyle has contributed to nearly half of U.S. deaths from heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Modifications in lifestyle choices can significantly decrease coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer. A recent statistic suggests that although 94 percent of physicians recognize the importance of diet, only 14 percent felt sufficiently trained in the topic [1].
Physicians possess a critical deficiency in nutrition knowledge, and there exists a gap in medical education pertaining to nutrition. A study reflected only 40 medical schools in the U.S. required classes on nutrition, and medical students on average received only 23.9 contact hours of nutrition instruction during medical school [2]. The same study reflected that 88 percent of instructors expressed the need for additional nutrition instruction at their institutions. This lack of knowledge does a disservice to physicians, medical students, and patients.
Nutritional education is noticeably insufficient, if it exists at all, both in medical schools and among practicing physicians [3]. Based on the studies, it is clear that knowledge in this area is insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to reveal the lack of nutrition education in medical schools, as well as review the importance of mandating it.
References
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