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Date of Presentation

5-8-2025

Document Type

Article

Faculty Mentor

Pasquale Manzerra, PhD

Keywords

medical education, nutrition, chronic disease, health promotion

Subject Categories

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition | Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Despite the well-established link between nutrition and chronic disease prevention, medical education continues to underemphasize nutrition training. This study explores the impact of integrating registered dietitians (RDs) into pre-clerkship medical education to enhance students’ knowledge, confidence, and perception of nutrition in clinical care. A series of optional, system-based nutrition lectures were delivered by RDs and supplemented by senior medical students who shared real-world clinical case studies. Pre- and post-session surveys assessed students’ confidence in providing dietary counseling, understanding of the physician’s and dietitian’s roles, and the perceived importance of nutrition in disease management. Results showed significant improvements across all metrics, with confidence in counseling rising from 26.9% to 79.1%, and understanding of the dietitian’s role increasing from 64.7% to 92.5%. Student feedback highlighted the value of interdisciplinary teaching and real-world application. This initiative demonstrates that leveraging RDs in medical education can effectively address gaps in nutrition training and better prepare future physicians for holistic patient care.

Utilizing Registered Dietitians to Improve Nutrition Education for Medical Students

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