Academy Champions Nutrition Education in Medical Schools to Advance Public Health

August 29, 2025 – The increasing burden of diet-related chronic diseases in the United States underscores an urgent need to improve the quality and scope of nutrition education in medical training. As such, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics strongly supports all accredited medical schools incorporating comprehensive nutrition education. The Academy urges medical schools to work with registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and their nutrition departments to ensure content is evidence-based and supports a multi-disciplinary team.

“RDNs should play a significant role in partnering with medical students, residents and practicing physicians,” said Academy President Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND. “RDNs bring unparalleled expertise in the science and application of nutrition, making them uniquely qualified to work with future physicians on the role of diet in both the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases.”

The Academy believes that the more physicians understand the effectiveness of nutrition-based interventions, the more likely they are to collaborate with RDNs and refer patients for medical nutrition therapy — an evidence-based practice that can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. Additionally, interprofessional education that brings together medical students, other health professional students and RDNs fosters greater respect, communication and integration across the care team, ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients.

“We believe inclusion of nutrition education within medical school curricula is an important step toward closing the long-standing gap in physician training on nutrition, one of the most modifiable determinants of health,” said Brandstetter. “By leveraging the knowledge and experience of RDNs, medical schools will be better equipped to prepare future physicians to meet the complex nutritional needs of their patients. This aligns with the Academy’s broader goals of advancing public health, reducing chronic disease burden and promoting a more collaborative and effective health care system.”