Oral

Research has shown that most graduating medical students in the U.S. feel that their nutrition education during medical school was inadequate. Surveys have also shown that most doctors in the U.S. do not address weight with their overweight patients. The presentations in this session describe research and interventions that focus on the integration of nutrition education and promotion within a broader health care community, including among medical students, physicians, dentists and dental hygienists, and health workers. The first presentation describes an intervention teaching medical students hands-on nutrition and communication skills in a teaching kitchen. The second presentation describes a survey that was conducted to assess the attitudes and perceptions of dentists and dental hygienists regarding their role in addressing childhood obesity. The third presentation describes an assessment conducted in two East African countries on the knowledge of nutrition issues among health workers and their perceived capacity to address nutrition needs at the community level. Finally, the last presentation describes an intervention using a web-based course to train primary care physicians on their role in addressing weight and strategies for quick and effective counseling practices. Speakers will discuss findings and provide suggestions for strengthening the nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and skills of those trained and working in health care settings.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss current findings related to the attitudes of physicians and others in the medical community regarding their nutrition knowledge and perceived role in nutrition assessment and counseling; and 2. Identify strategies for strengthening the nutrition knowledge, skills, and perceived capacity of those in the medical community.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)