The Introduction of Nutrition Education into the Medical School Curriculum: Using an Elective Course to Teach Students the Fundamentals, the Science, and the Clinical Implications of Food

In an effort to address the lack of formal nutrition education at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine at San Antonio, two second year medical students with training in nutritional sciences and public health designed an elective course in 2011 to teach other medical students about fundamental concepts in nutrition. The course consisted of five interactive classes during which students participated in lectures and discussions. A total of 30 medical students completed the course during the 2011–2012 academic school year; they provided feedback through voluntary completion of surveys. Based on the data collected, 70% of students stated that they learned new information from the course, and 100% of students would recommend the class to peers. While students reported benefiting most from the interactive aspects of the course such as potluck dinners and group discussions, 75% also suggested that future courses should be based more on scientific evidence.