AMA applauds proposal to expand nutrition education

The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly supports the Liaison Committee on Medical Education’s (LCME) proposal to enhance nutrition education across all U.S. MD programs, pending public comment and final approval. Expanded integration of nutritional science in medical education aligns with AMA policy advocating for evidence-based nutrition instruction throughout undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education.

With physicians spending at least seven years in medical school and residency in rigorous training, this proposal builds on that foundation by preparing physicians to address diet and lifestyle in patient care. The AMA commends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Kennedy for prioritizing nutrition in physician training to improve patient health outcomes.

“Good nutrition is essential to preventing and managing chronic disease, and this increased focus in medical training will ensure physicians are fully equipped to help patients live healthier lives,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “While nutrition has long been part of medical school curricula, this proposal moves beyond checking a box to making sure graduates put that knowledge into practice with clear expectations and measurable outcomes. The AMA looks forward to working with medical schools to develop nutrition education that will benefit our patients.”

The AMA Ed Hub™ offers several CME modules to help physicians expand their knowledge of nutritional science, including Nutrition and Health, Nutrition Science for Health and Longevity: What Every Physician Needs to Know, and Nutrition Training for Medical Students and Residents. Developed in collaboration with leading experts and the nonprofit Gaples Institute, these interactive, self-paced programs equip physicians and trainees with practical, evidence-based skills to counsel patients effectively and integrate nutrition into everyday patient care.

The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care.  The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.