More than 50 institutions plan to expand nutrition education for future physicians beginning in 2026.
The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and of Education convened leaders from 53 medical schools representing 31 states to announce commitments to expand nutrition training for medical students. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that participating schools plan to provide at least 40 hours of nutrition instruction or an equivalent competency requirement as part of physician training in the fall of 2026.
“Chronic disease is bankrupting our health system, and poor nutrition sits at the center of that crisis,” said Secretary Kennedy. “Medical schools are committing to change how America trains its doctors — by putting nutrition back where it belongs: at the heart of patient care.”
“Medical schools can put nutrition and prevention front and center as they train tomorrow’s doctors and healthcare leaders. It’s an honor to celebrate the dozens of medical schools stepping up to strengthen nutrition education — an essential but often overlooked aspect of public health,” said Secretary McMahon. “To make America great again, we must make it healthy — and [this] commitment by leading universities is a critical step down that road.”
Federal officials also announced a $5 million initiative through the National Institutes of Health to support curriculum development, clinical training opportunities, and research related to nutrition education. The event included leaders from major medical education organizations such as the American Medical Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Nebraska System.
The effort follows research indicating that nutrition instruction in medical training has historically been limited, with many medical schools and residency programs not requiring formal coursework in the subject. In addition, officers in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps will be required to complete continuing education focused on nutrition as part of their professional development.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretaries Kennedy and McMahono as they collaborate on nutrition education for medical doctors.
- For officials at the HHS and Department of Education as they implement this national public health and education initiative.
- For medical educators and physician organizations as they update the training of future physicians.
Sources: Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services
