3. Medical Schools Commit to Expanding Nutrition Training
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education announced on March 5 that 54 medical schools, including the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, across 31 states have committed to expanding nutrition education for medical students. Participating schools agreed to include at least 40 hours of nutrition education, or an equivalent, beginning with students entering medical school in fall 2026. Federal officials said the initiative aims to better prepare physicians to prevent, treat and reverse chronic disease.
HHS also announced it is dedicating $5 million through a multi-phase National Institutes of Health nutrition education challenge to support medical schools, nursing residency, nutrition science and dietician programs that integrate nutrition education into their curricula. The funding is intended to help institutions develop coursework, clinical training opportunities and research initiatives focused on evidence-based nutrition science.
🔗 Read the HHS press release: Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon Celebrate Medical School Commitments to Increase Nutrition Training for Future Doctors
🔗 Read the HHS fact sheet: Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon Celebrate Medical School Commitments to Increase Nutrition Training for Future Doctors
🔗 Read more from HHS: Advancing Nutrition Education
🔗 Read more from MEDPAGE TODAY: Med Schools, HHS Announce Nutrition Education Initiative