Nutrition education is integrated across our MD curriculum, from foundational science through clinical training. Students learn the scientific basis of nutrition, apply dietary strategies in diagnosis-specific care, and may participate in hands-on culinary medicine instruction in a teaching kitchen. This longitudinal approach prepares graduates to incorporate evidence-based nutrition into patient-centered care.
Nutrition Education in the MD Curriculum
Mari Ricker, MD, (center with blue bandana) leading a Culinary Medicine session
Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications
Nutrition has long been integrated into our medical education program as part of our commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Students receive structured instruction in the scientific foundations of nutrition and apply this knowledge throughout clinical training.
Foundational Instruction
In the Preclerkship Phase, students study metabolism, nutrient physiology, and diet-related mechanisms in chronic disease. Nutrition concepts are integrated into organ system blocks including cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, and life cycle teaching.
Clinical Application
During clerkships, students apply nutrition principles in patient care settings, including diabetes management, surgical nutrition assessment, pediatric growth evaluation, prenatal counseling, and eating disorder management. Nutrition counseling and lifestyle modification are incorporated into clinical decision-making and patient education.
Experiential Learning
Students may participate in a Culinary Medicine elective that provides hands-on instruction in a teaching kitchen at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. This experience links scientific principles with practical dietary strategies and patient counseling skills.
Wellness and Professional Formation
Nutrition education is introduced at new student orientation and reinforced through wellness programming. Students examine personal health behaviors and develop skills to counsel patients effectively.
Faculty Governance
Our nutrition curriculum is developed, reviewed, and refined through established faculty governance processes. Content evolves as scientific evidence advances and as clinical best practices are updated.