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The goal is simple but powerful: prevent chronic illnesses by teaching physicians the science of food, lifestyle, and exercise, not just medicines and surgery. What exactly will change? The Health and Human Services Department, working with the Department of Education, has asked medical schools, residency programs, and accreditation boards to embed measurable nutrition education into their systems. Every institution has been asked to submit detailed commitments by September 8. According to reports, the revamp will touch six critical areas:

• Pre-medical courses
• Medical school curriculum
• Residency training
• Licensing exams
• Board certifications
• Continuing education throughout a physician's career

What did Kennedy say about the initiative? In a video message on X and an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy explained the thinking behind the campaign. "We train physicians to wield the latest surgical tools, but not to guide patients on how to stay out of the operating room in the first place." He added, "We know that when applied properly, nutrition counselling can prevent and even reverse chronic disease." The plan is also part of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. Is the current nutrition training enough? Experts argue it is not. While the Association of American Medical Colleges says all 170 member schools teach some nutrition, a 2015 study revealed that students get only 19 hours of nutrition training across four years of study. Some schools, like Cornell University and the University of North Carolina, believe their training is adequate. But a growing number of health experts insist the content is outdated and not enough to meet today's health crisis. Were reforms already underway? Yes. Even before Kennedy took charge, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) had begun working on the issue. In 2023, it hosted a summit, and 30 universities joined hands to draft a standardised nutrition curriculum. They proposed 36 competencies for undergraduate training. A recent report in JAMA Network Open confirmed that no national standards currently exist for nutrition training. Is there support for this plan? Bipartisan support exists. In 2022, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution backing the idea. Experts like Dr Nate Wood of Yale Medicine also welcome it. He said, "It's certainly true that physicians are under-trained in nutrition and don't feel confident addressing diet with their patients." But he also warned that doctors alone cannot fix the issue. Collaboration with dietitians must be a central part of the reform. Highlights

1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes for mandatory nutrition education in all medical training.
2. Current medical students average just 19 hours of nutrition instruction in four years.
3. Experts stress interprofessional collaboration with dietitians as key to success.