Always Question Health Care Providers

Nutrition education in U.S. medical schools has historically been limited. A 2010 survey found that only 27% of U.S. medical schools met the National Academy of Sciences’ 1985 recommendation of at least 25 hours of nutrition education, with an average of 19 hours across the curriculum (standard deviation 13.7 hours). Some schools provided as little as 0–12 hours, so the “3 hours” claim could reflect the lower end at certain institutions.  A 2021 survey of U.S. and U.K. medical schools reported an average of 11 hours of nutrition training, often integrated into biochemistry, pathology, or physiology rather than as a standalone course. Nutrition is frequently taught in a nutrient-focused way (e.g., vitamin deficiencies) rather than practical dietary counseling, which limits its applicability.