New Study Finds Physicians' Nutrition Education Lacking; American Dietetic Association Replies: See a Registered Dietitian

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20060419/pl_usnw/new_study_finds_physicians__nutrition_education_lacking__american_dietetic_association_replies__see_a_registered_dietitian307_x

Wed Apr 19, 5:22 PM ET
To: National Desk, Health Reporter
Contact: Jennifer Starkey or Julia Dombrowski, 800-877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769 or media@eatright.org
CHICAGO, April 19 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A new study indicating that 60 percent of medical schools in the United States are not meeting minimum recommendations for their students' nutrition education offers more reasons for consumers to seek food and nutrition advice from the experts: the registered dietitians of the American Dietetic Association.
The study, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, concludes that "the amount of nutrition education in medical schools remains inadequate" 20 years after a report from the National Academy of Sciences found nutrition education programs in medical schools were "largely inadequate to meet the present and future demands of the medical profession."
The findings do not come as a surprise to Christine Gerbstadt, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association who is both a registered dietitian and a physician. "People turn to their doctor for food, nutrition and diet advice when many physicians clearly are undereducated in this specialty," Gerbstadt said.
"With so many health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and kidney disease, being related to what we eat, physicians should refer their patients to a registered dietitian for the comprehensive advice and services people need to achieve their best possible diet and health outcomes."
Gerbstadt emphasized that no health professional has the combination of education and science-based nutrition expertise than an RD has. "We draw on our expertise to help develop a personalized plan that is right for you. An RD can help put you on the path to losing weight, eating healthfully, reducing your risk for chronic diseases and enjoying an active and fulfilling life.
"Ask your physician for a referral to a registered dietitian," Gerbstadt said. "The average cost for an appointment with an RD varies throughout the country but visits are very affordable, especially for something that can improve your health or save your life."
Increasing numbers of insurance plans, including Medicare, cover visits to registered dietitians as well as medical nutrition therapy for conditions like as diabetes and kidney disease.
To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org and enter your zip code in the "Find a Nutrition Professional" box on the upper-right of the screen.
With approximately 65,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition and well-being.
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