Buchanan Celebrates HHS’ National Effort to Strengthen Nutrition Education for Future Physicians

"Improving Nutrition Education for Doctors, Students and Families Is One of the Most Important Steps We Can Take to Make America Healthier."

53 Medical Schools Pledge to Update Nutrition Education Curricula for Physician Training

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement after attending the Medical School Nutrition Education Celebration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), hosted by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon:

"As we work to combat the rising chronic disease epidemic, increased nutrition education is critically important for professionals working in the medical field," said Buchanan. "We need to ensure medical practitioners have the knowledge and resources necessary to help patients lead longer, healthier lives. Improving nutrition education for doctors, students and families is one of the most important steps we can take to make America healthier."

"As chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I have been proud to lead the conversation in Congress about the critical role nutrition plays in preventing chronic disease and improving long-term health. Just months ago, I led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter urging the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to strengthen nutrition training for future physicians. I'm grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon for bringing together educators, physicians and policymakers to ensure tomorrow's doctors are equipped with the knowledge they need to treat patients through prevention as well as medicine."

The event recognized 53 medical schools that have committed to strengthening nutrition education for future physicians as part of a broader national effort to combat chronic disease and improve preventive care, including five Florida institutions: Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and University of South Florida.

Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for expanding nutrition education in medical training. Last year, Buchanan joined Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) in leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to better incorporate nutrition education into medical training programs. Read the full letter here.

###