UIW’s medical school to join federal initiative to expand nutrition education

The University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine will join over 50 U.S. medical schools in the federal Advancing Nutrition Education Across the Medical Continuum initiative, pledging to formalize at least 40 hours of nutrition education for doctors-in-training. The program, launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in March, aims to address gaps in medical training, as a 2023 survey revealed 57% of medical students reported no formal nutrition education, a critical issue given the link between poor diets and chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity." "article": "The University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine has committed to the federal Advancing Nutrition Education Across the Medical Continuum initiative, joining over 50 U.S. medical schools in expanding nutrition education for future doctors. The program, announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in March, requires participating schools to provide at least 40 hours of nutrition training or demonstrate mastery through competency-based education. UIW’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, located in San Antonio, was not part of the initial cohort but will now formalize its existing curriculum, which already exceeds 40 hours of nutrition education. Dean Dr. John Pham stated the school had long prioritized nutrition training, aligning with its holistic approach to medical education. The push for nutrition education reflects broader efforts, including Texas Senate Bill 25, which mandates nutrition training in medical schools but delays implementation until state guidelines are finalized. UT Health San Antonio’s Long School of Medicine is awaiting further direction from the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee. Poor diets, particularly those high in ultraprocessed foods and low in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are major contributors to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. In South Texas and Bexar County, obesity and diabetes disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities due to limited access to affordable healthy food, according to the 2025 University Health Community Health Needs Assessment. The initiative aligns with national goals, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, which highlights diet as a key driver of disease. Nutrition education has been a long-standing priority among health professionals and lawmakers, with decades of advocacy to address gaps in medical training.