Complementary and alternative medicine education in dietetics programs: existent but not consistent

Area of Science:

• Nutrition education
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Background:

• Dietetics education increasingly needs to incorporate CAM topics.
• Understanding current CAM inclusion in curricula is essential for future professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey dietetics program directors on the inclusion of CAM topics in undergraduate education.
• To assess the perceived adequacy of student preparation in CAM and dietary supplement competencies.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive survey was sent to directors of didactic and coordinated dietetics programs.
• Response rate was 34% (n=92).
• Data collected on curriculum content, specific CAM topics, and program director familiarity with CAM competencies.

Main Results:

• 88% of programs include some CAM instruction, often integrated into existing nutrition courses (e.g., medical nutrition therapy, advanced nutrition, community nutrition).
• Commonly addressed topics include herbal supplements, functional foods, and Native-American healing.
• Most directors view CAM as important but feel students are not adequately prepared; lack of time is a key barrier.

Conclusions:

• Current dietetics curricula offer some CAM content, but a standardized core knowledge is missing.
• Program directors have moderate familiarity with CAM competencies.
• Development of specific CAM competencies for entry-level dietetics practice is needed to improve student preparedness.