Benefits of an Interactive Culinary Medicine Course for Resident Physicians

Diet has been shown to have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality within the United States population. Studies have shown that physicians are trusted resources and effective in promoting change in dietary behaviors amongst patients. However, many physicians do not feel adequately trained to provide nutritional counseling. We conducted a series of culinary medicine classes consisting of groups of internal medicine resident physicians. We found that attending a class improved resident physicians' perceived level of knowledge and likelihood of incorporating nutritional counseling with primary care patients. Secondly, our culinary medicine class model highlights essential elements to encourage active participation and engagement by resident physicians.