Nutrition and Wellness

(2 Credits)

Ask any doctor, and they will tell you: one of the best ways to lead a healthy life is through proper nutrition. Yet, nutrition is still rarely discussed because doctors seldom broach this subject with their patients. Medical student education often focuses on nutrients rather than topics such as motivational interviewing or meal planning. The goal of this elective is to shift away from nutritionism (i.e., nutrients in foods determine the value of food in the diet) and engage in practical discussions about real food and the environment in which we consume it. Using documentaries, recorded lectures, open online course and online resources, students will be able to distinguish between food that support wellness and those that threaten it. Students will research a nutrition topic tailored to their interest and personal goals.