Medical Student Attitudes on Nutrition Counseling After Implementation of a Novel Curricular Activity.

Objective: The aim of this research was to determine the changes in medical student attitudes toward nutrition counseling after implementation of a novel curricular activity during a required third-year clerkship.Method: All third-year medical students completing their required family medicine clerkship were invited to participate in a voluntary survey composed of the Nutrition in Patient Care Survey (NIPS) and demographics before their required curricular clerkship activity consisting of two separate case-based modules focused on nutritional aspects of patient care. Students and faculty facilitators met via web platform at an assigned time to review and discuss questions. All students were invited to complete the postsurvey composed of only the NIPS.Results: Completion rate was 31% for both pre- and postsurveys. Students' intended specialty choice did not lead to a significant difference in scores on any of the five subscales on pre-intervention surveys. Almost half (43.9%) of the students who completed the surveys reported offering nutrition-related counseling despite lack of formal training. The Physician-Patient Relationship score went from 4.29 to 4.37 (p < 0.03) and the Physician Efficacy score went from 3.18 to 3.34 (p < 0.01). The was no significant difference identified pre- versus postintervention for the Clinical Behavior scales.Conclusions: The modules used in this pilot study resulted in positive changes in student attitudes toward counseling patients about nutrition. The inclusion of required case-based modules focused on nutrition is feasible and can positively impact student attitudes regarding their efficacy in counseling patients.

Endocrine Conditions in Older Adults: Anti-Aging Therapies.

Interest in slowing or reversing the process of aging continues to grow and has encouraged the growth of an entire anti-aging industry. However, there is a dearth of data based on randomized trials in humans to support proposed therapies to address the various complex processes involved in aging. Hormonal therapies, in particular, have little data to support safe use and are associated with some degree of risk. Experimental data in animal models suggest possible molecular targets but their use in clinical medicine is far in the future. Observational data guide the current recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including consumption of a healthful diet and achieving adequate sleep, toward the goal of slowing the aging process. Patients may ask their physicians to offer opinions about treatments they hope will increase their health span. To counsel patients effectively, it is important for physicians to understand the basic principles of anti-aging science. Maintenance of supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationships with patients is critical to avoid harmful and costly treatments while trying to present reliable evidence for available anti-aging therapies.