Introduction to Food and Health

Course Description

"Introduction to Food and Health" is an innovative and comprehensive online course offered by Stanford University School of Medicine, designed to address the global epidemics of obesity and diabetes through practical, evidence-based nutritional education. This course is not just another run-of-the-mill nutrition class; it's a transformative experience that will empower you to make a real difference in your own life and the lives of your patients.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamental principles of nutrition
• Evidence-based techniques for conducting motivational interviews and nutritional assessments in primary care settings
• Strategies to improve personal and patient health based on nutritional assessments
• Methods to guide patients through iterative, targeted goals for better nutrition and health outcomes
• Skills-based learning resources to support patients in achieving their nutrition goals

Pre-requisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, it is designed for healthcare professionals, particularly those in primary care, family practice, and internal medicine. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals involved in nutritional assessment and patient education will also benefit greatly from this course.

Course Content

• Global epidemics of obesity and diabetes
• Innovative educational strategies for physicians and the general public
• The importance of physicians' personal nutrition habits in patient counseling
• Practical approaches to supporting healthy eating for various medical needs
• Didactic videos, animated cases, and interactive activities
• Well-established nutritional practices
• Assessing barriers to healthy eating for patients and physicians
• Evaluating personal eating behaviors
• Sustainable positive change in food choices
• Optimizing personal nutritional health

Who This Course Is For

• Physicians in primary care, family practice, and internal medicine
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Allied health professionals involved in nutritional assessment and patient education
• Healthcare professionals seeking to improve their own nutritional habits and those of their patients

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have immediate and practical applications in the real world. Healthcare professionals will be better equipped to:

1. Conduct more effective nutritional assessments and counseling sessions with patients
2. Implement personalized strategies to improve patient health outcomes
3. Address barriers to healthy eating in both personal and professional settings
4. Lead by example in promoting healthy eating habits
5. Contribute to the fight against global epidemics of obesity and diabetes
6. Improve their own nutritional health, leading to better personal well-being and more credible patient interactions
7. Integrate evidence-based nutritional practices into their daily clinical work