A Clinical Nutrition Elective is offered in the Spring. This two-week elective introduces students to the application of nutrition principles for the prevention and treatment of disease. The course includes presentations by experts in the field, case studies, clinical placements with registered dietitians, and assignments related to nutrition counseling and recipe modification.
Course Objectives
After attending course lectures, participating in course activities, and completing
assigned readings, the student should be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics of a healthy diet, including the
recommended contribution of various food groups, common sources of individual
nutrients, foods to be consumed in limited amounts, and the carbohydrate:fat:protein
distribution.
- Describe the physiologic changes associated with various stages of
the lifecycle and the effects of these changes on nutrient requirements, absorption,
and metabolism.
- Discuss the metabolic and medical consequences of varying degrees of
over- and under-nutrition.
- Explain how common diseases affect a patient’s nutritional health,
including effects on appetite and the digestion/absorption/metabolism of nutrients.
- Identify the appropriate medical nutrition therapy for a given medical
condition or disease, based on the patient’s nutritional status.
- Identify types of individuals, populations, or communities at risk
for dietary vitamin and mineral deficiencies or imbalances as a result of genetic,
environmental, or socio-cultural influences.
- Conduct an appropriate assessment of nutritional status that includes
the following components:
- patient history that includes family, social, nutritional, physical activity,
and weight histories; use of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines,
dietary and herbal supplements; and consumption of alcohol and other recreational
drugs
- physical examination that includes anthropometrics and signs of nutritional
deficiency or excess
- appropriate selection and interpretation of screening measures, laboratory
tests, and diagnostic procedures to assess and manage a patient’s nutritional
status.
- Identify those individuals who require medical nutrition therapy and
lifestyle modification, based on the assessment of their nutritional status.
- Recognize the value of a healthy diet and lifestyle in the maintenance
of health and the prevention and treatment of disease.
- Discuss the importance of using a multi-disciplinary team approach
in nutritional health care.
- Explain the adverse impact of malnutrition and the associated benefits
of proving appropriate nutritional care.
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