On March 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education convened leaders from 53 of the nation’s top medical schools today to announce commitments to require meaningful nutrition training for future doctors beginning in the next academic year.
The medical schools, representing 31 states, will provide at least 40 hours of nutrition education, or implement a 40-hour competency equivalent, for students starting in the fall of 2026. These agreements reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to support nutritional education and today the medical education community stepped up to address this need.
Headlines
Universities
Doctors & Scientists
Government Officials
Advocates & Organizations
Influencers and Members of the Media
Headlines:The Washington Post: Can RFK Jr. reshape how doctors learn about food? Med schools are pledging changes.Reuters: Some US medical schools to teach nutrition under government dealNBC News: RFK Jr. pushes medical schools to teach more about nutritionThe Hill: Kennedy launches new nutrition education medical school partnership: ‘This is how we implement the MAHA agenda’STAT News: More than 50 medical schools will expand nutrition education in agreement with RFK Jr.Washington Examiner: Medical schools commit to RFK Jr. plan to boost nutrition educationThe Daily Signal: HHS Partners With Medical Schools to Require Nutrition Education, Combat Chronic DiseaseThe Epoch Times: Medical Schools Commit to Providing More Nutrition Education, RFK Jr. AnnouncesUS News & World Report: Some US Medical Schools to Teach Nutrition Under Government DealFierce Healthcare: Dozens of medical schools meet RFK Jr.’s call for greater nutrition educationNewsmax: Some Medical Schools to Teach Nutrition Under Government DealSpectrum 1 News: With eye on cutting chronic disease, HHS and Education Dept. partner on nutrition curriculum for medical schoolsThe New York Times: Dozens of Medical Schools Back Kennedy Plan on Nutrition After PressureThe Guardian: RFK Jr urges medical schools to increase nutrition education trainingDaily Caller: Trump Admin Secures Key Agreement From Top Med SchoolsThe Center Square: HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schoolsMedPage Today: Med Schools, HHS Announce Nutrition Education InitiativeInside Health Policy: HHS Says About 50 Medical Schools Will Add Nutrition Training To CurriculaDev Discourse: U.S. Medical Schools Expand Nutrition Education in Trump-Era InitiativeNational Today: RFK Jr. Pushes Medical Schools to Teach More NutritionInside Higher Ed: RFK Jr. Secures Pledges From Medical Schools to Beef Up Nutrition EducationHealth Day News: RFK Jr. Urges Medical Schools To Add More Nutrition TrainingMind Body Green: An Overdue Shift: Nutrition May Become Core To Medical EducationYellowhammer News: UAB joins national initiative to expand nutrition training for medical studentsUPI: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes increased nutrition education for doctorsThe Dallas Morning News: UTSW among medical schools to agree to teach more nutrition coursesFlorida State University News: FSU College of Medicine recognized in D.C. as national leader in nutrition educationUniversity of North Dakota: School of Medicine & Health Sciences recognized by US Health & Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy for medical student nutrition education effortsUniversities:University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (@UABHeersink) via X: “We are pleased to be among the 53 medical schools highlighted by @HHSGov for providing nutrition training for future physicians, and we’re proud to have had faculty representation at related discussions today.”University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine via website: “Consistent with the US Department of HHS Competency Framework, UAMS is committed to excellence in nutrition-related education and delivers well over 40 hours of nutrition-related education across the four-year MD curriculum (M1–M4), integrated through basic science, clinical simulations, counseling training, and hands-on culinary medicine experiences.”University of California Irvine via website: “For over a decade, the UC Irvine School of Medicine and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute have been national leaders in nutrition and culinary medicine education, featuring four dedicated teaching kitchens and the distinction of being the first medical school in the country to require culinary medicine for all medical students. Beginning in August 2026, the UC Irvine School of Medicine requirement for nutrition training will increase from 30 session hours to 50 session hours, with established culinary medicine content integrated into the core curriculum. Every student will receive comprehensive instruction in the biochemistry of food, the role of nutrition in health and disease, including diet-related conditions, and anti-inflammatory dietary principles, complemented by hands-on culinary training in one of the teaching kitchens that prepares future physicians to better support patient and personal health.”University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Osher Center for Integrative Health via website: “The nutrition curriculum improvement effort is supported and inspired by a call-to-action from the US Department of Health & Human Services, which requested implementation of a comprehensive undergraduate medical school nutrition education curriculum that meets a 40-hour equivalent minimum.”Florida State University’s Dean, Alma Littles, via Florida State University News: “The Florida State University College of Medicine was created, in part, to expand access to health care across the wide variety of communities in our state, many of which are disproportionately vulnerable to the very chronic diseases that proper nutrition can help manage and even prevent…We are proud that for almost 20 years, we have been providing a robust, fully integrated program of nutrition education that exceeds the minimum standards this initiative sets, and we are committed to enhancing even further the role of nutrition in medical training. Proper diet, nutrition and metabolic health can improve health outcomes in every population.”Florida State University via website: “For almost 20 years, the FSU College of Medicine has been at the vanguard of incorporating nutrition education into a comprehensive program of instruction throughout all four years of medical training. Thus, we are perfectly positioned to be an active partner in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ groundbreaking initiative to enhance the role of nutrition in medical education.”University of Florida College of Medicine via website: “The University of Florida College of Medicine leads medical schools nationwide as an active participant in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ initiative to champion nutrition education for future physicians.”Indiana University School of Medicine’s Dean, Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, via press release: “Our responsibility is to prepare physicians who understand the full spectrum of factors that influence health, including nutrition…Ensuring our graduates are equipped to address diet-related disease prevention and lifestyle-related drivers of disease is central to our mission.”Indiana University School of Medicine’s Executive Associate Dean for Education, Bradley Allen, MD, PhD, via press release: “We are focused on equipping students with the ability to evaluate nutritional risk, integrate evidence-based guidance into clinical care and address broader issues such as food insecurity and health disparities that shape patient outcomes…We are eager for the opportunity to share the success of our nutrition-based curriculum with the other schools that are joining in this initiative.”University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine via website: “The UMKC School of Medicine has established a longitudinal, required nutrition education curriculum aligned with federal guidance and the evolving role of nutrition in preventing and treating chronic disease. Nutrition is taught as a core clinical competency, preparing graduates to counsel patients, manage cardiometabolic disease, and address food-related determinants of health.”University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine via website: “The UNMC College of Medicine maintains that education on healthy living, as well as disease prevention and treatment is a critical component of physician training and necessitates an understanding of the role of nutrition in these areas. Physicians must be equipped to address these challenges through informed clinical practice. The college has partnered with the United States Department of Health and Human Services 40-hour competency equivalent guidelines to optimize coverage of nutrition content in the curriculum.”University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences via website: “The HHS and the U.S. Department of Education jointly announced the Medical Education Nutrition Competency Framework in August 2025. This framework, developed in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), encourages ‘America’s leading medical education organizations to immediately implement comprehensive nutrition education and training.’ The medical school-focused initiative, which is part of Pres. Trump’s Make America Healthy Again program, prioritizes reducing chronic disease through improved diet and public health measures, in part by asking medical schools to better educate future physicians on nutrition. As of early 2026, North Dakota’s medical school is in the minority of medical training programs in the U.S. that have already met the HHS minimum.”University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences’ Dean, Marjorie Jenkins, M.D., via website: “We must stop chronic diseases before they begin—otherwise, a healthier America will remain beyond our reach…This initiative empowers and educates the next generation of healthcare providers.”University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences’ Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Susan Zelewski, M.D., via press release: “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the essential role nutrition plays in health and healthcare, and I know that we are preparing our students well for their future careers with this nutrition education.”University of Oklahoma College of Medicine via website: “Several nutrition competencies are already addressed within the College of Medicine’s integrated preclinical curriculum through foundational science content, case-based learning (CBL), and clinical reasoning activities. In addition, the OU School of Community Medicine in Tulsa delivers two lifestyle-focused courses incorporating nutrition counseling, culinary medicine, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. These components align with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Medical Education Nutrition Competency Framework, which recommends a minimum 40-hour equivalent exposure across ten domains of nutrition education…”University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine via website: “The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine affirms its commitment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a national effort to strengthen nutrition education in medical training. Recognizing that South Dakota physicians are among the most trusted sources of nutrition information, the medical school is strengthening its curriculum to ensure future clinicians are equipped to guide patients with confidence and scientific rigor. Medical students will receive comprehensive training across the curricula in the evidence linking nutrition to the prevention and management of chronic diseases.”Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine via website: “Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) today announced its formal commitment to enhance nutrition education across its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) curriculum in alignment with the January 8, 2026, call to action from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Beginning in Fall 2026, BCOM will implement a minimum of 40 hours of required nutrition education integrated longitudinally across all four years of undergraduate medical education. The curriculum will meet or exceed the 40-hour benchmark through a structured competency-based framework informed by the HHS Medical Education Nutrition Competency Framework.”Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine via press release: “Nutrition plays an important role in preventive health and the management of chronic disease, and the HHS initiative reflects a growing recognition that physicians benefit from training that helps them address lifestyle and dietary factors affecting patient health.”Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Provost, Deborah West, EdD, via press release: “Nutrition education aligns closely with the osteopathic philosophy of caring for the whole person…It’s an important part of preparing physicians to promote health and prevent disease, which is why we are pleased to be part of this national conversation.”Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine via website: “Geisinger School of Medicine is committed to strengthening nutrition education across undergraduate medical education to better prepare future physicians to prevent and manage diet related chronic disease. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative, we will pursue a 40 hour nutrition education competency equivalent beginning in fall 2026. This effort builds on substantial foundational work and reflects our commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and accountability in medical education.”Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Dean, Brian Kessler, DO, via press release: “Nutrition, wellness and medical education all come together at MSOM…Nutrition education is woven throughout our medical training. We provide hands-on learning in patient care settings and we participate in Meritus Health programs that address food insecurity and health…We look forward to working with the other schools that are leading this work.”Sam Houston State University via website: “SHSU-COM builds on an established foundation of integrated nutrition education as part of medical training. We are aligning our curriculum with national recommendations, including guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to ensure our student doctors are prepared to address diet-related chronic disease through evidence-based, patient-centered care.”Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine via website: “As the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine develops its medical school curriculum, the college’s Curriculum Committee fully recognizes the importance of nutrition education and has pledged commitment to implementing required nutrition education integrated across undergraduate medical education. The curriculum will meet or exceed the 40-hour benchmark following guidance from the structured competency-based framework recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via the agency’s HHS Medical Education Nutrition Competency Framework.”Doctors & Scientists:Neil Floch, MD (@NeilFlochMD), Associate Professor at Yale University, via X: “It has been a long time coming and long needed to require medical schools to teach nutrition. How can physicians give patients advice if they have not been given an adequate education in nutrition? All this will change.”Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California’s professor, Joe Marie Reilly, via STAT News: “Sometimes to make change in education, you need a catalyst…There’s been no force to help us make this change as more Americans get obese and more kids get obese and we see heart disease and things getting worse.”Dr. Aseem Malhotra (@DrAseemMalhotra), cardiologist via X: “Been campaigning on this issue for over a decade. Well done Bobby.”Dr. Bradley Allen (@BradalleL), internist and infectious disease doctor via X: “In DC to represent IUSM in the HHS initiative for med schools to educate on nutrition – promote health, prevent illness, and manage chronic conditions – a focus of IUSM for over ten years. Thanks AAMC for guidelines to integrate nutrition into a competency-based curriculum.”Dr. Joel Gator (@DrJoelGator), pediatrician via X: “Nutrition education in medical school? Sounds like common sense. Now let’s see how some doctors try to spin this as a bad thing.”Government Officials:Education Sec. McMahon (@EdSecMcMahon) via X: “Today, we celebrate the medical schools putting nutrition and prevention front and center as they train tomorrow’s doctors and healthcare leaders. Thank you, @SecKennedy, for putting Americans’ health FIRST!”Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (@RogerMarshallMD) via X: “This is great news and exactly the direction health care needs to go! If we want a healthier America and lower costs, physicians must be trained to understand and teach the power of nutrition. We can and must start focusing on preventing disease.”Sen. Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) via X: “Great to be at @HHSGov with @SecKennedy at the Medical School Nutrition Education Celebration today in D.C. Important step in Making America Healthy Again!”Sen. Kevin Cramer (@SenKevinCramer) via X: “For decades, chronic diseases have placed an enormous burden on families and our entire health care system. I commend @SecKennedy and @EDSecMcMahon for their work in advancing nutrition education in medical training.”Sen. Katie Britt (@SenKatieBritt) via X: “Proud to see Alabama institutions leading the way in preparing the next generation of physicians. @UABHeersink, @UofSouthAlabama, and @VCOAuburn are among the 53 medical schools partnering with @HHSGov to strengthen nutrition education for future doctors.”Sen. John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) via X: “.@UAMS_COM is at the forefront of helping future doctors understand & translate nutritional science to patients –– combating chronic disease and supporting a healthier Arkansas. Proud @HHS has recognized this forward-thinking food as medicine model.”Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) via X: “So excited that @UMMCnews and @williamcareyu joined 53 schools nationwide to give med students 40+ hours of nutrition education. Stronger training = healthier Mississippians. I’m thrilled they are accepting the challenge to ensure more physicians and health providers better understand the intrinsic role nutrition has in our wellbeing.”Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) via X: “Chronic disease is one of the greatest challenges facing our nation; the solution starts with nutrition. Honored to join @SecKennedy and @EDSecMcMahon to celebrate 53 medical schools strengthening nutrition education for the next generation of doctors.”Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) via X: “Nutrition and prevention are key to tackling chronic disease. Appreciate @SecKennedy highlighting my efforts in Congress to strengthen nutrition education and prevention as Chairman of the @WaysandMeansGOP Health Subcommittee.”Rep. Aaron Bean (@RepAaronBean) via X: “Pleased to join @SecKennedy and @EdSecMcMahon today for an exciting announcement about the future of medical education in America. Requiring 40 hours of comprehensive nutrition education for every medical student will equip future physicians with the tools they need to address chronic disease and improve health outcomes. MAHA is full-steam ahead”Rep. Mike Flood (@USRepMikeFlood) via X: “NEW: @u_nebraska is shaping the future role of nutrition training in medical school. Great work by @UofNE_President supporting @HHSGov in this area!”Rep. Vince Fong (@RepVinceFong) via X: “I’m glad to see California Health Sciences University here in the Central Valley is one of the medical institutions that committed to incorporating nutritional training into their curriculum. With nearly 1 million Americans dying from obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease every year, our future medical professionals must be equipped to tackle diet-related chronic diseases.”Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (@RepMMM) via X: “Great to see the University of Iowa recognized among the medical schools expanding nutrition training for future doctors. Better nutrition education means better prevention, better care, and healthier communities. Proud to see Iowa helping lead the way.”State Rep. Mary Bentley (@MaryBentleyAR) via X: “Great job @UAMS_COM! Glad to know our med students will be learning about nutrition.”Advocates & Organizations:American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) press statement: “AACOM President Highlights Osteopathic Medical Schools’ Commitment to Nutritional Education at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Event”Academy of Nutrition and Dieticians: “The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics welcomes the administration’s focus on strengthening nutrition education in medical training and elevating the role of nutrition in preventing and managing disease.”American Hospital Association (@ahahospitals) via X: “HHS, DOE announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools”Independent Women’s Forum (@IWF) via X: “Secretary Kennedy’s call for expanded nutrition education is long overdue. It’s about recognizing that food affects the same metabolic systems we target with drugs, which is exactly why nutrition should be part of rigorous medical training.” -Dr. Monique Yohanan”MAHA Action (@MAHA_Action) via X: “RFK Jr. has announced that 53 medical schools will begin requiring nutrition training starting next fall.”Children’s Health Defense (@ChildrensHD) via X: “GOOD NEWS: RFK Jr. says 53 medical schools will now require nutrition training to graduate.”Montanans for Limited Government (@mt4ltdgov) via X: “Let’s hope this improves physician quality and patient outcomes. Health begins with nutrition.”Benjamin Rush Institute (@BenjaminRushX) via X: “Kennedy launches new nutrition education medical school partnership: ‘This is how we implement the MAHA agenda’National Rural Health Association (@NRHA_Advocacy) via X: “Yesterday, NRHA attended HHS’ event with ED on strengthening nutrition training for future physicians. Rural America experiences higher rates of chronic disease, many which are diet-related diseases.”Influencers and Members of the Media:Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh), Chief Content Officer at RightLine News, via X: “BREAKING: HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has successfully gotten over 50 U.S. medical schools to SURGE nutrition education This fall, students will need 40 hours of comprehensive nutrition education training MAHA VICTORY! Thank you Bobby!”@MJTruthUltra via X: “RFK Jr is doing amazing things… For the first time, medical students are going to be taught Nutrition — HHS successfully Negotiated 50 U.S. medical schools to Teach Nutrition Education “More than 30,000 physicians each year will now graduate equipped with nutrition education to help prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease.”Salem News Channel (@WatchSalemNews) via X: “Big news for future doctors! More than 50 U.S. medical schools are expanding nutrition education at @SecKennedy’s request. Starting this fall, students at these schools will complete at least 40 hours of comprehensive nutrition training.”Valuetainment (@valuetainment) via X: “HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has Successfully gotten over 50 U.S. Medical Schools to SURGE Nutrition Education”Nancy Vu (@vu_reports), correspondent for the National Journal, via X: “Kennedy is on a MAHA victory tour this morning, touting the commitments of several medical schools across the country to require medical students complete 40 hours of comprehensive nutrition education before graduating. This comes as Kennedy looks to emphasize the administration’s moves on food and nutrition policy vs his overhaul of vaccines.”Gary Brecka (@thegarybrecka) via X: “This is long overdue. Nutrition is one of the most powerful levers in human health, yet many physicians receive little to no formal training in it. Requiring meaningful nutrition education in medical school is a step toward a system that focuses more on prevention, not just treatment.”Isabel Brown (@theisabelb) via X: “Happening now: @HHSGov has announced beginning next fall, medical students in America will begin studying Nutrition as a part of their official curriculum FINALLY”Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) via X: “HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed 50+ U.S. medical schools to expand nutrition education. Starting this fall, students will complete 40 hours of comprehensive nutrition training.”Vitamin Guy (@Haramdar) via X: “This is why at present people come to our store and say “my doctor said stop taking all my supplements, etc” Then I have to go through explaining that their doctor is clueless ( most not all ) about nutrition and supplements.”Breaking911 (@breaking911) via X: “More than 50 U.S. medical schools have committed to increase their nutrition education at Sec. Kennedy’s request.”Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) via X: “The lack of support for Kennedy’s good nutrition policies is striking in light of the general support of Democrats for Big Gulp laws. The latest controversy only highlights the flipping of the magnetic poles in American politics.”Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) via X: “More than 50 U.S. medical schools are committing to expand nutrition education after a direct request from Sec. Kennedy.”
