fbpx
Basma Faris, MD, a physician & dietitian, expands on the concept that Nutrition Science is Medical Science and Culinary Medicine is the speciality.

 

Culinary medicine is a new evidence-based field in medicine that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine.Culinary medicine is aimed at helping people reach good personal medical decisions about accessing and eating high-quality meals that help prevent and treat disease and restore well-being.” John LaPuma, MD

 

When I first read this, and other similar definitions it struck a nerve.

It sounded a lot like the definition of Dietetics.

Isn’t it what I learned to do when I became a Registered Dietitian?

Why should I, a former dietitian, now physician, become certified in Culinary Medicine?

 

Why should I, a former dietitian, now physician, become certified in Culinary Medicine? Click To Tweet

 

What I’ve since realized that Culinary Medicine isn’t just a rebranding of Dietetics for physicians, it’s a multi-disciplinary approach to nutrition that strengthens the Physician-Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) relationship.

It also aims to mesh Nutrition Science with Medical Science and the Culinary Arts.

 

Historically speaking, Nutrition Science has been almost absent from the Allopathic Medical School curriculums in the United States.

The AAMC recommends medical students receive 25 hours minimum of nutrition instruction. In 2013, 71% of medical schools failed to meet this requirement.

Yet incidences of obesity and metabolic disease continue to rise.

Nearly 40% of Americans are obese and approximately 40% of non-obese Americans have some form of metabolic disease.

Genetics and medication side effects play a role but our food system is the big culprit. It is a systems problem and not one of individual personal failures.

Our healthcare system is overwhelmed and underprepared. 

 

Why Culinary Medicine? Click To Tweet

 

 

Culinary Medicine as a postgraduate discipline can serve multiple purposes:

it can help fill the knowledge gap for clinicians who have already completed medical school.

Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist (CCMS) physicians can serve as faculty to train medical students and residents in Culinary Medicine and Nutrition. CCMS can help to promote Nutrition Science as an integral part of medical science. 

We can ensure that future generations of physicians are not lacking in this crucial area of medicine.

 

 

Culinary Medicine differs from other similar subspecialties like Lifestyle Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Obesity Medicine in that food and nutrition is the focus, full stop. 

It is not an adjunct.

It acknowledges nutrition as a crucial component of health, and it focuses on food not nutrients. It examines the evidence and makes food recommendations. 

 

Culinary Medicine differs from other similar subspecialties like Lifestyle Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Obesity Medicine in that food and nutrition is the focus, full stop. It is not an adjunct. Click To Tweet

 

Not every physician can or will be a Culinary Medicine specialist, but Culinary Medicine can be incorporated into every day practice.

At minimum physicians should be able to screen for at risk food practices and refer to specialists like a RDN or CCMS. Specialists should know nutrition as it pertains to their specialty. 

 

Patients benefit in many ways.

Being able to see a physician who can help them make better food choices may be more efficient and cost effective for them as RDNs are not always covered by insurance.

The inclusion of nutrition screening and counseling in physicians visits shows the patient that their physician deems it important, and that in and of itself may sway patients to make healthy eating choices.

I have also found that when I initiate the conversation about food, patients are more likely to seek out other sources and more likely to see a nutritionist. 

 

Telemedicine and social media and the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the way we practice medicine.

Culinary Medicine is well suited for these platforms.

As we transform how we deliver medical care, this is an opportunity to transform what is being delivered.

CCMS can offer solid, evidence based nutrition advice via social media, in virtual class form or by one on one telemedicine visits.

These new venues allow CCMS to go into patient’s homes and kitchens and vice versa.

 

The public benefits because nutrition advice is so confusing and contradictory and is subject to trends.

Generalized diets don’t take into account a patient’s medical history, barriers to healthy eating or culture.

 

As we transform how we deliver medical care, this is an opportunity to transform what is being delivered.

 

Culinary Medicine, combined with technology is an opportunity for us to provide customized, personalized nutrition advice like never before. 

 

The public benefits because nutrition advice is so confusing and contradictory and is subject to trends. Generalized diets don’t take into account a patient's medical history, barriers to healthy eating or culture. Click To Tweet

 

For physicians considering becoming certified in Culinary Medicine I offer you this.

I have two degrees in Nutrition practiced as a Registered Dietitian and I still found it to be a valuable refresher as the science is rapidly changing.

It does not provide you with nearly the amount of nutrition I received in my training however it gives you a foundation from which to grow.

Even if you don’t know how to cook, you will learn culinary skills and teaching tools to educate others.

You will network with other like minded health care professionals and contribute to a movement.

Nutrition Science is Medical Science and Culinary Medicine is the specialty.

 

Check out Dr. Faris’ course, hosted by SoMeDocs here.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AD

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Tweet Me

More from SoMeDocs

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Cooking Tips and Tricks with Dr. Danielle

Blueberry Power Bowl [VIDEO]

Dr. Danielle shows us how to make a dish full of good-for-you protein, fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants , in this episode of “Cooking Tips & Tricks with Dr. Danielle”

Retreat for Personal Growth

Retreat for Personal Growth

Dawn L Baker MD, MS writes that sometimes, the answers are right in front of you, but a retreat is what you need to realize them.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Cheng Ruan, MD

Cheng Ruan, MD

Burnout is the delta between our expectations and perceived reality.

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

Lifestyle Medicine conference

A Virtual Event, June 9-11, 2023

15 speakers, 3 days,
loads of valuable content.

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

What We Bring to the Practice of Medicine

We feature books!

And they’re written by experts!

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.