Success Story – September 2006

Problem:
Physicians are in a position to recommend healthy lifestyles to their patients, but during their formal education, medical students find the emphasis is placed upon academics rather than their personal health. Furthermore, if a physician does not appear to model healthy behavior, it makes it more challenging to encourage patients to do so.

Response:
Commodity groups in the state of Iowa have been cooperating for several years with the University of Iowa, College of Medicine to increase understanding among medical students of food and nutrition. The efforts were helping to increase their knowledge of nutrition, but it did not seem to translate into practicing good nutrition in their own life. Funding was sought to conduct special training for first year medical students. The strategy is to assign a registered dietitian and physical trainer to each first year medical student – in addition to their more traditional academic adviser. The dietitian and trainer will advise the student regarding their personal health throughout their training and coursework at the University of Iowa.

Impact: To test the concept, this year was chosen to pilot the kick-off to the program. The Kick-off event featured educational displays and healthy food choices provided from the local commodity groups – beef, pork and dairy as well as produce from one of the Iowa owned grocery stores. Iowa State University Extension was asked to participate to share information about whole grains. This was a wonderful opportunity for two Regents Institutions to work cooperatively in conjunction with the commodity groups for the betterment of all Iowans. Extension provided information to help identify whole grains and suggestions for including whole grains in your diet even when your schedule is as hectic as that of a medical student. All participating agreed that it was a very worthwhile event and something that we will modify and repeat again. The plan called for 150 first year medical students to attend the event, but a scheduling conflict resulted in about 50 participants. The University of Iowa dietitians were most appreciative of ISU Extension’s practical and inexpensive suggestions for healthy eating.

Contact:
Jan Temple, Nutrition and Health Field Specialist
4265 Oak Crest Hill Road SE
Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone 319-337-2145;  FAX 319-337-7864
E-mail mjtemple@iastate.edu