By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

Officials from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education announced that leaders from 53 medical schools in 31 states will expand nutrition training for future doctors.

Beginning in the fall of 2026, participating schools plan to require at least 40 hours of nutrition education—or an equivalent competency—for medical students. Officials say the goal is to better prepare physicians to address chronic diseases linked to poor diet and lifestyle.

The announcement was made during a meeting with medical education leaders and federal officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of health and human services, and Linda McMahon, U.S. secretary of education.

Supporters say the change will help place more focus on prevention and patient counseling about food and lifestyle. Research has shown that nutrition education in medical training has historically been limited, with many medical schools offering little formal instruction in the subject.

To support the effort, the National Institutes of Health will provide $5 million through a nutrition education challenge to help schools develop coursework, clinical training and research in evidence-based nutrition science.

Federal officials also announced that officers in the U.S. Public Health Service will be required to complete continuing education focused on nutrition as part of their professional development.