Objective: This study was designed to critically examine the place and extent of the nutrition education
component in undergraduate medical curriculum.
Study Design: We have employed two-phase, sequential mixed methods approach in which we based our
knowledge claims on problem centered pragmatic grounds.
Place and Duration of Study: Nutrition education for training physicians (NEP 2013 survey) was
administered for six months from February 2013 till July 2013 through email to Dean/Principal, Head of
department of Biochemistry in all medical colleges of Pakistan. Recipients had the option of filling out and
returning the survey via email or fax.
Material and Methods: Single-stage sampling procedure was used for survey. Non-probability convenience
sampling technique was used for interviews. Research questions addressed the course information,
organization and implementation of the nutrition curriculum in medical institutions of Pakistan. We tried to
enhance the reliability of the survey information where possible by gathering data directly from individuals
involved in the development and/or implementation of the nutrition curriculum.
Results: On average, in fourteen of the 15 schools students received 10.6 contact hours of nutrition instruction
during medical school (range: 2–30 hours). Only 1 school received the required minimum 25-30 hours as
recommended by the American National Academy of Sciences. Ninety three percent expressed the need for
additional nutrition instruction at their institutions.
Conclusion: With the involvement and oversight of faculty with training an interest in nutrition, integration
of nutrition education can be successfully accomplished.