Food As Medicine Grant
This unique single-cycle, non-recurring grant initiative aimed to to integrate “Food As Medicine” into osteopathic medical education (OME) and equip future physicians with the knowledge to use nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases. AACOM supported this effort by funding innovative curriculum development, experiential learning, interprofessional collaboration and clinical training in nutritional counseling.
Background
In April at Educating Leaders 2024, the AACOM Annual Conference, a special program on Food As Medicine was offered to all attendees. After plenary and panel sessions highlighting the significance of Food As Medicine and its alignment with osteopathic medicine principles, more than 500 osteopathic medical educators convened to chart a path forward to ensure that future osteopathic physicians provide exceptional patient care that integrates Food As Medicine. A strategic framework was issued in a formal statement by AACOM following the conference.
AACOM has committed to supporting its member COMs’ efforts to enhance nutrition education through five guiding principles:
- integration of nutrition education across the continuum of undergraduate and graduate osteopathic medical education
- curriculum development
- experiential learning
- interprofessional collaboration, and
- clinical training in nutritional counseling.
Introduction
To further support our members in implementing these five guiding principles, AACOM offered a grant opportunity aimed at advancing Food as Medicine programming within its member COMs. This initiative promoted the integration of nutrition education throughout the continuum of osteopathic medical training, fostering holistic health and wellness in patient care.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants included pre-accredited or accredited COMs in the United States. Collaborations with community organizations, dieticians, chefs and other healthcare professionals were encouraged. Developing COMs participating in AACOM’s consulting programs were also eligible.
Duration
Food As Medicine Grant funds were awarded in December 2024. Funds were issued directly to the COM. Awardees will have until July 2026 to use the funds.
Grant Awardees
Congratulations to the recipients whose innovative programs will enhance patient care through nutrition. We look forward to their impact on the future of holistic, patient-centered care!
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Food as Medicine and Obesity Medicine Training in CME: A Culinary Medicine Hands-On Workshop: Integrating Nutrition Education Across the Medical Education Continuum
Research Question: How does incorporating a hands-on, interdisciplinary culinary medicine workshop improve osteopathic medical students and healthcare professionals understanding and integration of nutrition counseling into patient care?
- Primary Investigator:
Bernadette Riley, DO, MS
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM)
Enhancing Medical Students’ Competence in Nutrition through Culinary Medicine: A Pilot Study in Pediatric Populations from Rural Communities
Research Question: How does a brief culinary medicine curriculum affect the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and self-efficacy of first year osteopathic medical students, specifically in teaching nutrition education to pediatric populations from rural, underserved areas of Arkansas?
- Primary Investigator:
Donald D. Simpson, PhD, MPH
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM)
- Co-Investigators:
Carol Morreale, PharmD, MPH, MS, BCGP, ARCOM
Blake Metcalf, DCN, RD, LD, CCMS, FAND, ARCOM
Food as Medicine in Maine (FaMM): A University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Initiative
Research Question: Can we design a scalable Food as Medicine Certificate Program that engages students through experiential learning and community engagement?
- Primary Investigator:
Stacey Pierce-Talsma, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM)
- Co-Investigators:
Eliza Grlickova-Duzevik, MD, MS, PhD, UNE COM
Douglas Spicer, PhD, M.MEdL, UNECOM
Varun Kota, Osteopathic Medical Student, UNE COM
Chris Callaway, PhD, UNE COM
Heather Sharkey DO, UNE COM
Emily Adrienne Estell MPH, RDN, LD, UNE COM
From Classroom to Clinic: The Role of Hands-On Food Demonstrations in Shaping Osteopathic Medical Students' Nutrition Competence
Research Question: Do hands-on food demonstrations enhance medical students' knowledge, confidence, and preparedness to discuss nutrition with patients, and what are its immediate and long-term effects on their attitudes toward integrating nutritional advice in clinical practice?
- Primary Investigator:
Farzaneh Daghigh
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
- Co-Investigator:
Olivia Smith, Osteopathic Medical Student, PCOM
Integration of an Innovative Virtual Culinary Medicine Curriculum into Undergraduate Clinical Medical Education
Research Question: Does integration of an innovative virtual culinary medicine curriculum into undergraduate clinical medical education provide applicable competencies and clinical skills for osteopathic medical students using a vertical integration strategy?
- Primary Investigators:
Traci Stevenson, DO
Grace Marie Jones, PhD
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA)
Moving Food Forward in Osteopathic Education
Research Question: Can nutrition education be improved with a multifaceted integrative approach?
- Primary Investigator:
Kamilah Ali, PhD
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem (TouroCOM-Harlem)
- Co-Investigator:
Jacquelyn English, DO, MPH, TouroCOM-Harlem
Perceptions and Impact of Nutrition Education and Outreach on Osteopathic Medical Students and the Local Community
Research Question: Are osteopathic medical students who are educated in nutrition and engaged in community nutrition opportunities more aware of nutrition as medicine and engaged in using nutrition in clinical practice?
- Primary Investigator:
Amberly Reynolds, PhD
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM)
- Co-Investigators:
Rene Hooper, Osteopathic Medical Student, RVUCOM
Kalin Sorenson, Osteopathic Medical Student, RVUCOM
Laura Rosch, DO, CS, MS, FACOI, RVUCOM