Making healthy eating affordable for future physicians
With busy schedules, financial pressures, and demanding coursework, healthy eating
can be a challenge for many students. To help address those barriers, Jennifer Mills, MS, RDN, LD, assistant professor in the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
program, presented “Making Healthy Eating Affordable: Evidence-Based Approaches for
Future Physicians” to members of the Student Nutrition Advocacy Program, also known
as SNAP.
During the presentation, Mills explored how food insecurity can affect health, well-being, and academic success while encouraging students to consider the role nutrition plays in both personal wellness and patient care. The session also shared practical strategies for meal planning, grocery shopping and preparing nutritious meals on a budget.
“Healthy eating can be challenging for students who are balancing busy schedules, limited budgets, and competing priorities,” Mills said. “Providing students with practical nutrition knowledge and access to supportive resources can empower them to make informed food choices that support their health, well-being, and academic success.”
Lily Wattar, president of SNAP, said the presentation resonated with attendees.
“Ms. Mills gave a wonderful presentation educating our future physicians on how to not only advise their future patients on lower cost healthy eating, but also on how to take care of their own health and nutrition during times of high stress and little free time,” Wattar said.
By connecting evidence-based nutrition guidance with realistic, affordable solutions, the presentation equipped students with practical strategies they can apply both during their training and in future patient interactions.