Position of the American Dietetic Association: nutrition education of health professionals.

The American Dietetic Association supports nutrition education for the health professions and considers didactic, clinical and continuing education top priorities for the next decade. The future of health care will require adequate numbers of qualified professionals. Dietetics practitioners/nutritionists should teach health care providers the importance of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention and take leading roles in coordinating nutrition education efforts. Expanded nutrition services will enhance the health care system and be an integral part of the health services necessary to meet the public's needs.