Practice Roles and Characteristics of Integrative and Functional Nutrition Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Nutrition Professionals' Confidence Recommending Integrative Medicine Modalities

“…Many patients have turned to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition in addition to, or in place of, allopathic medicine. CAM is defined as “any medical system, practice or product that is not thought of as standard care.”3 Registered dietitians (RDs) are considered nutrition experts and, therefore, an integral part of a patient's health care team 4. The scope of practice of RDs includes clinical nutrition (inpatient and outpatient), consultation/private practice, community nutrition, and education (including higher education) settings 5.…”

“…4 Additionally, of those surveyed, 57% expressed the need for a specialty certification in IM or related continuing practice education. 4 However, these data do not help identify those most and least likely to participate in continuing practice education related to IM.…”

“…To ameliorate this, some have proposed that IM be added to RDs' didactic curricula 15,16. Results from a survey of members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) revealed that many RDs incorporate IM within their practice, although many did not receive formal training in IM 4. Additionally, of those surveyed, 57% expressed the need for a specialty certification in IM or related continuing practice education 4.…”

“…3 Registered dietitians (RDs) are considered nutrition experts and, therefore, an integral part of a patient's health care team. 4 The scope of practice of RDs includes clinical nutrition (inpatient and outpatient), consultation/private practice, community nutrition, and education (including higher education) settings. 5 Therefore, RDs are in a unique position given that nutrition counseling is already integrated into allopathic medicine but may also serve those seeking CAM.…”

“…15,16 Results from a survey of members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) revealed that many RDs incorporate IM within their practice, although many did not receive formal training in IM. 4 Additionally, of those surveyed, 57% expressed the need for a specialty certification in IM or related continuing practice education. 4 However, these data do not help identify those most and least likely to participate in continuing practice education related to IM.…”