Purpose
Nutrition experts have proposed nutrition competencies for medical training. Given the learner is a key stakeholder in competency-based medical education, a greater understanding of the learner’s perspective is needed. This study assessed nutrition training priorities from the perspective of primary care physicians (PCPs) to better understand what the learner feels is important for them to know now that they have been in practice.

Methods
We recruited PCPs to complete a nutrition in-practice survey. To reduce respondent burden, we divided the survey into two sections: nutrition training and current practice. Participants were directed to a section based on training background and given the option to complete both sections.

Results
Of the 144 participating PCPs, 115 completed the nutrition training section. Participants perceived addressing nutrition as an important aspect of primary care (3.78/4) and reported bringing up nutrition fairly often (4.14/5). The majority reported inadequate nutrition training (58%). The most common ways participants learned their approach to nutrition were through independent study (39%) and continuing medical education (CME) (22%). Skills of greatest importance to participants’ clinical practice were discussing weight in a non-stigmatizing manner (3.83/4) and briefly counseling on nutrition for overall wellness/disease prevention (3.78/4). Having the knowledge to give actionable nutrition guidance for the prevention/management of obesity (3.89/4) and prediabetes/diabetes (3.81/4) were the highest priorities. Learning activities considered most worthwhile were case-based learning during medical school, Grand Rounds/lunchtime/noon conference talks during residency, and a database with brief, evidence-based articles for providers post-medical training.

Conclusion
PCPs report nutrition is important in their practice but receive inadequate nutrition training and many are learning their approach to nutrition outside of their medical school and residency training. The results from this study can inform priority nutrition competencies and learning experiences to integrate in medical training based on input from the learner with experience caring for patients without supervision.