Articles

Nutrition’s Role in Quality Healthcare in the United States: Opportunities and Education for Pharmacists to Take a Bite of the Apple and Strengthen Their Skills

Publication Date: 14 July 2024

Author(s):


Jeff Cai, PharmD, MPH
Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND
Mary Beth Arensberg, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND

Abstract:

This Pharmacy journal perspective article delves into how current US health policies support nutrition's role in healthcare and its integration into pharmacy practice. It also reviews the landscape of nutrition education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy roles in multidisciplinary teams and interprofessional nutrition care, and the opportunities for post-graduate nutrition-focused certification, training, and continuing education.

Author Bio(s):

JEFF CAI, PharmD, MPH

The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy
Austin, TX

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical Dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and migrant farmworker children health. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps-Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair for Grants and Awards with the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Mary Beth Arensberg, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND

Abbott Nutrition Director of Health Policy
Abbott
Columbus, OH, USA

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