Alvin Wong, Ph.D.’s Post

Dr Robert Lufkin: The lies I taught in medical school To say that there is a lack of trust in the established practices of western medicine is something of an understatement. Since the rise of social media you don’t have to search very far to find a significant number of widely followed and well-credentialed experts highly critical of modern medical methodology, or who claim that much of the accepted understanding, teaching and treatment of almost all health ailments are fundamentally wrong, and even go against the “first, do no harm” central tenet of the Hippocratic oath. Some of main areas of medicine in the firing line are the current efforts to tackle dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases; ignoring potential therapeutic nutritional strategies, such as ketogenic diets or the carnivore diet to combat chronic illness where traditional remedies have failed; and even whether novel attempts to dramatically extend human lifespan should be encouraged or curtailed. Yet no subject draws the level of clamour, controversy and conspiracy than the discourse around the impact of the food we eat on our weight, and whether government-issued guidelines on exactly what we should eat, and how much, are actually causing the widespread obesity epidemic, instead of solving it. One of the most vocal critics of our long-standing dietary recommendations is Dr Robert Lufkin MD, a former professor in world-leading medical research and teaching institutes. He believes much of what he taught his students was wrong and is so convinced he’s right he’s written a book “The Lies I Taught In Medical School” to document the error of his ways - and the make his case for why the next generation of med school students, who will ultimately become our doctors of the future, deserve a better and more accurate education. In my exclusive interview Unfiltered, recorded in Los Angeles, California, Dr Lufkin explains the biggest lies he believes he taught, why he told them, and what damage he thinks the “miseducation” of young doctors has had on American society. And in a wide-ranging conversation he also discussed the role Big Tobacco has in creating the “fast food nations” in which many of us now live and the impact it’s had on our health; whether we can ever combat Big Food, Big Pharma, and other hugely wealthy and influential interest groups to turn the tide in the war against obesity; why the fastest way to start an argument online is to post about nutrition, and much more. #medicine #nutrition #medschool #keto #carbs #fastfood #bigpharma #lobbying #bigfood https://lnkd.in/eQ8ev-vF

Our recent report, "Doctoring Diet II: Nutrition Education for Physicians is Overdue," revealed that many doctors lack sufficient nutrition training. This is impacting patient health outcomes. FLPC Faculty Director Emily M. Broad Leib points out in this interview with Scott Young for Harvard Law School, "Roughly 86% of physicians report they do not feel adequately trained to answer basic questions on diet or nutrition.” It's time to prioritize nutrition education in medical schools. Read: https://lnkd.in/e_pW8pDT #healthcare #nutrition #publichealth #medicaleducation #harvardlawtoday

I recently attended the Nutrition Care Process Masterclass (Advanced Clinical Case Management & Critical Thinking in Medical Nutrition Therapy) organised by IMU University . In addition to gaining insights into the latest terminologies and advancements across various steps of the Nutrition Care Process, I want to emphasize the critical importance of proper documentation in healthcare, particularly for dietitians. In practice, we often face the challenge of managing a high volume of patients consecutively, which can make timely documentation difficult, especially in an outpatient setting where patients are waiting for their consultations. Healthcare documentation serves as a formal method of communication among multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with the treatment plan. This not only optimizes the care provided but also supports continuity of care. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to errors, potentially resulting in inappropriate treatment and, in some cases, adverse outcomes for the patient. Although it can be challenging to complete detailed documentation promptly, especially when aiming for thoroughness, it is essential to ensure that all records are completed by the end of the day to uphold the quality of care. How does your hospital or healthcare center ensure timely and accurate documentation?

Our recent report, "Doctoring Diet II: Nutrition Education for Physicians is Overdue," revealed that many doctors lack sufficient nutrition training. This is impacting patient health outcomes. FLPC Faculty Director Emily M. Broad Leib points out in this interview with Scott Young for Harvard Law School, "Roughly 86% of physicians report they do not feel adequately trained to answer basic questions on diet or nutrition.” It's time to prioritize nutrition education in medical schools. Read: https://lnkd.in/e_pW8pDT #healthcare #nutrition #publichealth #medicaleducation #harvardlawtoday

Our recent report, "Doctoring Diet II: Nutrition Education for Physicians is Overdue," revealed that many doctors lack sufficient nutrition training. This is impacting patient health outcomes. FLPC Faculty Director Emily M. Broad Leib points out in this interview with Scott Young for Harvard Law School, "Roughly 86% of physicians report they do not feel adequately trained to answer basic questions on diet or nutrition.” It's time to prioritize nutrition education in medical schools. Read: https://lnkd.in/e_pW8pDT #healthcare #nutrition #publichealth #medicaleducation #harvardlawtoday

It is about time that medicine and nutrition education become one in the same, so many diseases and conditions can be prevented with proper nutrition and many others can be healed. Let’s get these turned into CMEs ASAP

From Sofa-Bound to Running a Nutritional Therapy and Phlebotomy Clinic... There are days when I need to take a moment and recognise the journey I’ve been on. How often do you pause to celebrate how far you’ve come? Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). I had reached a point where even watching TV or doing a bit of sewing was a challenge. On good days, I might manage a 10-minute walk to the supermarket, though I had to stop several times to rest. My body felt so heavy that even taking a shower could bring me to tears. The idea of returning to my job as a children’s nurse seemed impossible. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that CFS would be the catalyst for changing my career path. But sometimes, what feels impossible can become possible with the right support and action. A book I received opened my eyes to the power of nutrition, a positive mindset, and movement. Leaning into my Christian faith also showed me a way forward. This book was the catalyst for change. I began altering my diet, seeking counselling, exploring the Lightning Process, and incorporating movement into my daily routine. Over time, I started to see improvement. It wasn’t a linear journey; it often felt like two steps forward and one step back, but by 2018, I could confidently say I had recovered. With my recovery, I felt inspired to leave the NHS, return to university, and retrain as a nutritional therapist to empower ambitious women living with constant exhaustion and fatigue to regain their energy and resilience and achieve their dreams. What can you celebrate today that was once a struggle but has helped you get to where you are now?

Don’t believe us? Here are some more facts: 🍽️ The most recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges says that MDs/DOs get an average of 19.6 total hours of nutrition education throughout their 4 years of medical school, however this ranges from 0-70 hours depending on the program. 🥗 Licensed naturopathic doctors get from 100-220 hours of nutrition education. This includes not only clinical nutrition knowledge, but also drug-nutrient interactions. 🌺 There is no standard for MDs/DOs to learn botanical medicine or how to identify drug-herb interactions. While some medical schools may provide some context via elective courses, this is not required. This is especially important with increasing numbers of patients resorting to natural health products in conjunction with their conventional medical treatment. 🌿 But what about functional medicine doctors? Functional medicine is not considered a standalone area of medicine. These are practitioners who obtain an additional online certification, while NDs have this education built into their curriculum with in-residence clinical supervision. Learn more about the differences between ND, MD/DO, and NP degrees here: https://lnkd.in/gyrVuwJh #naturopathicmedicine #holistichealth #naturalmedicine #premed #medstudent #premedstudent #premedlife #medicalschool #medschool #futuredoctor #naturopathy #prehealth #nutrition #foodasmedicine

New from JN Learning: Proposed Nutrition Competencies for Medical Students and Physician Trainees https://lnkd.in/g77QbBpP

And the study protocol of a research trial conceived and planned prior to the pandemic is now published! #INCA #clusterRCT for #individualised_nutrition and #homenursing intervention in the treatment and prevention #pressureinjury in individuals in the #community is #recruitingnow Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant healthcare challenge in Singapore among the aging population. These injuries contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Existing research predominantly explores single-component interventions in hospital environments, often yielding limited success. The INCA Trial aims to address this research gap by conducting a comprehensive, cluster randomized controlled trial that integrates education, individualized nutritional support, and community nursing care. This study is designed to evaluate clinical and cost-effectiveness outcomes, focusing on PI wound area reduction and incremental costs associated with the intervention. Methods: The INCA Trial employs a two-group, non-blinded, cluster randomized, and pragmatic clinical trial design, recruiting 380 adult individuals (age ≥ 21 years) living in the community with stage II, III, IV, and unstageable PI(s) who are receiving home nursing service in Singapore. Cluster randomization is stratified by postal codes to minimize treatment contamination. The intervention arm will receive an individualized nutrition and nursing care bundle (dietary education with nutritional supplementation), while the control arm will receive standard care. The 90-day intervention will be followed by outcome assessments extending over one year. Primary outcomes include changes in PI wound area and the proportion of participants achieving a ≥40% area reduction. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life (HRQOL), nutritional status, and hospitalization rates. Data analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis, supplemented by interim analyses for efficacy and futility and pre-specified sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The primary outcome for the cost-effectiveness analysis will be based on the change to total costs compared to the change to health benefits, as measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Discussion: The INCA Trial serves as a pioneering effort in its approach to PI management in community settings. This study uniquely emphasizes both clinical and economic outcomes and melds education, intensive dietetic support, and community nursing care for a holistic approach to enhancing PI management. https://lnkd.in/gQNP7HvG