ACOFP Blog

From a Corporate Council Roundtable Member

Novo Nordisk, Inc.

Obesity is a major public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Family physicians play a crucial role in the prevention and management of obesity, yet they often lack the necessary competencies and training to effectively address this issue. The article “Benchmarking of Provider Competencies and Current Training for Prevention and Management of Obesity among Family Medicine Residency Programs” (BMC Family Practice, 2021) explores the state of obesity education and training in family medicine residency programs and offers recommendations for improving the education of family medicine residents in this area. 

The study used a mixed-methods approach to benchmark the competencies and training of family medicine residency programs for the prevention and management of obesity. A survey was administered to program directors and residents, and focus groups were conducted with residents to gather more in-depth information. The results of the study showed that there is significant variation in the competencies and training of family medicine residency programs and only 21% of program leaders perceived their residents as very prepared to manage obesity. Additionally, many programs do not provide adequate clinical experience in the prevention and management of obesity. 

Here are several opportunities for improving the education of family medicine residents in the prevention and management of obesity: 

1. Standardization of competencies: There is a need for standardization of competencies for the prevention and management of obesity among family medicine residency programs.  

1. Integration of clinical experience: Family medicine residency programs should provide more clinical experience in the prevention and management of obesity.  

1. Interprofessional collaboration: Interprofessional collaboration between family medicine residents and other healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians, can improve the prevention and management of obesity. Family medicine residency programs should provide opportunities for residents to work with these professionals. 

1. Evaluation and feedback: Family medicine residency programs should regularly evaluate their obesity education and training programs and provide feedback to residents. This will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that residents are receiving the best possible education and training. 

In conclusion, the study highlights the need for standardization and improvement in the education and training of family medicine residents in the prevention and management of obesity.  

Novo Nordisk has developed free educational resources to help.