It's Time to Replace Organic Chemistry with Nutrition as a Pre-med Requirement

A Deficiency of Nutrition Education and Practice in Cardiology

“…Beginning in undergraduate studies, it has been suggested that nutrition science may be a preferred replacement for organic chemistry as the high stakes prerequisite for matriculation to medical school. 15 Once in medical school, greater attention must be directed to teaching clinically relevant nutrition science and to identify clinical mentors who can guide/facilitate the application of nutrition knowledge into clinical practice. Finally, all graduate medical education programs need to include a core curriculum in nutrition and lifestyle, along with the development of competencies in motivational interviewing and counseling.…”

Organic Chemistry: A Vital Part of Basic Understanding of Disease

“…Without background knowledge of how simpler compounds are broken down and built on, the understanding of catabolism, anabolism, and metabolism likely would take longer than needed when examining these larger molecules even in a "comprehensive" nutrition class. Although this comprehensive nutrition class would include molecular biology, physiology, epidemiology, and behavioral sciences, 1 organic chemistry should not be cast away in favor of such a plan.…”

Is Organic Chemistry Helpful for Basic Understanding of Disease and Medical Education?

“…2 In 2015, Organic Chemistry was required by 84% of allopathic medical schools and recommended by an additional 11%. 3 All osteopathic schools required the course in 2015. 3 Previous literature shows a high rate of attrition in premedical education.…”