Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

As a clinician, your patients are asking:  “What should I eat for diabetes?” “How do I lose weight?” “My child is so picky. What do I do?” But here’s the problem—you probably didn’t learn much about nutrition in school. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 hours of nutrition education for med students. Most of us? We got maybe 5.   Enter Exam Room Nutrition. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, a PA and RD with over a decade of experience, this podcast gives you clear, actionable strategies to tackle those tough nutrition questions with confidence—even when you’re pressed for time. From picky eaters to diabetes management, I’ll renew how you approach nutrition.  

  1. 3D AGO

    120 | How ‘Healthy Eating’ Messaging Backfires—And What to Say Instead

    That “picky eater” might not grow out of it. And that patient obsessed with “clean eating”? It might be something deeper. Today, we’re joined by eating disorder dietitian Johnna to challenge everything you thought you knew about disordered eating.  You’ll learn: The subtle red flags of disordered eating you might be overlooking during routine visitsHow to ask better questions to uncover what's really going on with your patient’s eating habitsA crash course on ARFID—how it differs from picky eating and why it’s often misdiagnosedWhat eating disorder treatment actually looks like after the referral—and why full recovery isn’t one-size-fits-allHow to reframe “healthy eating” in a way that helps instead of harmsWhere to find dietitians who specialize in eating disorders If you’ve ever thought “something just feels off” with a patient’s nutrition or weight trajectory—this episode will give you the language, tools, and confidence to intervene earlier and refer smarter. Listen to Episode 41: Silent Battles next Resources mentioned: NEDA Healthprofs.com Eating Recovery Center Connect with Johnna Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    32 min
  2. JUL 2

    119 | When the Visit’s Over… But the Nutrition Questions Keep Coming

    You’re walking out the door, wrapping up your visit, and then it happens—  “...Oh, by the way, what do you think about ... ?” Sound familiar? In this episode, I’m joined by Alexandria Hardy, MS, RD, LDN, to tackle the rapid-fire nutrition questions patients love to drop at the end of an appointment—when there’s zero time left to answer them well. From weight loss and metabolism to carbs, supplements, and snacking habits, Alexandria shares how she answers these questions in a way that’s practical, respectful, and actually helps patients make better choices. You’ll Learn: What to say when patients ask for the fastest way to lose weightThe practical advice that helps patients apply what they already knowA smart trick for curbing nighttime snacking How to talk about metabolism without feeding diet mythsWhat to say when patients are confused about carbs, sugar, and artificial sweetenersJoin Nutrition Grand Rounds here Episode 75 | Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements? Article on Non-Nutritive Sweeteners  Connect with Alexandria Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    40 min
  3. JUN 25

    118 | Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula: The Science Behind This Clinically Backed Option

    When formula shelves went empty in 2022, clinicians scrambled. Desperate parents, unfamiliar brands, and European imports raised more questions than answers. Since January 2024, one name kept coming up: Kabrita. Is goat milk-based formula just a trend—or is it a clinically sound option you can recommend with confidence? In this episode, sponsored by Kabrita, I’m joined by Dr. Ari Brown, board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author of the Baby 411 series, and Kabrita’s Chief Medical Advisor. We break down what makes goat milk-based infant formula different from cow’s milk-based infant formula—and why it might be a better fit for some babies. What You’ll Learn: How goat milk-based infant formula supports digestion and tolerance compared to cow milk-based formulaThe fussy-but-not-allergic infant: when goat milk-based infant formula may be worth tryingWhat to say to parents asking about European imports or formula intoleranceWhy goat milk-based infant formula deserves consideration as a first-line optionWhether you’re seeing fussy infants, overwhelmed parents, or simply want to expand your nutrition knowledge, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating today’s infant formula landscape. Resources: Download the comprehensive formula feeding eBook adapted from the bestselling book, Baby 411 by Ari Brown, MD, FAAP! Unlock evidence-based insights, best practices, key differences between cow, goat, and soy-based infant formulas, and more. https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0klJHr0  Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    32 min
  4. JUN 18

    117 | What’s the Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol?

    Your patient says, “My neighbor’s on the carnivore diet and looks amazing. Should I try it?” Cue the internal panic. What do you actually say next? In this episode, Clinical Lipid Specialist Dr. Josh Wageman returns to unpack the dietary chaos surrounding lipids, low-carb diets, saturated fat, and the ever-elusive “best diet.” Whether your patient wants to reverse metabolic syndrome or just “get their cholesterol down,” this conversation will help you separate hype from evidence—and teach you how to respond when patients come in quoting their favorite influencer. You’ll also hear Josh’s take on popular supplements like fish oil, red yeast rice, and CoQ10—and why creatine may deserve more attention in statin intolerance. Listen to our previous conversation: Episode 111 Register for the Zoom with Josh on June 25! Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    37 min
  5. 116 | Total Gastrectomy at 31: Lessons from a Dietitian Who’s Been There

    JUN 11

    116 | Total Gastrectomy at 31: Lessons from a Dietitian Who’s Been There

    Ilana Kersch was 31, healthy, and working as a dietitian—then she was diagnosed with hereditary stomach cancer and told she needed a total gastrectomy. In this powerful episode, Ilana shares what it’s really like to live without a stomach—from managing dumping syndrome and rapid weight loss to navigating survivorship and identity after cancer. As both a clinician and a patient, her insights will change how you counsel your own. Whether you work in GI or not, this one will stay with you. Resources: Connect with Alana Monash University  49 | The Biggest Cancer Nutrition Myths 56 | Ask the Dietitian: Cancer Nutrition Strategies 57 | Ask the Dietitian: Cancer Survivorship and Nutrition Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    32 min
  6. 115| Why RFK’s Med School Nutrition Mandate Sounds Good… But Isn’t

    JUN 10

    115| Why RFK’s Med School Nutrition Mandate Sounds Good… But Isn’t

    RFK Jr. wants to mandate nutrition education in every U.S. medical school—or else schools risk losing federal funding. On the surface, it sounds like a smart move. But as a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian, I’m here to tell you: it’s not that simple. In this special Nutrition Newsroom episode, I break down what RFK got right, what he missed, and why nutrition education alone won’t fix our broken system. I also share why dietitians are essential to the solution—and how we can better support both doctors and patients. If you’re a clinician, dietitian, or just frustrated with oversimplified “fixes,” this one’s for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Check out my post on LinkedIn Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    12 min
  7. JUN 4

    114 | Seed Oils 101: The Evidence Behind the Claims

    If your patients are going through the social media rabbit holes about seed oils, you’re not alone. Claims like “pro-inflammatory” and “unhealthy,” are gaining traction—and showing up in the exam room. In this episode we tackle the seed oil confusion head-on. I’m joined by registered dietitian Charlotte Martin, spokesperson for the Soy Connection, to break down the science behind the most common claims.  What You’ll Learn:  What exactly is a “seed oil” The processing seed oils undergo and what science says about hexaneWhether seed oils cause inflammationWhat to say when patients ask about omega-6 to omega-3 ratiosWhether cooking with seed oils is unsafeWhy the “ancestral diet” argument doesn’t hold upHow to shift the conversation away from fear and toward what actually matters for health Science, sanity, and solid talking points and resources—so you can address misinformation without shutting down the conversation.  Resources:  Seed Oils Fact Sheet Soybean Oil Health Brochure Potential Public Health Risks of Avoiding Seed Oils Unpacking the Science on Seed Oils: Health Benefits Uncovered Seed Oils and Health Fact Sheet A Guide to Cooking Oils  This podcast episode was sponsored by Soy Connection, with support from U.S. Soy. Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    30 min
  8. MAY 28

    113 | Percentages Aren’t That Bad: How to Make Food Labels Less Confusing

    Ever skip the food label convo because it feels too complicated—or let’s be honest, you’re short on time? In this episode, I’m sharing a few clips from this month’s Nutrition Grand Rounds that’ll help you decode the label and teach it in a way your patients actually understand. We’ll cover what patients are really looking at, how to explain percent daily value, and why front-of-package claims like “multi-grain” or “no added sugar” can be totally misleading.  Join Nutrition Grand Rounds here Mastering the Food Label Blog Post  Any Questions? Send Me a Message Support the show Connect with Colleen: Instagram LinkedIn Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

    18 min

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About

As a clinician, your patients are asking:  “What should I eat for diabetes?” “How do I lose weight?” “My child is so picky. What do I do?” But here’s the problem—you probably didn’t learn much about nutrition in school. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 25 hours of nutrition education for med students. Most of us? We got maybe 5.   Enter Exam Room Nutrition. Hosted by Colleen Sloan, a PA and RD with over a decade of experience, this podcast gives you clear, actionable strategies to tackle those tough nutrition questions with confidence—even when you’re pressed for time. From picky eaters to diabetes management, I’ll renew how you approach nutrition.  

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