Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated weekly

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. 2 days ago

    161 | The Art of Inviting Patients Into Treatment

    Give Nutrition Advice Without Making Patients Feel Punished  Have you ever asked, “Do you have any other questions?” at the end of a visit and immediately regretted it? Same. Because of course they have more questions. Important questions. Questions that probably should have been asked 15 minutes ago, except now you’re already behind, the next patient is waiting, and you’re trying to be compassionate without completely derailing the visit. In this episode, I’m talking with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian, author of Eating From Our Roots, and founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, about the art of inviting patients into treatment instead of simply telling them what to do. We talk about cultural humility, implicit bias, why foods like rice, tortillas, noodles, plantains, and traditional starches get unfairly blamed for chronic disease, and how clinicians can help patients improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids without stripping away the foods that feel like home. Maya also shares a brilliant framework for setting the agenda with patients, asking permission, and keeping the visit patient-centered without losing control of the clock.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why “healthy” food is often viewed through an Anglo-American lens, and how that can unintentionally shame patients’ cultural foods  How to be curious before corrective when talking about nutrition, weight, chronic disease, and food traditions  How to use the plate method more flexibly What to say when patients want to improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or inflammation without giving up familiar foods  Why frozen meals, canned foods, jarred foods, dried beans, frozen vegetables, and center-aisle foods absolutely belong in realistic nutrition counseling  How to help patients reduce added sugar without making it feel like punishment  Maya’s strategy for “sugar interactions” and helping patients create a beginning, middle, and end around sweets  How to start the visit by asking what is on the patient’s mind, while still addressing your clinical priorities Resources Mentioned: Episode 146: When Culture is Erased from Guidelines Connect with Maya 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.

    36 min

  2. 17 Jun

    160 | Inside an Obesity Clinic: GLP-1 Dosing, Plateaus, and Prior Auths

    What Really Happens Inside an Obesity Clinic  GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now. Patients are asking about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, compounded medications, muscle loss, “Ozempic face,” insurance denials, and what happens when the weight loss slows down. But what does obesity medicine actually look like inside the clinic? In this episode, I’m joined by Joseph Zucchi, PA-C, clinical supervisor and physician associate at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, New Hampshire.  This is not your typical GLP-1 conversation. We’re going beyond protein goals, nausea tips, and constipation management to talk about what clinicians are really facing in practice: how to dose these medications, when to switch, and how to support patients when insurance coverage disappears. In this episode, you’ll learn: What to assess when a patient hits a weight loss plateau beyond simply increasing the dose  How to talk with patients about GLP-1 concerns like muscle loss, thyroid cancer warnings, GI side effects, and “Ozempic face”  Why obesity medications are tools, not “cheating,” and how to address weight stigma in the exam room  What clinicians should know about compounded GLP-1 medications and why FDA-approval matters  How to document for prior authorizations and what insurance companies are often looking for  What happens when patients lose GLP-1 coverage and how to discuss alternative medication options  What Joe is most excited about in the future of obesity medicine, including new medications and expanding coverage If you prescribe GLP-1 medications, counsel patients on weight management, or feel overwhelmed by the insurance and documentation side of obesity medicine, this episode will give you a practical, behind-the-scenes look at what comprehensive obesity care can look like. Connect with Joe Resources mentioned: Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (with a 2026 medication update) Use code POD15 for 15% off! 155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss 151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders? Obesity Medication Infographic 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.

    48 min

  3. 10 Jun

    159 | What Social Media Gets Wrong About Nutrition

    Nutrition Advice Needs More Nuance. Your patients are hearing a lot online: fix your gut, avoid processed foods, buy organic, take a probiotic, and eat the “right” foods if you want to be healthy. But nutrition is rarely that simple. In this episode, I’m joined by Registered Dietitian Manju Karkare to talk about how clinicians can respond to common nutrition questions with more nuance, less fear, and advice that actually fits the patient’s life. We cover gut health, probiotics, processed foods, organic produce, cultural food traditions, food access, and where integrative and functional nutrition can be helpful without overcomplicating care. What You’ll Learn: The simple gut health framework Manju uses: fiber, fluid, and movement  Why probiotic supplements may have a place, but are not a replacement for feeding the gut microbiome well  How to explain processed and ultra-processed foods without creating more fear or food shame  How to talk about organic produce in a way that is evidence-based, realistic, and budget-conscious  Why asking “Where do you shop?” can completely change the nutrition advice you give  How cultural humility helps clinicians give better, more personalized nutrition recommendations  Why “Tell me more” might be one of the most powerful questions you can ask in a patient visit Connect with Manju on Instagram Join the Obesity Medicine Course and get 16% off with code SWEET16 here 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

  4. 3 Jun

    158 | The Nutrition Mistake Every Injured Athlete Makes

    Injured Athletes Still Need Fuel. When an athlete gets injured, the instinct is often to eat less. But according to sports dietitian Emily Barnhart, recovery still requires fuel. In this episode, we talk about how nutrition needs change after injury, surgery, ACL repair, stress fractures, and periods of immobilization. Emily explains why under-fueling can delay healing, how to think about protein during rehab, and what clinicians should know before recommending supplements for injury recovery. What You’ll Learn: Why injured athletes still need enough calories, even when activity dropsHow surgery and injury can increase energy needs during recoveryWhy protein timing matters for muscle protein synthesisHow much protein may be appropriate during injury rehabThe role of omega-3s, creatine, leucine, whey protein, and BCAAsWhy collagen gummies and peptides deserve more skepticismRed flags that an athlete may be under-fuelingBetter questions to ask instead of “How’s your nutrition?”How to support athletes who are worried about weight gain, muscle loss, or body changesConnect with Emily Sports Nutrition Cheat Sheet  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

  5. 27 May

    157 | I Hate Meal Plans: What Dietitians Do Instead

    “I’m doing everything right, but nothing’s working.”  I bet you've heard that before!  In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Devin Breedon to talk about the hidden barriers that impact weight loss, blood sugar, and overall health. We also pull back the curtain on what registered dietitians actually do during a patient session, why behavior change matters more than meal plans, and how medical providers can make stronger, more effective referrals to dietitians. What You’ll Learn: Why patients may struggle with weight loss even when they’re “eating healthy”The surprising role structure, routines, and stress play in nutrition successWhy meal plans often fail Simple nutrition frameworks you can use with patientsWhat clinicians should say when referring to a dietitianPractical advice for dietitians trying to build referral relationships with medical providersFor more training and patient resources on behavior change, grab the Behavior Change Toolkit! Connect with Devin on LinkedIn The VitalRD 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

  6. 20 May

    156 | LIVE From Today's Dietitian: 3 Nutrition Counseling Mistakes and What to Say Instead

    3 Mistakes We Make When Talking About Nutrition I spoke at 2 different conferences, 4 lectures in total, this weekend and all of them had a similar thread: HOW we communicate our recommendations matter. Enjoy this quickie episode summarizing one of my presentations at the American Association of Physician Associates in New Orleans.  Shoot me a DM @examroomnutrition and vote: T/F: When you Know Better, You Do Better. What do you think?? 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.

    10 min

  7. 13 May

    155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Loss

    Weight loss doesn’t fail overnight. It usually happens slowly… through all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic expectations, and patients feeling like they have to “start over” every Monday. In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Sam Barone for a conversation about sustainable weight loss, behavior change, and why the best “diet” might not be a diet at all. We unpack the real reason patients struggle to maintain weight loss, how to shift away from perfectionism, and why focusing only on the scale often backfires long term. If you work with patients trying to lose weight, struggling with emotional eating, or feeling frustrated after “falling off track,” this episode will give you practical ways to reframe the conversation. What You’ll Learn: Why patients don’t ONLY want the number on the scaleHow perfectionism sabotages sustainable weight lossThe role of identity and self-talk in long-term behavior changeHow clinicians can help patients stop “starting over”This episode is packed with relatable insights and realistic strategies for helping patients build healthier habits that last, without guilt, shame, or extremes. Resources mentioned: Behavior Change Toolkit Sam's Podcast More Than a Number  Episode 5:  Bariatric Nutrition Basics 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. 29 Apr

    154 | Diabetes in the Age of Social Media: Are Glucose Spikes Really the Problem?

    Social Media Is Confusing Your Patients.  In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinology PA Emily Stevens to discuss diabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar control and help you explain it in a way your patients will actually understand.  If your patients are asking about glucose spikes, CGMs, keto, or supplements like berberine, this episode will give you clear, practical answers you can use in clinic this week. What You’ll Learn:  Why "glucose spikes" are normal and how to explain this to patients without causing fear  The truth about low-carb, keto, and intermittent fasting for diabetes management  Why telling patients to “cut carbs” or “avoid fruit” is wrong advice How to use the Diabetes Plate Method for quick, effective nutrition counseling  Why pairing protein + carbohydrates improves glycemic control (and how to teach it fast)  What the evidence says about berberine, magnesium, and supplements When lifestyle changes are enough vs when medication is necessary Who actually benefits from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) (and who doesn’t) Key Takeaways for the Exam Room: Blood sugar isn’t meant to be flat. Help patients expect “rolling hills,” not a straight line. Carbs aren’t the problem. Focus on quality, pairing, and portions. Start with beverages. It’s often the fastest win for improving glycemic control. Don’t demonize fruit. You’ll create fear instead of sustainable change. Meet patients where they are. “Cut it in half” works better than “cut it out.” You can’t out-supplement a poor diet. Food first, always. Use visuals, not numbers. The plate method > gram counting for most patients.Connect with Emily 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.

    33 min
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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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