Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (85)
  • 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. 6H AGO

    144 | Pediatric Obesity Care: Protecting Kids in a Body-Obsessed Culture

    Discuss Pediatric Weight Gain Without Triggering Shame What would you say if a parent asked, “Can you tell my son he needs to lose weight?” That question sits at the center of one of the hardest conversations in pediatrics. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Beck, clinical psychologist and expert in teen mental health and weight stigma, to unpack how we address pediatric obesity without causing unintended harm. Because this isn’t just about weight. It’s about protecting kids in a culture obsessed with body size, while still doing our job as clinicians. In this episode, we discuss: Common clinician missteps that unintentionally trigger shameWhy focusing on numbers (weight, BMI, carbs) can backfireHow to talk to a 5-year-old vs. a teenagerWhat to say when teens give one-word answersHow to navigate wo very different clinical scenarios:A teen in a larger body with normal labs but poor body imageRapid weight gain with elevated sugars, where intervention feels urgentWorking with teens is tough. Getting them to engage can feel even tougher. Dr. Beck shares practical language, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you intervene medically without triggering restriction, shutdown, or long-term harm. This episode is about striking the balance: preventing long-term medical complications while protecting a child’s mental health in the process. Connect with Dr Beck Health Psychology Partners  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.

    34 min

  2. FEB 11

    143 | Analyze Nutrition Studies Like a Scientist

    Randomized controlled trials. Cohort studies. Abstracts. Methods sections. If your brain starts spinning just hearing those words, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carlene Starck, a protein biochemist and nutrition scientist, to help clinicians who aren’t researchers learn how to spot high-quality research in a world full of misinformation. Together, we walk through how a researcher evaluates a paper, what matters, what doesn’t, and why social media influencers often get the science wrong. We even unpack a real paper that went viral online to show how misleading conclusions can spread when studies are misquoted or misunderstood. In this episode, you’ll learn: A clear explanation and examples of the hierarchy of evidenceWhat information you can (and can’t) get from an abstractWhy the methods section matters (even though many of us skip it)How sample size, study design, and bias affect conclusionsA simple framework for quickly assessing whether a paper is high qualityHere's the article we analyzed: A prospective birth cohort study on cord blood folate subtypes and risk of autism spectrum disorder - PubMed Connect with Carlene on LinkedIn Starck Science 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

  3. FEB 4

    142 | Marathon Nutrition After 35: Preventing Injury Through Fueling

    If you’ve ever had a patient training for a marathon (or you are that patient) this episode will change how you think about fueling, injury risk, and longevity in running.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why runners over 35 are uniquely vulnerable to injury, even when they "eat healthy"Why so many runners under-consume carbohydrates (and how to explain carbs without triggering fear)How inadequate fat intake may increase injury riskHigh-yield screening questions clinicians can ask runners in a short visitWhat RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) really is and why it’s often missed in older athletesWhen sugar and ultra-processed foods actually make sense for endurance athletesConnect with Erin  Ultra Appetites  Resources Mentioned: Australian Institute of Sport International Olympic Committee – RED-S Consensus Statement (2023)    RED-S Clinical Assessment Tool American College of Sports Medicine Joint Position Statement 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

  4. JAN 28

    141 | 6 Reasons Patients Struggle to Lose Weight

    Patient-Centered Weight Management | Dr. Robert Kushner on the Six-Factor Questionnaire, GLP-1s, and Lifestyle Counseling  “Eat less, move more” might be the fastest way to lose your patient’s trust, according my my guest Dr. Robert Kushner, a passionate doctor, educator, and researcher who has spent more than four decades improving care for people living with overweight and obesity. Dr. Kushner shares the framework from his new book, Patient-Centered Weight Management: The Six-Factor Professional Program and Toolkit, including his 27-item Six-Factor Questionnaire designed to quickly identify what’s really driving a patient’s struggles (food environment, time, mindset, movement, self-talk and more). You’ll also hear how lifestyle counseling fits alongside today’s anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. If you counsel patients on weight, obesity, nutrition, or behavior change, and you want a time-efficient system you can use in real clinic visits, you'll love this framework. Resources: Buy the book! Patient-Centered Weight Management Connect with Dr Kushner 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.

    39 min

  5. JAN 21

    140 | Obesity Care Through a Mental Health Lens

    What’s missing in obesity care? It’s not another diet plan or more willpower.  In this episode Colleen  is joined by Dr. Robyn Pashby, clinical health psychologist and co-author of The New Food Fight, to unpack the mental and emotional side of obesity care (the part most clinicians were never trained to address) Together, they break down why shame, stigma, and oversimplified “just eat less and move more” messaging continue to derail patient progress, even in the era of GLP-1 medications. Dr. Pashby introduces the powerful concept of food noise vs. shame noise, explains why some patients feel safer seeking care from pop-up prescribing clinics, and shares practical, trauma-informed strategies clinicians can use, even in short visits.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why willpower is the wrong framework for behavior change and weight managementHow to talk about weight without triggering shame or damaging trustThe difference between food noise and shame noise and why medications don’t fix bothLanguage clinicians should avoid (and what to say instead) in weight conversationsHow to support patients on GLP-1 and anti-obesity medications beyond the prescriptionWhat Health at Every Size gets right and how to practice health at many sizes Red flags for disordered eating in patients of all body sizesIf you want patients to stay engaged in care, feel safe coming back, and make sustainable progress, this conversation will give you a new lens Resources: Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course - use code POD15 for 15% off! Connect with Dr Pashby 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
  6. 139 | The New Food Pyramid: Experts React to the Dietary Guidelines

    JAN 14

    139 | The New Food Pyramid: Experts React to the Dietary Guidelines

    The 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans just dropped and the new upside-down food pyramid caused quite the chatter online this week.  In this special Nutrition Newsroom roundtable, Colleen Sloan, PA, RDN, brings together nine nutrition experts to break down what the new guidelines actually are (and what they’re not), what stayed the same, what changed, and what’s missing.  You’ll hear respectful disagreement, real-world clinical concerns, and practical talking points you can use the next time a patient says, “So… butter is healthy now?” Here’s what we discuss:  What the Dietary Guidelines are designed to do and how they’re created. Plus what was different about the 2026 processWhy the new pyramid graphic is creating mixed messages for clinicians and consumersThe most controversial updates: saturated fat, full-fat dairy, added sugar guidance for kids, new protein targets, and alcohol recommendationsHow to translate all of this into patient-friendly counseling without fearmongering or food shamingWhat experts say the guidelines missed: fiber, cultural diversity, access/affordability, and community surrounding mealsWhat are your thoughts on the new guideline? Resources: Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee Process Scientific Foundation for the New Guidelines New Dietary Guidelines Connect with the experts: Jennifer Van Zant Christina Link Crystal Duque Barbara Ruhs Tony Castillo Marina Chaparro Krystal Zuniga Gisela Bouvier Dustin Moore 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.

    1h 1m

  7. 12/17/2025

    138 | 8 Lessons Every Clinician Should Bring Into 2026

    Today’s episode is a mashup of my favorite moments, quotes, and “clinic gems” from the year. These are the tools that made conversations easier, built more trust, and helped patients actually follow through… and I’m bringing all eight of them with me into 2026. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: The simple mindset shift that instantly reduces clinician burnoutThe question that uncovers barriers faster than any advice ever willHow to start tough conversations about weight without creating defensivenessThe one identity-based exercise that helps patients move beyond the scaleThe exact line I use to avoid feeling cornered by those last-minute “oh by the way…” questionsResources Mentioned: Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course - use code POD15 for 15% off! 132 | It’s Not Your Job to Make Patients Change with Staci Belcher 67 | Is Your Patient Noncompliant or Just Struggling? with Laura Koller 68 | The Right Way to Talk Weight with Nina Crowley 134 | Weight Doesn’t Equal Worth, But It Still Impacts Health with Dr Doron Sneak Peek Week Mini-Series (Goal-Weight Exercise with Jeannie Boyer)   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.

    13 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    137 | Cholesterol in the Brain: Connecting Heart Health and Alzheimer’s

    "What’s good for the heart is good for the brain."  Can better cholesterol management in midlife actually lower your patient’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease?  In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Josh Wageman, PhD, PA-C, a clinical lipid specialist who studied cholesterol disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease.  Together, we unpack how cholesterol, APOB, APOE4, insulin resistance, and statins intersect with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, and what clinicians can do now to protect brain health long before symptoms appear.  Plus, a peek at emerging therapies (including GLP-1 receptor agonists and lipid-centric approaches) and how a metabolic lens is reshaping future Alzheimer’s treatment. Resources Mentioned: Josh's New Book 117 | What’s the Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol? 111 | HDL = Good, LDL = Bad? It’s Not That Simple. 80 | The MIND Diet: What To Eat For Brain Health 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
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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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