Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
  • 5.0 (84)
  • 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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. DEC 10

    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

  3. DEC 3

    136 | Pork’s Role in Modern Obesity Treatment

    GLP-1 medications are changing the game in obesity care. Patients are losing weight, feeling full faster… and often eating less overall. But less food can also mean less muscle, unless we guide them toward the right nutrition.   In today’s episode, we unpack how clinicians can better counsel patients using anti-obesity meds, and how nutrient-dense, affordable options like pork can support satiety, muscle maintenance, and sustainable weight loss.  In this episode, we cover:  How GLP-1 medications affect hunger, fullness, and food preference What makes a protein “high quality” — and why that matters for preserving lean mass How pork compares to other proteins like chicken, tofu, and beef when it comes to: Nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, iron, and thiamin Satiety and fullness Affordability and accessibility How to assess whether a patient is meeting protein needs — even with a reduced appetite The “Pork + Plants” strategy and why pairing protein with fiber supports GLP-1 success This episode is brought to you by the National Pork Board’s Pork & Partners healthcare professional community, helping clinicians reframe the role of lean pork in a healthy diet. You can join here!   Resources Mentioned:  Episode 109: Is Pork More Nutritious Than You Think  Lean Pork Guide Pork Comparison Guide Role of Pork for Patient’s Using GLP-1s 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.

    27 min

  4. NOV 19

    135 | Nutrition for Menopause: Weight, Hormones & GLP-1s

    Menopause nutrition and weight management aren’t as simple as “eat less, move more.”  In this episode, menopause expert and RD Dr. Su-Nui Escobar breaks down what’s really driving midlife weight changes and what clinicians should focus on instead.  What You’ll Learn: How fluctuating estrogen affects fat distribution, metabolism, inflammation, and cardiometabolic riskWhy traditional weight-loss advice fails during perimenopauseHigh-impact nutrition strategies: protein targets, fiber, anti-inflammatory foods, realistic portionsIntermittent fasting in midlifeKey nutrient priorities for women on GLP-1sResources Mentioned: Connect with Sui-Nui  122 | How to Support Patients on Obesity Medications 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.

    24 min

  5. NOV 12

    134 | Weight Doesn’t Equal Worth, But It Still Impacts Health. Here’s How to Talk About It.

    How To Address Weight In A Body Positive Culture In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tzvi Doron, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician and lipidology expert, to unpack the middle ground between body neutrality and evidence-based obesity care. We talk about how to approach weight without shame, how weight loss impacts lipids and cardiometabolic risk, and why protecting lean mass should be your new top priority in weight management. Key Takeaways Weight ≠ worth. But it still influences health, and that’s okay to address.Ask permission first. “Is it okay if we talk about how your weight may be impacting your health?” opens the door without judgment.Protect lean mass. Resistance training + adequate protein are non-negotiable for long-term health.Obesity is a brain disease. Effective care focuses on underlying drivers, not just pounds lost.Success looks different. Better labs, more energy, improved function, and confidence count as wins.Resources Mentioned Episode 111 | HDL Good, LDL Bad — It’s Not That SimpleObesity Medicine Nutrition Course: Earn 10.5 CE credits and learn how to help patients change (use code POD15 for 15% off)Connect with Dr DoronAny 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.

    31 min

  6. NOV 5

    133 | Creatine Isn’t Just for Athletes: The Evidence for Brain, Bone, and Muscle Health

    Creatine isn’t just for athletes. In this episode, Dr. Scott Forbes joins Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, to unpack the latest research on creatine safety, dosing, timing, and real-world use. Plus who should (and shouldn’t) take it.  This one supplement can support muscle, bone, and brain health and has over 600 clinical trials backing its safety. Too good to be true? Nope. That’s creatine. Dr. Forbes shares the latest research, safety data, and practical recommendations for using creatine across the lifespan. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to recommend, how to dose it, and how to talk to your patients about it. In this episode, we cover: What creatine actually is and how it works in the bodyDietary vs. supplemental sources and why it’s tough to get enough from food aloneMonohydrate vs. HCl vs. gummies: which forms are the bestCreatine + coffee: is combining them effective? Ideal timing, dosing, and how long it takes to see resultsClinical populations who may benefit mostWhat to do if creatinine is elevated on labsCommon myths about bloating, bulkiness, and safety in women and teensWhich brands to trust and how to spot third-party tested supplementsResources: Creapure Creatine supplements Connect with Dr Forbes Episode 72: Popular Diets and Supplement Science: Build Muscle, Lose Fat, and Stay Fit 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

  7. OCT 29

    132 | It’s Not Your Job to Make Patients Change

    It’s not your job to make patients change. Your job is to create the environment where change feels possible.  In this conversation, I sit down with Staci Belcher, RDN, an Internal Family Systems–informed dietitian, to unpack how to use curiosity, compassion, and counseling techniques to unlock motivation. You’ll learn practical ways to apply behavior change psychology and motivational interviewing principles in real exam-room conversations.  Staci shares how resistance often hides wisdom, why fear-based motivation backfires, and how to use curiosity and compassion to help patients reconnect with their own inner drive to change. Grab the Cheat Sheet here: examroomnutrition.com/saythis Key Takeaways: How to respond when a patient says, “I know what to do — I just can’t do it.”What to do when resistance shows up (and what it really means).Small phrases that lower defenses and open the door to change.The emotions your patients bring into the exam room — and how to spot them.How to protect your own emotional energy between visits.If you’ve ever felt stuck in that ping-pong match of “I can’t” vs “You should,” this episode will completely reframe how you approach behavior change. Connect with Staci 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.

    35 min

  8. OCT 22

    131 | AI Won’t Take Your Job (If You Learn to Use It)

    AI is everywhere. Is it coming for our jobs… or just taking mundane tasks off your plate? If you’ve felt equal parts curious and cautious, this conversation will calm the noise and show you some brilliant ways AI makes your life easier, both professionally and personally. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Raul Palacios, Registered Dietitian, educator, and AI-in-healthcare tinkerer who’s my go-to AI guru.  Key Takeaways: AI terminology. A plain-English way to explain predictive analytics vs. generative AI vs. LLMs and finally understand things like hallucinations, prompt and Chat Bot. Evidence at your fingertips. A smarter way to query clinical literature (e.g., set year ranges, human-only data, age group, comorbidities) so you don’t waste time sifting. Easing your workflow. How recurring AI tasks can auto-pull new research to your phone (then file to Notion/Docs) and how agents can take on tedious admin (think scheduling calls and prior auth steps) with guardrails. Resources Connect with Raul on LinkedIn DM me on Instagram @examroomnutrition if you want a follow-up episode focused on AI for educators (lesson builds, simulations, Gamma, and more). 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
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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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