Professional Outcomes of Completing a Clinical Nutrition Fellowship: Cleveland Clinicʼs 16-Year Experience

Abstract

Purpose: Clinical Nutrition Fellowships (CNF) were established in the early 1990s with the intent increasing the number of physician nutrition specialists (PNS). Cleveland Clinic has trained 15 PNS since the start of its CNF in 1994. The paths taken by our graduates and whether they continue to practice clinical nutrition are largely unknown. Methods: A survey of our graduates was conducted to investigate the professional outcomes of completing a CNF. This was a descriptive, cohort, IRB approved study. Results: 15 electronic surveys were sent and 12 were returned for an 80% response rate. Our results show that 50% (6) of graduates applied to another fellowship prior to applying to a CNF. The two most common reasons for applying to a CNF were to increase their knowledge of clinical nutrition and to increase chances of acquiring a GI fellowship. 81% (9) of graduates found our CNF to be valuable. 92% (11) went on to complete a gastroenterology fellowship. 70% (7) of graduates believed that completing a CNF increased their chances of getting acceptance to a gastroenterology fellowship. Only 33% (4) of our graduates currently hold professions that specifically dictate the use of clinical nutrition, however, 33% (4) and 25% (3) reported the use of clinical nutrition in their daily and weekly practice, respectively. 50% (6) of graduates believed that completing a CNF made them more competitive job candidates but only 17% (2) said that their extra training is reflected on their current salary. 80% (8) of CNF graduates said that clinical nutrition training needs to be improved in GI fellowships. Conclusion: It appears that CNF are being used as a method of subsequently acquiring gastroenterology or other medical fellowships. Over 50% of graduates continue to apply their CNF skills after completing their training although not in defined clinical nutrition professions.Figure