Department of Nutrition
The Department of Nutrition within the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the critical role of nutrition in fostering a holistic approach to wellness. Our mission is to equip future osteopathic medical students with the knowledge and skills to integrate evidence-based nutritional practices into their care plans.
We understand the complexities surrounding malnutrition, a global health concern fueled by factors like physical health, socioeconomic inequalities, and access to healthy food choices. This landscape underscores the vital role of medical professionals in promoting better nutritional care at individual, community, and global levels.
The department stays current with advancements in nutritional science and integrates these findings into our curriculum. We believe that future doctors trained with a focus on preventive health care and the power of nutrition will significantly impact public health outcomes.
Department Goals
The Department of Nutrition champions nutrition as the cornerstone of health and well-being. Our dedicated faculty and staff advance this mission through a multifaceted approach:
- Educating the next generation: We train highly qualified and compassionate health care providers by integrating nutrition education with mentorship and role-modeling. Our faculty development programs and participation in educational activities further strengthen this commitment.
- Promoting patient health: We actively engage in activities that improve patient health outcomes.
- Fostering scholarship and outreach: We support faculty research and scholarly activities, contribute to domestic and international outreach initiatives, and actively participate in college committees, strategic planning, and university networks.
The Department of Nutrition faculty actively engage with all College of Osteopathic Medicine and NSU students – undergraduate, graduate, and professional. Their dedication extends beyond the classroom, encompassing mentorship and development, innovative education, community outreach, and leadership and advocacy.
Our faculty actively leads the development and delivery of:
- COM 5005: Basics of Nutrition (10-hour course in OMS Year 1)
- Academic lectures in clinical blocks for osteopathic medical students
- OMS 1 Wellness lectures in nutrition
- Supplemental instruction OMS 3 Core Rotations in Ambulatory Pediatrics
- Master of Science in Nutrition degree program
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition degree program
- Interprofessional education events
- Invited lectures and journal club presentations
- Grant preparation and external funding opportunities
- Community collaborations
- Research mentoring; consultation on grants and student projects
- UNIV 1000 First-Year Seminar faculty leadership
- Student advising and club support
- Wellness outreach
- Professional service opportunities
Academic Programs
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (Didactic Program in Dietetics) is to prepare students for pursuit of advanced degrees and various careers in the field of nutrition and dietetics through an innovative, engaging program which integrates fundamental concepts in nutrition sciences, human health promotion and disease prevention, research trends, practical skills, and professional communication techniques.
Program Goals:
- Prepare graduates for acceptance into a supervised practice program or graduate school.
- Prepare graduates for a career in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition is to develop a cadre of interprofessional leaders who integrate and promote the role of nutrition in a dynamic and changing global society.
Program Goals:
- Prepare graduates who demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems in the nutritional sciences.
- Prepare graduates who formulate and communicate nutrition information using effective strategies, advocacy, and integrated systems of care.
- Prepare graduates who apply concepts of social influence, cultural competence, and environmental dimensions of nutrition within the community.
- Prepare graduates who promote health and wellbeing throughout the life course by applying knowledge of human metabolism and nutrient functions, assessment techniques, and emerging evidence to inform practice.
Clinical Care
Our faculty members are well-qualified, licensed providers who deliver clinical nutrition services as part of the health care team. The scope of services offered includes student health, employee wellness, healthy weight goals, athletics and sports medicine, pediatric feeding disorders, and general medical nutrition therapy.
To schedule an appointment for nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist call (954) 262-2399.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Society of Nutrition
- Standards of Nutrition Practice: American Society for Enterable and Parenteral Nutrition
- Tools for Healthy Eating: National Institute of Health
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine
- Nutrition: Centers for Disease Control
- National Association of Nutrition Professionals
- Associations and Foundations: USDA National Agricultural Library
- American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Go Heart Healthy: American Diabetes Association
Contact Us
For general questions or to make an appointment with one of our faculty members, email us at nutrition@nova.edu.
7600 SW 36 Street
Building 200, Room 2278
Davie, Florida 33328
Stephanie N. Petrosky, D.C.N., M.H.A., RDN, FAND, FNAP
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Director, Graduate and Professional Studies in Nutrition
spetrosky@nova.edu
(954) 262-1597