House of Delegates Update:
The House of Delegates (HOD) met on August 21st to hear presentations from the Academy's Research and Policy and Advocacy teams regarding their current efforts and to solicit feedback from delegates on current efforts as well as ideas for future improvements. Great discussions were had on each presentation – see the summaries below. We are looking forward to the October meeting where we will be hearing from the Council on Future Practice regarding declining trust in society and the impact on our profession.
Research Discussion Summary: The Academy's Evidence Analysis Center (EAC) engaged Delegates to discuss priorities ranging from clinical topics like malnutrition, GLP-1s, and women's health to broader issues including planetary health, food insecurity, and the value of medical nutrition therapy. Delegates provided feedback regarding how to navigate existing resources and considering more concise, accessible formats. Discussions recognized the need for frequent updates, stronger dissemination, and public-facing efforts to counter misinformation.
Policy and Advocacy Discussion Summary: Delegates noted that while the Academy offers many advocacy and practice tools, members often find them hard to access or are seen as less impactful than resources from peer organizations. They called for more practical, outward-facing formats such as podcasts, social media toolkits, CEU workshops, and easy-to-share infographics to make policy engagement simpler and more effective. Delegates affirmed current policy priorities but stressed the need to address fast-moving issues.
Please let me know if you have any questions, thanks!
Maureen Janowski, Healthy Aging Delegate
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Maureen Janowski
Palatine IL
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