Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN)

Program Description: 

The importance of proper nutrition and prevention of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in inpatients and outpatients has always been raised as a fundamental issue that intervenes in the process of treatment and recovery of patients in all countries. The high rate of malnutrition in hospitalized patients and insufficient attention to the nutritional needs of patients and the timely implementation of nutritional interventions are among the common problems in managing the treatment of patients. The increase in malnutrition and the occurrence of micronutrient deficiencies in patients can increase the duration of hospitalization, cause disability and death of patients, and impose adverse social and economic consequences on the society. Therefore, the correct and appropriate implementation of the nutritional care program for patients, in addition to ensuring that nutritional needs are met, causes faster recovery, better response of the patient to treatment methods, reduction of complications caused by the disease, reduction of hospitalization time and reduction of treatment costs. Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to nutritional care in hospitalized patients. The Division of Clinical Nutrition at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences is pleased to offer Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program to provide training experience for the students at a sufficient level to broaden the knowledge base in the field of clinical nutrition including nutritional screening, assessment, management, and ongoing support of patients, ranging from critically ill inpatients to ambulatory outpatients of all ages. This advanced degree will also enhance critical thinking skills to keep pace with the medical complexity of today's clinical nutrition practice.

Objectives:

The DCN program is designed to provide training experience for the students at a sufficient level to broaden the knowledge base in the field of clinical nutrition including nutritional screening, assessment, management, and ongoing support of patients, ranging from critically ill inpatients to ambulatory outpatients of all ages. This advanced degree will also enhance critical thinking skills to keep pace with the medical complexity of today's clinical nutrition practice.