RESEARCH COMPETENCES IN THE DIETETICS CURRICULA

Investment in dietetics research has the potential to improve general health; increase work performance and learning capacity; extend diseas e-free life; reduce birth defects, infections, and chronic diseases; a nd decrease health care costs. Opportunities exist for research in the areas of solid waste management, global environment, health care refo rm, and foodservice systems management. Research efforts can focus on cost-effectiveness and medical efficacy of dietary services to improve third-party reimbursement. Educators have a stake in creating the fut ure by conducting research, teaching research to dietetic students, an d investigating the effectiveness of education.