Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet Perceptions of Medical Trainees Compared to Their Patients: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

: To evaluate medical trainees' and patients' perceptions of the utility of a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet for chronic disease management. : A cross-sectional study using two original survey tools was implemented. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from trainees and patients to evaluate perceived motivations and barriers to WFPB diet implementation. : Two hundred trainees and 52 patients responded to the surveys. Nearly half (48%) of patients were willing to try a WFPB diet, expressing a desire for additional information and help with its practical application. Over half (53%) of trainees were willing to recommend a WFPB diet to patients but expressed concern about its acceptability and feasibility. Patients perceived significantly more barriers related to personal enjoyment of animal products while trainees perceived more socioeconomic barriers. : Poor diet has been identified as the United States' leading risk factor for mortality from chronic diseases. Plant-predominant diets, such as a WFPB diet, are associated with improved health outcomes and may be an acceptable solution for many patients. WFPB dietary modification could be pursued with a motivational interviewing approach that targets patients' individual goals. Medical providers should address their own assumptions regarding the dietary changes their patients are willing to make.