The history of ACLM

The founding of ACLM, and the birth of lifestyle medicine as a medical specialty

ACLM’s founders were ahead of their time. In the early 2000s, their field of specialty was seen as outside of mainstream medicine, but they knew their discipline would later be considered the future of healthcare.

ACLM’s seminal article is published in JAMA

The Journal of American Medicine published ‘Physician Competencies for Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine’, ACLM’s detailed article proving the benefits of lifestyle medicine. The article solidified ACLM as a valuable resource in establishing a more compassionate, sustainable healthcare system.

ACLM produces its first stand-alone medical conference

Taking place in Portland, Oregon, the conference marked a major milestone in ACLM’s growth and standing in the medical community.

First American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification exam

Over 300 people took ACLM’s first certification exam, becoming the first cohort of diplomates – proof of the increasing interest in lifestyle medicine.

Lifestyle medicine highlighted in Newsweek

Newsweek publishes “For Extra Protection Against COVID’s Worst Effects, Look to Lifestyle Medicine,” bringing significant attention to the power of lifestyle change.

ACLM pledges $46M to train 200,000 clinicians

ACLM’s historic financial pledge was a milestone in a landmark year, as the organization also officially published its Expert Consensus Statement on Dietary Interventions to treat Type-2 Diabetes in 2022.

20 Years of ACLM

2024 was a huge year for ACLM. The college was inducted into the AMA House of Delegates, it forged an official partnership with Blue Zones (the first of its kind) and, more importantly, ACLM membership grew to over 13,500 people, including 7,000+ certified professionals worldwide.