ACLM Member Engagement Is a Spectrum
Just as lifestyle medicine is not a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, engagement with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine reflects that same flexibility — and that’s by design.
By Brittany Shroyer | ACLM Member Engagement Manager
January 6, 2026
ACLM stands out among other medical professional societies in many ways, particularly through its diverse member base. ACLM membership spans nearly every corner of the healthcare industry — from clinicians, students, and residents to entire healthcare systems and corporate partners.
It is because of this that ACLM offers a “meet you where you are” mindset when it comes to engaging within the society.
Some members are just getting started in their membership journey and want simple, low-lift ways to engage. Others are ready to take on leadership roles or give back after years of involvement. Many move back and forth along that path as their careers, seasons of life, and availability change.
Rather than thinking of engagement as an “all or nothing” commitment, we encourage members to think of it as a spectrum, one that you can move along freely, at any point in your journey.
Choosing your own path
There is no single “right” way to engage with ACLM. Engagement can be:
- Quick and flexible, fitting easily into a busy schedule
- Short-term, tied to a specific interest or goal
- Long-term, involving deeper leadership and impact
You might start by browsing ACLM Connect or joining a discussion in Open Forum. As you continue your membership journey, you may find yourself mentoring another member, leading a Member Interest Group, or contributing to ACLM initiatives in a more formal way. And at times, you may step back and stay connected in lighter ways, (like reading our blogs!) while focusing elsewhere.
All of these paths are valid. All of them matter. All of them move us forward as an organization.
Key ways members commonly engage
ACLM offers a wide range of engagement opportunities designed to meet members where they are. Some of the most impactful and popular include:
Mentor Match
Mentor Match connects members seeking guidance with those eager to share their experience. Whether you’re ready to give back as a mentor or looking for support as you navigate certification, career growth, or leadership opportunities, Mentor Match creates meaningful, one-to-one connections that strengthen our community.
Member Interest Groups (MIGs)
Member Interest Groups bring members together around shared clinical, professional, and personal interests. Members can participate in discussions, attend meetings, contribute to initiatives, or take on leadership roles within a group. Engagement can be as light or as involved as you choose, making MIGs a flexible and accessible way to connect.
ACLM Resource Library
Our Resource Library offers tools, guides, and practical materials that members can use immediately in their work. From clinical and educational resources to reimbursement and implementation tools, the library supports members at every stage of their lifestyle medicine journey.
The ‘Ways to Engage’ Resource
As ACLM continues to grow, so does the number of ways members can get involved. One challenge we heard repeatedly was: “I want to engage but I’m not sure where to start or what fits me best right now.”
That feedback inspired the creation of the Ways to Engage resource.
This interactive resource is designed to help members:
- Explore engagement opportunities based on member type
- Filter options by level of commitment and membership length
- Discover opportunities they may not have realized were available to them
Rather than prescribing a single path, the resource empowers you to choose what fits your goals, availability, and interests right now.
A living, breathing resource for every stage of membership
The Ways to Engage resource isn’t meant to be visited just once.
It’s a living, breathing tool that members can return to throughout their entire ACLM membership. As your career evolves, your availability changes, or new interests emerge, the resource is there to help you find your next step — whether that’s stepping in, getting more involved, or scaling back while staying connected.
Engagement with ACLM should feel supportive, flexible, and aligned with where you are rather than overwhelming or prescriptive. Just like lifestyle medicine!
Find your place on the spectrum
No matter how you choose to engage, your involvement strengthens ACLM and the field of lifestyle medicine as a whole. We invite you to explore the Ways to Engage resource, discover opportunities that resonate with you, and move along the engagement spectrum in a way that feels right — today, tomorrow, and throughout your journey with ACLM.
About the author
Brittany Shroyer, MS, ACSM-EP, serves as the member engagement manager for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). She oversees ACLM member programs such as the Mentor Match program and Member Interest Groups (MIGs).