The Heartbeat of ACLM: Member Interest Groups
By Brittany Shroyer, ACLM Marketing and Social Media Manager
The dynamic world of ACLM’s Member Interest Groups (MIGs) drive collaboration, innovation and a sense of community within our organization. Learn how they work to foster a sense of belonging and how you can become involved in these member lead groups to help shape the future of lifestyle medicine.
At the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), the spirit of collaboration pulsates through every facet of our organization. Nowhere is this more evident than within our Member Interest Groups (MIGs), which are member-generated and led communities that help sustain our mission and propel us forward.
ACLM Director of Member Engagement Janelle Dye recently highlighted for ACLM staff the remarkable achievements of our MIGs over the past two and a half years. One striking moment of Janelle’s presentation was when she showed us the diverse array of ACLM’s 28 established MIGs. From the Pharmacy MIG to the newly minted groups in emergency medicine, endocrinology, food as medicine/culinary medicine, and much more, each MIG serves as a hub of innovation, knowledge exchange and networking.
In fact, the growth of our MIGs has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a staggering 251% increase in MIG membership since November 2022. This exponential growth is a testament to the value that members find not only in our interest groups but in membership at ACLM as a whole. Nearly half of our member base is actively participating in at least one MIG. Six groups already have over 1,000 members.
“Since I joined the ACLM team in 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the MIG officers and members and witness the incredible growth,” Dye said. “I’m always blown away by the amount of energy and passion found in every group. The sense of community and organic connection is very impressive and inspiring. The MIGs continue to grow every month in waves. I’m excited to be part of the continued growth and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
A sense of community
MIGs have contributed in countless ways to helping ACLM fulfill its mission of advancing evidence-based lifestyle medicine to treat, reverse and prevent chronic disease. From developing comprehensive toolkits to spearheading discussions on cutting-edge topics like lifestyle medicine in brain health and cancer prevention, our MIGs are at the forefront of our growing organization.
But the true measure of success is not just in the quantity of members or the number of resources produced. It is the sense of community and belonging that our MIGs foster. Our MIGs hold quarterly virtual meetings to provide a more intimate space for members to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
Members of multiple MIGs have more opportunities to connect with colleagues! MIGs may gather in-person at least once a year at the ACLM annual Lifestyle Medicine Conference, which will be held this year Oct. 27-30 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. During last year’s annual conference, 685 attendees attended at least one in-person MIG meeting.
How to get involved
“ACLM is grateful for all our current Member Interest Groups. It goes without saying that we would not be where we are today without our MIGs and MIG leaders“ says Dye.
To join a MIG, you must become a member of ACLM. MIGs are just one of the many benefits of membership. ACLM is your home for lifestyle medicine education and continuing education with a wide array of course options that fit any healthcare professional’s needs. Members receive exclusive discounts for these and the annual conference, as well as the opportunity to receive free CME/CE credits throughout the year through the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine you receive as part of your membership.
When you become a member of a MIG there are opportunities to serve as a MIG leader, and help shape the growth and success of the groups you are involved in. MIG leaders commit to a three-year term, all on a volunteer basis. Their time and dedication often lead to other leadership roles within the organization, with some even stepping into positions on the Board of Directors.
A grateful future
We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the field of lifestyle medicine, there’s a place for you within our vibrant and passionate community. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and redefine the future of healthcare, one MIG at a time.
