Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine Summit: A resounding success 

Summit attendees are constructing outlines and content for the development of four publications for disseminating actionable material to lifestyle medicine colleagues and a broader audience. 

The Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality (MPS) in Lifestyle Medicine Summit was held March 13-15, in San Diego, Calif. The multidisciplinary gathering was organized by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) in collaboration with the Global Positive Health Institute (GPHI), with generous support from the Ardmore Institute of Health and Point Loma Nazarene University. From the expertise shared by leaders in the field of MPS and health to the insightful discussions with the remarkable individuals who gathered, this event was a shining example of passion, purpose and collaboration in service of the best healthcare.    

As lead faculty, I worked with ACLM Senior Director of Research Dr. Micaela Karlsen, PhD, MSPH, and ACLM Associate Director of Events Dasha Ross to assemble an all-star lineup of subject matter experts who presented and discussed the integration of MPS into training and practice and medical education and in support of health professional well-being. We also explored differences in defining purpose and spirituality, for example when used in research versus clinical practice, acknowledging that we do not have standard definitions and need transparency when using these terms. 

Adding to the significance of the event, we were joined by four of ACLM’s past presidents:  Marc Braman, MD, MPH, FACLM, FACPM, Wayne Dysinger, MD, MPH, DipABLM, FACLM, Dexter Shurney, MD, MPH, MBA, DipABLM, FACLM, Beth Frates, MD, DipABLM, FACLM, and the current President Padmaja Patel, MD, DipABLM, FACLM, CPE. Their presence underscored the importance of this gathering and its potential to shape the future of lifestyle medicine. A short video in which all ACLM presidents showcased their vision and advice for integrating MPS into lifestyle medicine further emphasized how our leaders value this element of well-being and health. 

The connection between meaning, purpose, and spirituality with behavior change is undeniable; people are far more likely to embrace lifestyle modifications when they have a clear sense of purpose in their lives. Behavior change, in turn, is the cornerstone of lifestyle medicine, and lifestyle medicine is fundamental to whole-person health. Moreover, scientific literature demonstrates the significant association between MPS and health beyond the link with health behaviors. One example is a study by Eric Kim, PhD, on the sense of purpose in life and subsequent physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health. The elements of a healthy lifestyle and MPS are deeply intertwined and have the potential to powerfully achieve and sustain holistic well-being and positive health, i.e., the best outcomes in physical, mental, social, and spiritual health and well-being.   

Key takeaways from the Summit discussions included: 

• Connection, whether horizontal (with other people, pets, etc.) and/or vertical (with one’s higher power), is essential to one’s meaning and purpose in life
• Life purpose is significantly associated with health and longevity
• Medical practitioners can begin brief dialogues with patients on the level of importance of MPS in their lives and help them leverage MPS to promote well-being
• Medical trainers can integrate MPS into case-based learning
•  A sense of mattering – demonstrated by health co-workers expressing how they value each other’s contributions – is essential to prevent burnout

On the final day of the Summit attendees participated in four working groups to discuss the proceedings and begin constructing outlines and content for the development of publications for disseminating this actionable material to our lifestyle medicine colleagues and a broader audience. The papers will focus on MPS in medical education, clinical practice, research, and health professional well-being. Furthermore, advocacy efforts, a clinical practice toolkit and implementation pilot projects are expected to take shape as a result of this collaboration.  

Attendees described the experience as inspiring and transformative. “It was a privilege to be surrounded by such a compassionate and driven community,” ACLM CEO Susan Benigas said.  “Witnessing this vision come alive in such a fantastic way was deeply moving.”  

From my perspective, the active participation of leaders and practitioners in lifestyle medicine alongside researchers with significant expertise in MPS and health gives me hope that together we are moving into the next phase of the transformation of lifestyle medicine and health care. We are propelling further research and effective practice and training that support a person-centered, whole-healthcare approach to achieve positive health. 

This event is only the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking movement in lifestyle medicine. The enthusiasm and momentum generated at the Summit have left everyone eager for what’s next.    

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to build on this exceptional foundation.