Health professions programs eligible for this opportunity include nursing, physician associate, nurse practitioner, dietitian, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health, and others.
To qualify for the Partial Academic Pathway, a course must meet the following criteria:
Completing the required Core Competencies Checklist will help ensure your course meets these requirements.
Complete the Partial Academic Pathway Application. Note that to submit the application, you’ll need to upload the completed competencies checklist and the course syllabus.
The lifestyle medicine core competencies, developed by a committee of physicians from several medical specialties, provide guidance on the knowledge and skills needed for physicians to provide high quality lifestyle interventions that optimize chronic disease outcomes. These competencies form the foundation for the lifestyle medicine board certification exam. Originally published in 2010, the competencies were updated in 2022 to reflect the growing evidence base in the field. Regular updates are anticipated to align with the ongoing scientific studies and evolution of the field.
The following webinars showcase how various health professions programs have successfully integrated lifestyle medicine into their curricula, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to combat the burden of chronic disease in their future practices. Special thanks to the dedicated faculty who took the time to share their experiences.
In this video-podcast, Occupational Therapists Zipporah Brown, Amy Sadek, and Shelly Norvell discuss how they utilize lifestyle medicine in their practice. Topics include:
Listen in as Physician Associates (Assistants) Sarah-Ann Keyes, Amber Tiegen, Adrian Banning, Paula Phelps, and Emily Landis discuss their journeys of integrating lifestyle medicine curriculum, address the barriers to integration along with practical solutions and ways to find support. Topics include:
Listen as Melissa Bernstein, Associate Professor and Chair of the Nutrition Program at Roslyn Franklin University, shares insights on the intersection of lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and health professions education. She emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare providers on therapeutic lifestyle interventions, particularly diet, to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse chronic diseases. Topics include:
The role of therapeutic lifestyle interventions in chronic disease prevention, treatment, and remission
The impact of the Standard American Diet on public health and chronic disease rates
The importance of nutrition education for healthcare providers
Key dietary patterns for disease prevention, with a focus on a whole food, plant-predominant diet
The evidence supporting plant-based diets for managing chronic conditions
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
Incorporating lifestyle medicine principles into health professions education
“My training and board certification in lifestyle medicine changed my life and practice, personally and professionally. Whole food plant centered eating, culinary medicine cooking classes and long-term coaching support are the key for patients to achieve success with sustained weight loss, longevity and feeling great! Passing the board certification exam legitimized my expertise in my professional world and created fabulous opportunities to expand my career. I am grateful to be a part of the lifestyle medicine family and the ACLM! Go for it!” ~ OB-Gyn, DO, DipABLM – Georgia, USA.
Save the Date | November 16 – 19, 2025
The Gaylord Texan, Dallas/Fort Worth
Every Fall, ACLM hosts the premier continuing education event focused on lifestyle medicine – the therapeutic dose of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, social connection, restorative sleep, stress management, and avoidance of risky substances.
