Full Academic Pathway

A comprehensive path for health professions students to prepare for lifestyle medicine certification

Faculty members who teach in ACLM-approved Partial Academic Pathway health professions master’s and doctoral programs may apply for recognition as a Full Academic Pathway program. Full Academic Pathway programs fullfill all of the prerequisites for lifestyle medicine certification, and graduating students are eligible to take the certification exam for up to three years post-graduation.

All clinical and leadership health professions masters and doctorate programs can be eligible. For more information about certification, visit the certification information page.

Program Requirements

In order to be considered for approval as a Full Academic Pathway, academic programs must meet the following requirements:

ACLM Partial Academic Pathway approved course
Active Lifestyle Medicine Student Interest Group
At least one DipACLM, DipABLM, or DipIBLM faculty leading or teaching in the program
Required completion of the Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course by students during the program to fulfill the 30-hour approved online CME/CE required by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Program must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

For questions, contact kfreeman@lifestylemedicine.org

Explore Participating Health Professional Programs

Healthcareworkerssittinginamodernhospitallowangle

Full Academic Pathway Logo 1 13

Download Flyer

Submit Application

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Health Professionals Curricula

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:

The connection between lifestyle medicine and occupational therapy
How to implement lifestyle medicine competencies within OT education
Instructional strategies tailored to integrate the principles of lifestyle medicinie within OT curriculum

Watch Now

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:

Prep for teaching LM
Resources
How to start with no funding
The role of funding
Opportunities in the ACLM
Dreaming Bigger
Common Challenges
LM Integration into curriculum

Watch Now

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

Watch Now

Certification in Lifestyle Medicine

“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.

Become Certified