To become a Lifestyle Medicine doctor, you need primary board certification and two years of practice. Next, complete 30 hours of online CME and 20 hours from approved events. You'll also need to submit a case study showcasing your experience. Once you've met these requirements, you must pass an exam with multiple-choice questions to earn your Diplomate status. There's a lot more to explore about the pathways and maintenance of certification options.
Key Takeaways
- Obtain primary board certification from an ABMS or AOA approved board and maintain it for at least two years.
- Complete 30 hours of online Continuing Medical Education (CME) from approved courses within 36 months prior to the exam.
- Attend at least 20 hours of live in-person CME events from approved sources starting in 2024.
- Submit a case study demonstrating your personal experience with lifestyle medicine as part of the certification process.
- Pass the certification exam consisting of 120 to 150 multiple-choice questions to become a Diplomate in lifestyle medicine.
Eligibility Requirements for Certification
To become a certified lifestyle medicine physician, you'll need to meet specific eligibility requirements.
First, you must be primary board certified by an ABMS or AOA approved board for at least two years and licensed to practice in the US or Canada. If you're a US physician, you need current ABMS/AOA certification, while Canadian physicians must show proof of their medical license.
For certification eligibility, you'll complete 30 hours of online Continuing Medical Education (CME) from an approved course and 20 hours from approved events, which will include virtual CME options starting in 2024.
Finally, you'll need to submit a case study detailing your personal experience with lifestyle medicine, demonstrating your commitment to the field as a health professional.
Certification Pathways
After meeting the eligibility requirements for certification, you can choose between two primary pathways to become a lifestyle medicine doctor.
The experiential pathway is for physicians who hold at least two years of primary board certification from an ABMS or AOA approved board.
Alternatively, the educational pathway is designed for those completing a lifestyle medicine residency curriculum.
Regardless of the pathway, you'll need to complete 30 hours of online Continuing Medical Education (CME) and 20 hours of event CME.
A case study showcasing your personal experience with lifestyle medicine is a prerequisite as well.
Upon passing the exam, consisting of 120 to 150 multiple choice questions, you'll earn certification as a Diplomate, which requires ongoing education to maintain.
Approved Online CME Courses
Approved online CME courses are essential for aspiring lifestyle medicine doctors, as they provide the necessary education to meet certification prerequisites.
To qualify for Lifestyle Medicine certification, you must complete 30 hours of online CME from approved programs within 36 months prior to your exam date.
ABLM recognizes various courses, including the ACLM Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course and the Doane University Lifestyle Medicine Professional Certificate Program.
IBLM also accepts CMEs from specific programs, such as Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar's Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine.
Approved Live In-Person CME Events
Attending live in-person CME events is essential for your journey to becoming a lifestyle medicine doctor, as these opportunities not only fulfill certification requirements but also allow you to connect with like-minded professionals.
The IBLM accepts CMEs from various annual Lifestyle Medicine conferences, such as the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference and the AAFP Lifestyle Medicine course, which offer valuable in-person CME credits.
You need to complete 10 hours of in-person CME events between 2021-2023, and from 2024 onward, you can earn 20 hours of event CME through either virtual or in-person attendance.
These approved live events enhance your professional credentials and provide vital networking opportunities with fellow Lifestyle Medicine physicians focused on combating chronic disease.
Registration and Payment
To successfully register for the ABLM/ACLM exam, you'll need to complete the registration form and submit your payment by September 30th at 6 PM PST. Remember, registration involves a non-refundable fee of $299 for MDS and DOS candidates, or $199 for PhD and Masters level health professionals. Certification fees differ based on membership status, so choose wisely!
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| MDS Non-Member Fee | $1,499 |
| PhD Member Fee | $1,169 |
| Registration Fee | $299/$199 |
Don't forget, you'll also need to submit documentation proving your CMEs at least 30 days before the exam date. After registration closes, you'll receive an invitation to reserve your testing seat at a Prometric testing center.
Exam Format and Preparation
When preparing for the lifestyle medicine exam, it's important to understand the format and structure of the test. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions, evaluating your knowledge application of lifestyle medicine principles.
You'll have 4 hours to complete it, so effective time management is essential. Engaging in thorough preparation is critical; evidence-based courses not only provide foundational knowledge but also fulfill the required CME prerequisites.
Remember, the exam for lifestyle medicine professionals includes 120 questions, but the standards remain the same. After taking the exam, you can expect your results within three weeks.
Successful completion leads to certification, validating your expertise in lifestyle medicine. Start preparing early to boost your confidence and performance!
Results and Certification
After taking the lifestyle medicine exam, you'll enthusiastically await your results, which are typically available within three weeks.
Passing the exam earns you certification as a Diplomate, showcasing your expertise in lifestyle medicine. This certification validates your performance and commitment to the field.
To maintain your certification, you'll need to engage in ongoing education, adhering to specific guidelines and standards. This guarantees you stay current with the latest resources and advancements in lifestyle medicine.
By committing to continuous learning, you're not only upholding your certification but also enhancing your knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting your patients.
Maintenance of Certification
Maintaining your certification as a Diplomate in lifestyle medicine is essential for ensuring your expertise remains relevant and up-to-date. To stay certified, you'll need to enroll in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) pathway within three months of achieving your Diplomate status. This involves meeting annual payments and fulfilling specific criteria. Membership in the ACLM provides valuable complimentary continuing education resources that help you adhere to certification standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Payments | Required to maintain MOC status |
| Criteria Fulfillment | Must meet specific standards |
| Professional Visibility | Access to Lifestyle Medicine Pros directory |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Lifestyle Medicine Doctors Make?
Lifestyle medicine doctors typically make between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on factors like location and experience.
If you work in urban areas, you might earn more due to higher demand for preventive care.
Many physicians also enjoy additional compensation through bonuses, profit-sharing, and benefits, which can boost overall earnings.
As the field grows, your salary prospects could improve, especially if you specialize in chronic disease reversal and preventive health.
Is Lifestyle Medicine Certification Worth It?
Is lifestyle medicine certification worth it?
Well, if you think chronic diseases can magically disappear without lifestyle changes, then maybe it isn't!
But, if you want to enhance your credibility and reach patients seeking holistic care, it's definitely worth considering.
Completing the required CME not only boosts your expertise but also opens doors to better job prospects and collaboration opportunities.
In today's healthcare landscape, this certification can truly set you apart.
What Does a Lifestyle Medicine Doctor Do?
A lifestyle medicine doctor assesses your lifestyle choices and helps you make healthier decisions.
They focus on preventing and managing chronic diseases through personalized plans that may include diet changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral modifications.
You'll work together to set achievable goals, and they'll provide ongoing support and education about the benefits of these changes.
They often collaborate with other healthcare providers to guarantee a thorough approach to your health and well-being.
How Long Is Lifestyle Medicine Residency?
Lifestyle medicine residency programs typically last between 1 to 2 years.
You'll find that the duration varies based on the specific curriculum and institution. During this time, you'll immerse yourself in topics like nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.
You'll engage in both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences, often guided by seasoned practitioners.
It's crucial to research different accredited programs to find one that fits your goals and interests.
Conclusion
In becoming a lifestyle medicine doctor, you're not just pursuing a certification; you're embracing a mission to transform lives. You'll gain knowledge, build skills, and connect with a community dedicated to health and wellness. By following the outlined pathways, participating in courses, and staying committed to ongoing learning, you'll not only enhance your practice but also inspire your patients. So take the leap, invest in yourself, and make a lasting impact on the health of others.
