Overview

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE COMPETENCY COURSE 


​The Lifestyle Medicine (LM) Competency Course is one of the training programs offered by the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM). It is a prerequisite for educational pathways that support practitioners integrating Lifestyle Medicine into their clinical or coaching practice. 

The course is open for general practitioners and medical specialists who are interested to integrate lifestyle medicine in their clinical practice. LM Competency Course is delivered through a blended curriculum combining in-person training and online platforms (asynchronous learning).

If you are working to qualify for the National Lifestyle Medicine Board Examination (LMBE), LM Competency Course is one of the required courses to comply. Below is the summary of Lifestyle Medicine career pathways applied in the Philippines.

Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to prevent, treat, and reverse lifestyle-related diseases using comprehensive lifestyle interventions, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep health, social relationships, and the avoidance of risky substances. Lifestyle interventions address underlying disease risks, improve clinical outcomes, and decrease disease burden. 

This program follows the recommended foundational approach identified in the Journal of the American Medical Association and developed by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to prevent and treat most chronic diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. 


PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion, students will be able to:

  • Understand the competencies of lifestyle medicine as identified in "Lifestyle Medicine Competencies: 2022 Update
  • Integrate the competencies into clinical and professional practice
  • Increase efficiency in the delivery of lifestyle medicine assessments, interventions, and evidence-based lifestyle prescriptions
  • Have the ability to practice as an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and support team-based resources for sustainable lifestyle change
  • Contribute to the goal of preventing, arresting, and reversing chronic conditions that will change the trajectory of NCD burden.


LIFESTYLE MEDICINE CREDENTIALING TRACK

STEP 1: BASIC LIFESTYLE MEDICINE COMPETENCIES

Modular, Self-Paced Learning

  • The online materials, including text, recorded videos, and references, can be accessed anytime. Completion of the online LMCC is ideal before joining the remote preceptorship.
  • You can work on the materials at your convenience.
  • This course is open to any physicians who wanted to have basic knowledge in lifestyle medicine intervention.



STEP 2: ADVANCED LIFESTYLE MEDICINE COURSE

Entry Requisite:

  • Completion of the self-paced online basic lifestyle medicine competency course.
  • Application as PCLM trainee

Hybrid Preceptorship

  • 7 months of virtual didactics (3 hours every two weeks—Sundays)
  • Community-engaged lifestyle medicine (CELM) advocacy
  • Lifestyle Medicine quality assurance and research writing

This part of the training combines virtual didactics with hands-on experience to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Over the course of 7 months, participants will engage in virtual didactic sessions for 3 hours every two weeks on Sundays. These sessions are designed to cover a wide range of topics related to lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and more. By blending theory with practice, Hybrid Preceptorship offers a dynamic learning environment that promotes deep understanding and skill development.

Another key component of this course is Community-engaged Lifestyle Medicine (CELM) advocacy. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings by engaging with local communities. By advocating for lifestyle medicine principles and practices, participants can make a tangible impact on public health outcomes. Whether through organizing community events, delivering educational workshops, or collaborating with local organizations, CELM advocacy empowers participants to become agents of change in their communities.

Lastly, participants will explore Lifestyle Medicine quality assurance and research writing. This aspect of the course equips participants with the tools and techniques needed to critically assess the quality of lifestyle medicine interventions and write research papers effectively. By honing their research and writing skills, participants can contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of lifestyle medicine in improving health outcomes. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, participants will develop the competencies needed to conduct high-quality research and communicate their findings clearly and persuasively.

In-person Immersion

  • 7-day in-person immersion training in PCLM-accredited lifestyle medicine centers
  • Rotations: Hospital, clinic, community, digital LM practice

One of the key components of the 7-day immersion training is the chance to rotate through different settings, including hospitals, clinics, community centers, and even digital lifestyle medicine practices. These rotations will provide you with a comprehensive view of how lifestyle medicine can be integrated into various healthcare settings. For example, you may shadow healthcare professionals as they conduct lifestyle assessments, develop personalized lifestyle plans for patients, or lead group sessions on healthy behaviors. By gaining exposure to diverse practice settings, you will be better equipped to implement Lifestyle Medicine principles in your own future practice, regardless of the environment.

Overall, the in-person immersion experience offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of lifestyle medicine and truly immerse yourself in its principles and practices. By participating in this intensive training, you will not only expand your knowledge and skills but also build a network of connections with fellow professionals who share your passion for promoting health and wellness through lifestyle interventions.



STEP 3: SUPERVISED LIFESTYLE MEDICINE CLINICAL TRAINING

Entry Requisite: Completed Advanced Lifestyle Medicine Training

A minimum of 12 months of active practice in lifestyle medicine (LM) is required, with remote mentoring and completion of LM patient encounters and LM procedures.

This timeframe allows healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of LM principles and interventions while honing their skills in implementing lifestyle modifications. During this period, individuals will have the opportunity to work with a variety of patients and witness firsthand the impact of lifestyle changes on health outcomes. Remote mentoring plays a crucial role in providing guidance and support as practitioners navigate the complexities of LM practice.

In addition to patient encounters, proficiency in LM procedures is also required for competency in this field. This includes mastering interventions such as motivational interviewing, goal setting, and behavior change techniques that are essential for guiding patients towards sustainable lifestyle modifications. Practitioners must demonstrate proficiency in implementing these procedures effectively to support patients in achieving their health goals and improving overall well-being. By cultivating these essential skills and experiences, healthcare professionals can become competent practitioners in lifestyle medicine and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients.


STEP 4: NATIONAL LIFESTYLE MEDICINE BOARD EXAMINATION

After completing the necessary educational requirements, individuals seeking to become certified lifestyle medicine specialists in the Philippines can take the national lifestyle medicine board exam. This exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge and competency in the field of lifestyle medicine.

Upon successful completion of the national lifestyle medicine board exam, you will receive a prestigious credential as a Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine. This title signifies your expertise and dedication to promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in your practice. As a Diplomate, you join a select group of healthcare professionals who are leading the way in using evidence-based lifestyle interventions to improve patient outcomes and overall population health. This credential reinforces your credibility and showcases your commitment to staying current with the latest developments in lifestyle medicine.

Attaining the designation of Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine opens up new opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. With this credential, you can expand your practice, attract more patients interested in lifestyle-focused care, and collaborate with like-minded healthcare providers to create interdisciplinary care teams. By becoming a recognized specialist in lifestyle medicine, you can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities, contributing to the broader goal of preventing and managing chronic diseases through lifestyle interventions.

A notable feature of this course is its modular, self-paced learning design, providing you with the flexibility to access online materials—including text, recorded videos, and references—at a time that aligns with your schedule. This approach allows you to progress through the modules at a pace that best suits your learning style, ensuring optimal comprehension of the content. Take full advantage of this opportunity to engage with the resources at your own convenience. Your commitment to this self-directed learning experience will undoubtedly contribute to your success as you advance through the Basic Lifestyle Medicine Competency Course.




STEP 5: INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE EXAMINATION (Optional)

This certification is an optional but highly regarded international credential pursued by lifestyle medicine practitioners across the globe. Earning this certification demonstrates your commitment to achieving the highest standards of proficiency in lifestyle medicine and positions you among an elite group of globally recognized experts in the field. By obtaining this credential, you will be listed as an internationally certified lifestyle medicine provider, signifying your expertise, dedication, and competence in delivering evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of chronic diseases. This prestigious recognition enhances your professional credibility and opens up opportunities to connect with a global network of lifestyle medicine practitioners, further advancing your career in this dynamic and impactful specialty.


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