Shaping the Future of Lifestyle Medicine: Reflections from the 2nd Global Lifestyle Medicine Leadership Forum
By Claire Lynch, Registered Dietitian, and Education Lead at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK (PBHP UK)
Connecting with Global Leaders in Phuket to Shape the Future of Lifestyle Medicine
In February 2025, I had the privilege of representing the UK at the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance (LMGA) and International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM) Leadership Forum in Phuket, Thailand.
The IBLM sets the global standards for assessing and credentialing health professionals in lifestyle medicine, ensuring consistency and excellence in the field. Meanwhile, the LMGA unites healthcare professionals worldwide, fostering collaboration and amplifying the collective voice for Lifestyle Medicine, to drive the vision of a world free from non-communicable diseases.
Find out more about our lifestyle medicine certification here
A Global Network of Lifestyle Medicine Pioneers
With 29 attendees from 25 countries, each delegate was a leader in the field of Lifestyle Medicine within their respective nations. Many were true pioneers, working to establish Lifestyle Medicine in places where the concept is still largely unheard of.
The forum’s purpose was clear: to learn from one another, build relationships, and collaborate for the future. We weren’t just exchanging ideas – we were laying the groundwork for global progress.
Insights from Visionary Leaders
Throughout the week, we heard from some of the most influential figures in Lifestyle Medicine, including Susan Benigas, CEO of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM); and Stephan Herzog, Director of IBLM. Susan spoke about the importance of turning vision into action – a theme that resonated deeply with all of us; Stephan emphasised the need for consistency and stability within leadership teams to ensure sustained momentum in our shared mission.
Beyond structured sessions, networking was at the heart of the forum. Whether through casual discussions, a Thai cooking class, or a boat trip exploring Phuket’s stunning coastline and islands, we strengthened connections that will fuel collaboration in the years ahead.
Closing with a Powerful Message on Thriving
The final session was a real highlight – a workshop entitled “How to Thrive”, from Darren Morton of The Lift Project, Australia. His dynamic storytelling and engaging approach left us with renewed energy, a sense of purpose, and a reminder that self-care is vital in our mission.
A lighthearted yet impactful moment came when we even learned about the benefits of cheering each other on – through an unexpectedly competitive game of rock, paper, scissors!
PBHP UK: Leading the Way in Lifestyle Medicine Certification
At PBHP UK, we are committed to advancing the field of Lifestyle Medicine. Last year, we began our partnership with the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine and joined the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance.
Throughout 2024, we proudly oversaw the certification of our first cohort of diplomates, supporting their journey with a comprehensive educational pathway – including our Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine conferences (tickets available here), webinar series, study groups, and tutor-led sessions – culminating in the IBLM exam in November.
Our candidates rose to the challenge with remarkable dedication, achieving the highest pass rate globally of 97%. This milestone resulted in 32 newly certified Lifestyle Medicine physicians and health professionals in the UK – trailblazers in integrating lifestyle-based approaches into their practices.
Strength in Numbers: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
While Lifestyle Medicine is growing, it remains an emerging field within our healthcare system, and funding for dedicated clinics is still limited. We are continually learning how best to support diplomates in putting their knowledge into practice. But one thing is clear: we need strength in numbers. The more voices we have, the louder our impact on policymakers and healthcare providers. Our mission is clear:
- To help prevent, manage, and treat chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease using Lifestyle Medicine, alongside traditional medical approaches.
- To shift the focus of healthcare toward root-cause resolution rather than symptom management.
- Advocate for value-based care that reduces provider burnout and prioritises patient well-being
Join the Movement
If you’re interested in getting certified in Lifestyle Medicine and becoming part of this inspiring global community, we encourage you to reach out. There has never been a more critical time to redefine healthcare and place prevention, longevity, and well-being at its core.
Let’s transform health, together. The time is NOW!
Contact us today at claire@pbhp.uk, and check out our info to learn more about certification and how you can get involved.