LIFESTYLE MEDICINE CREDENTIALING TRACK

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 to general practitioners and medical specialists interested in integrating lifestyle medicine into their clinical practice. The 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), the LM Competency Course is one of the required courses to comply with. 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 avoiding 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.

STEP 2: ADVANCED LIFESTYLE MEDICINE COURSE

Entry Requisite:

• Completion of the self-paced online basic lifestyle medicine competency course.

• Application as PCLM trainee member

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

• Training Fee: P25,000.00

Schedule of Training

• June 2026

• December 2026

This component of the training integrates virtual didactic instruction with supervised clinical experience, providing a structured and comprehensive learning approach. Over a period of seven (7) months, participants will attend biweekly virtual sessions lasting three (3) hours, held on Sundays. These sessions are designed to address commonly encountered clinical cases in lifestyle medicine, allowing participants to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through this hybrid preceptorship model, learners are immersed in a dynamic educational environment that fosters critical thinking, clinical competence, and skill development.

A core element of the program is Community-Engaged Lifestyle Medicine (CELM) advocacy, which enables participants to translate learning into meaningful community impact. Participants will actively engage with local communities, promoting lifestyle medicine principles through initiatives such as community-based programs, educational workshops, and collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders. This component empowers participants to serve as advocates and leaders in advancing public health and preventive care within their respective communities.

In addition, the course includes focused training on lifestyle medicine quality assurance and research development. Participants will be equipped with the necessary competencies to critically evaluate the effectiveness and quality of lifestyle medicine interventions, as well as to develop and write scholarly research. Through guided mentorship and practical exercises, participants will enhance their ability to design studies, analyze outcomes, and communicate findings with clarity and scientific rigor. This component supports the contribution of participants to the expanding evidence base of lifestyle medicine and its role in improving health outcomes.

STEP 3: SUPERVISED LIFESTYLE MEDICINE CLINICAL TRAINING

Entry Requisite: Completed Advanced Lifestyle Medicine Training

A minimum of 6 months of active Lifestyle Medicine (LM) practice is required for the providers listed below, which includes remote mentoring as well as the completion of LM patient encounters and procedures.

• General Practitioners, Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine,  Radiology, Anesthesiology, Pathology

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 toward 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. Step 3 requisites should be completed and evaluated in any affiliate training hospital and lifestyle medicine facility. 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.

Exam Schedule (For Cohort Batch):

• Date and venue: To be Announced

• Exam Fee: P15,000 (Written & OSCE)

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

This certification is optional but a 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.