Abstract
I would personally like to invite AJLM readers to join us November 7 to 10, 2021, in the DFW Metroplex at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center, Grapevine, TX, for the annual American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) conference. Whether learning about new research and models of lifestyle medicine care, or networking during meals of delectable foods, the conference is an inspiring centerpiece each year, fulfilling new and long-time attendees alike.
This year’s theme, “Patient Centered. Value Based. Outcome Driven” is at the heart of our organization’s mission and each year, attendees leave energized and even better prepared to move their careers and our field forward. The 2021 agenda has been specifically planned to highlight practical, reimbursable and evidence-based ways to integrate lifestyle medicine into the primary treatment of chronic disease. In addition to an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, the event will feature an exhibitor pavilion, the Lifestyle Medicine Celebration reception and awards ceremony, poster presentations, workshops and networking opportunities with like-minded medical professionals and industry leaders.
One of the many highlights of this year’s conference will be several panels. The conference will open with “State of the Specialty: The Time is Now for Lifestyle Medicine,” a panel on the recent events and developments that have cemented the urgency of Lifestyle Medicine as the foundation of health and all health care --to shift from the clinical outcome goal of disease management to one of health restoration.
Another panel will spotlight four former U.S. Surgeons General—Drs. Richard Carmona, David Satcher, Joycelyn Elders and Antonia Novello--in a town hall on “Lifestyle Medicine’s Role in Health Equity: Addressing Lifestyle-Related Chronic Disease Health Disparities.” This distinguished panel of speakers will provide their unique perspective, including their call to action for lifestyle medicine providers.
A wide array of pre- and post-conference workshops will focus on topics including culinary medicine, behavior change, reimbursement, the exercise prescription, pediatrics, women’s health, cardio-rehab, health equity, and much more. These valuable workshops give attendees even more ways to take their visions of lifestyle medicine care to practical next steps in their practices and organizations. Attendees may receive credit for the lifestyle medicine-related content/sessions. The conference has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. It meets the in-person requirements for ACLM and ABLM certifications.
ACLM’s membership has grown over 700% in five years and lifestyle medicine is considered one of the fastest growing medical professional fields. Join us along with other like-minded physicians, allied health professionals and other clinicians, medical residents, health care executives, researchers, academicians and leaders in the field of lifestyle medicine as together we celebrate the growing relevance of our field.
We have every intent to host our conference in person this year, with appropriate safety protocols in place. Of course, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s how to be flexible. So, while we plan to greet you in person, ACLM will keep everyone informed as things evolve.
Registration is open and the ACLM staff and board look forward to seeing y'all in Texas in November!