Gaps in competency-aligned lifestyle medicine (LM) training within graduate medical education (GME) have limited the systematic integration of evidence-based LM into physician training programs. The Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC) integrates 40 hours of interactive didactics with 60 hours of application activities, designed to be adaptable across specialties and delivery models. Iterative development from 2017 to 2026 (Beta, Versions 1 to 3) addressed institutional buy-in, faculty expertise, resident time, practicum access, and costs through champions, toolkits, asynchronous learning management system (LMS) units, partnerships with established programs, and tiered fee structures. The LMRC has been implemented in more than 200 institutions and over 450 residency or fellowship programs supported by low-threshold entry via a 6-unit Intro Package, faculty scholarships, and early resident membership support.
The LMRC provides a practical, transferable blueprint for implementation and scaling of LM training in residency, with lessons learned and framework-based guidance to inform adoption in diverse settings.
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