Lifestyle Medicine Certification

BSLM is now offering members the opportunity to obtain certification from the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM).

Certification can be undertaken from a clinical or public health perspective. Certification demonstrates your commitment to, and expertise in, Lifestyle Medicine, augmenting your clinical or public health practice with a solid grounding in preventing, managing and reversing chronic and lifestyle-related disease.

Watch the videos below to better understand the reasons for certification and the importance of having an internationally-recognised and consistent standard for Lifestyle Medicine professionals.

We are now accepting new applications for the 2021 diploma. Application form below.

It is not compulsory to become a member of the BSLM to sign up for the diploma although of course we are grateful for the support of the charity should you wish to do so.

Requirements: Certified Physician, Certified Professional, Certified Practitioner

What’s involved …

• 30 hours of self-directed online Lifestyle Medicine specific CPD – see examples below
• 10 hours of in-person Lifestyle Medicine specific CPD eg: attendance at Lifestyle Medicine conferences including the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference. CPD must not be older than three years prior to the exam) (a reminder that the 2020 Conference which had to go virtual due to Covid 19, would not qualify as it was not “in person”)
• A formal case study of your experience/practice/application of Lifestyle Medicine (submitted no later than one month before the exam)

A formal exam (exams are expected to be held annually): – Exam duration and items/questions

• 150 multiple choice questions for Lifestyle Medicine physicians (four hours)
• 120 multiple choice questions for Lifestyle Medicine professionals/practitioners (three hours)

(CPD must not be older than three years prior to the exam)

Self-Directed Online Learning

Certification involves a self-directed learning process, however, BSLM provides candidates with the assistance of our Education Coordinators and access to a section of the website with educational resources for certification. (more information is available after registering for the exam).

Candidates are strongly recommended to undertake the no CME foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course (LMBRC) offered by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. This course which provides 30 hours of learning was developed by lead authors John Kelly, MD, MPH and Jeni Shull, MD, MPH, with active participation from an Editorial Advisory Panel comprised of many of the leading experts in the field of lifestyle medicine.

Candidates are also encouraged to consider the 30 hour online Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies course offered by the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) as this will also provide a solid grounding for the exam.  There is a separate fee charged by ACPM for this course.  There is no special discount for BSLM members unfortunately.

There are also other highly regarded courses that will assist with exam preparation. The following are recommended by the IBLM:

• Institute of Lifestyle Medicine (Harvard) online courses
• Cornell certificate in plant-based nutrition.

In-Person Learning

British Society of Lifestyle Medicine conferences and workshops. Please note attendance at BSLM2021 our fifth annual conference will count as ‘in person’ learning allowing you to obtain the required 10 hours of CPD.

BSLM conferences & events.

ACLM conferences & workshops.

Institute of Lifestyle Medicine (Harvard) conferences.

Food as Medicine conferences.

International Plant Based Nutrition Healthcare Conferences

Candidates will have access to a list of online resources, references, articles and other reading to assist with exam preparation.

Our Education Coordinators will also provide guidance in the preparation of your case study.

You will have access to online study group leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’M NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR, CAN I STILL REGISTER FOR BOARD CERTIFICATION?

There are three types of certification available, based on your education and profession. Essentially you need to be a physician or public health professional with a Masters or PhD level qualification to be certified by both the IBLM & BSLM, or a health practitioner at degree level to complete the Practitioner Qualification certified by the the BSLM.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THE OTHER COURSES I NEED TO COMPLETE AS PART OF THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS?

We strongly recommend you to undertake the no CME Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course (LMBRC) course offered by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). There are alternative courses which have been recommended by the IBLM but the LMBRC is seen as the best preparation.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I HAVE TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?

The education resources area of the BSLM website will support you with exam preparation – directing you towards the right literature to study. Your education coordinator will also support you and answer your questions along the way. There is also a Lifestyle Medicine Core Competencies (LMCC) course mentioned above, which candidates may choose to undertake. This course is provided by the American College of Preventative Medicine and is also seen as ideal exam preparation.

HOW CAN I MEET THE 10 HOUR REQUIREMENT FOR IN-PERSON CME/CPD

The best way to get at least 10 hours of in-person CPD/CME is to attend BSLM2021 our annual conference in September 2021 in Edinburgh. (The 2018 & 2019 conferences also qualify for those who have attended). The Events Page on our website may provide alternative options for in person events depending on Covid guidelines or other live events being available at the time.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have any further questions about Lifestyle Medicine Certification please email diploma@bslm.org.uk and book a personal call in with one of our Education Coordinators.

Registration & Pricing

Registrations for the 2021 diploma exam are now open. The exam will be held in a test centre near you between the 27th of November and the 11th of December 2021 – More details can be provided from office@bslm.org.uk.