Authors: German Corrales, MD; Monica Ferrero, MD; Lauren Gibson-Oliver, MD, FAAFP, MBA; Wayne Bryant, MD
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
About this page: This is the accessible text version of the poster above. All text, charts, and photo descriptions are provided below in screen-reader-friendly form.
Background
The American Board of Lifestyle Medicine began in 2017, recognizing lifestyle medicine as a specialty. Given the U.S. burden of chronic disease, residencies must train physicians in effective lifestyle counseling. Board eligibility requires completion of formal curriculum components, experiential learning, and clinical documentation, which are difficult to incorporate into already saturated residency schedules without adding new didactic time.
Objective
Our aim was to embed the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC) within existing didactics and ensure residents complete all requirements to become eligible for certification.
Methods
Curriculum Integration
- Faculty champion assigned to oversee LMRC implementation.
- Curriculum mapped to existing residency didactic schedule (wellness events, residency orientation, existing lectures).
- No additional didactic time added.
Didactic Implementation
- Biweekly resident-led LMRC modules integrated into block sessions.
- Selected existing lectures converted into practicum sessions:
- Motivational interviewing
- Stress-management training
- Obesity lectures
Tracking and Evaluation
- Attendance and module completion tracking by mentors.
- Clinical encounter logs.
- Annual evaluation using eligibility completion rates, resident self-efficacy surveys, and faculty observation of clinical integration.
Experiential Learning
- Grocery store tour with nutritionist and weight-management specialist (PGY-1).
- Quarterly plant-based culinary classes.
- Existing wellness activities (e.g., group hikes, potlucks) used to meet practicum requirements.
Results
Annual tracking of eligibility data shows that the class of 2023, with one year of exposure, did not complete the curriculum. In the class of 2025, 3 of 6 residents have already met eligibility requirements. Figure 1. Bar chart titled “Graduates eligible for Lifestyle Medicine Board certification,” with three bars representing graduating classes 2023, 2024, and 2025. The vertical axis is labeled from 0 to 6, representing number of residents eligible. The Class of 2023 bar is at 0 (0% eligible). The Class of 2024 bar is at 1 resident. The Class of 2025 bar reaches approximately 5 of 6 residents (50% eligible at the time of poster preparation). The visual shows a clear upward trajectory in eligibility across the three years as the integrated curriculum took effect.
| Graduating class | Residents eligible | Percentage eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2023 | 0 | 0% |
| Class of 2024 | 1 | — |
| Class of 2025 | 3 of 6 | 50% |
Next Steps
Future evaluation includes resident self-efficacy surveys and faculty observation of clinical integration, plus feedback on experiential activities to refine delivery.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates that lifestyle medicine training can be integrated without adding curricular hours. By restructuring existing didactic time and using wellness activities as practicum opportunities, our program created a sustainable model that aligns with LMRC requirements while preserving space for other educational priorities.
Photographs from the program
Photo 1 — Culinary classes for plant-based options. A group of residents and faculty gather in a kitchen-style classroom setting. Participants are smiling and engaged around a table of fresh produce and prepared dishes during a plant-based cooking session.Photo 2 — Grocery store tour with champion faculty and nutritionist. Residents walk through grocery store aisles with a nutritionist and weight-management specialist, examining labels and discussing healthful food selection in real-world shopping conditions.
More information
The original poster includes a QR code linking to the UAMS Family and Preventive Medicine residency website. Visit the residency program’s website directly for additional details about the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum.