Establishment and First Meeting of the Lifestyle Medicine Advisory Council (LMAC)
The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) has taken a significant step in its commitment to advance Lifestyle Medicine across Australia and New Zealand with the formation of the Lifestyle Medicine Advisory Council (LMAC). This newly established council, chaired by Dr Sam Manger, is comprised of an esteemed group of professionals dedicated to promoting evidence-based lifestyle interventions for health and wellbeing.
The LMAC brings together an impressive team of experts from diverse fields, including clinical practice, public health, research, health coaching, and medical education. Council members include Distinguished Professor Barbora de Courten OAM, Professor Boyd Swinburn, Professor Maximilian de Courten MD MPH, Dr Ross Carne, Dr Eileen Gourley, Sophie Carne, Simon Matthews FACLM DipIBLM MHlthSc, and Dr Elise Ecker. Supporting the Council are ASLM President Dr Hung The Nguyen and CEO Roni Beauchamp, underscoring ASLM’s dedication to establishing Lifestyle Medicine as an integral part of healthcare practice.
Learn more about the members of The LMAC here.
The First Meeting: A Foundation for Strategic Action
On Tuesday 22nd October 2024, the LMAC convened for the first time, laying the groundwork for their advisory role to the ASLM Board. This initial gathering provided an opportunity for each member to share their vision, priorities, and expertise in Lifestyle Medicine, generating dynamic discussions on how to integrate this approach more comprehensively into the healthcare systems of Australia and New Zealand. The members’ insights highlighted their shared goal: to make Lifestyle Medicine central to health practices and policies, fostering greater public health outcomes across the region.
The Council identified key priorities, such as embedding Lifestyle Medicine into healthcare training and health services, growing our clinical and research membership, championing Lifestyle Medicine media campaigns and policy advocacy, and mentoring the next generation of Lifestyle Medicine professionals. By focusing on these areas, the Council aims to support ASLM to lead the movement in whole of person and whole of community modern healthcare that embraces the core pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, including but not limited to food, movement, mind-body approaches, sleep, social connection, nature prescriptions, social prescribing, health coaching and avoidance of harmful screen and substance use.
Strategic Framework: Terms of Reference
The LMAC’s mission is defined by the Terms of Reference, which outline the dual objectives of providing strategic guidance on ASLM’s initiatives and expanding the reach of Lifestyle Medicine. Acting as a trusted advisory body, the Council will offer the ASLM Board expert insights and targeted recommendations to contribute to a vision of healthcare where lifestyle and social-based interventions are both foundational and transformative.Commitment to Ongoing Collaboration
To maintain momentum and foster effective collaboration, the LMAC is scheduled to meet three times per year, with additional meetings as needed. This structure ensures a steady flow of dialogue between the Council and the ASLM Board, allowing for both immediate feedback on ASLM initiatives and longer-term strategic guidance. Together, ASLM and the LMAC are poised to drive impactful changes in the healthcare landscape, supporting ASLM’s mission to advance health and wellness in communities across Australasia.
The next LMAC meeting is set for early 2025, where members will continue to work together to enhance the influence of Lifestyle Medicine throughout the region. By joining forces with ASLM, the Lifestyle Medicine Advisory Council is uniquely positioned to create sustainable, positive changes in healthcare, helping to realize a vision of healthier, more resilient communities across Australia and New Zealand.
