Why Certify

Most health professionals get little to no training in addressing the root causes of non-communicable diseases and yet a large proportion of healthcare costs are spent on treating non-communicable diseases worldwide. That’s why certification in lifestyle medicine can be valuable, by filling the knowledge gap and providing practical skills that can help health professionals respond to the current public health emergency in lifestyle-related diseases (Hay et al, 2017). Certification (Accreditation) demonstrates your commitment to, and expertise in, preventing, managing and reversing chronic non-communicable diseases. 

Who should certify?

Certification is for both medical and allied health professionals, who believe in Lifestyle Medicine principles as being the first line in the treatment of non-communicable disease. Gain professional credibility, join a global community of like-minded health professionals and have a positive impact on the wider society. 

How to certify

We offer two pathways towards certification in Lifestyle Medicine:

SALMA Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine

Certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician or Health Professional with this self-paced course accredited by the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation.

This course is suitable for both practicing medical doctors and health professionals holding a minimum of a degree level qualification in a healthcare related field.

For more information and to apply please email:

info@salifestylemedicine.org

Certification as an IBLM Diplomate

The International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM) is a leading global body certifying medical practitioners and doctorate/master’s level health professionals in evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine.

Please check the locations where the certification exams are held, the certification procedures and the eligibility criteria here:

SALMA Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine

SALMA Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine is an immersive, engaging programme offering both global insights and local relevance. It ensures an in-depth understanding of the principles and theory that underpin Lifestyle Medicine, while also developing practical skills to apply this knowledge in both professional practice and personal life.

 

By enrolling in the Accreditation programme, you will receive the following benefits:

  • Access to course content; released as you move through the stages of the programme
  • Assessments marked throughout the programme with feedback provided
  • Virtual Delegate Pass to BSLM 2025

In addition, support for learners will be provided throughout the programme and will be made available once the learner has signed up.

Following completion of the Accreditation programme learners will be eligible to join a Maintenance of Accreditation Programme, managed by SALMA. Completion of the requirements of this will nullify the need to resit the programme after 10 years. 

Programme Structure

Delivered through a flexible, self-paced Learning Management System supported by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, the Accreditation course consists of three levels:

 

  • Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine & Key Studies – Your starting point, covering core principles.
  • The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine – An in-depth study into the key elements of Lifestyle Medicine.
  • Lifestyle Medicine Skills – Practical applications to transform patient care and enhance well-being.

Join our growing community of Lifestyle Medicine Practitioners, accredited by SALMA and the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation (WLMO).

Ready to advance your practice?

Contact us

To find out more about the SALMA Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine, please contact us at info@salifestylemedicine.org and we will be happy to answer your queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements?

The programme has 2 levels: It is suitable for registered medical doctors and those health professionals holding a minimum of a degree level qualification in a healthcare related field. The course content is the same for both levels, the difference is the assessment criteria.

Do I need to be a member of SALMA to access the Accreditation Programme?

Yes, you will need to register as a member of SALMA before enrolling into the Accreditation programme and remain a member for the duration of the course.

Is there an in-person attendance requirement?

Yes, to pass the Accreditation programme all learners are required to have accumulated 10 in-person CPD hours. At present, this requirement can only be satisfied via virtual or in-person attendance at the BSLM Annual Conference. A pass to the conference is included in the course fee.

Do I get all the course content/materials immediately?

No. The nature of the programme is that of a spiral, whereby further content becomes available once you have passed the assessment of the content you have been studying. All learners will start with “Lifestyle Medicine: A Foundation Course” and upon passing the assessment for this module will then have access to the individual pillar courses. This is similar in principle to university learning.

What are the programme fees?

The course will be invoiced by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and will cost £500.00.

Is there an option to pay in instalments?

There is currently no option to pay in instalments.

Is there a specific time of the year the Accreditation starts and finishes?

No, learners can start at any point of the year and work at their own pace. We expect that the course programme will take between nine months and a year to complete, which will allow learners to fully benefit from the rich content. However, you have a maximum period of 30 months to complete and a reminder that pre-requisites, like in-person attendance must be within that 30-month period.

Is there any impact to my qualification status if I do not join the Maintenance of Accreditation?

In accordance with international standards, health care professionals must recertify in a chosen field every 10 years. The maintenance of accreditation was created as an alternative to that but failure to join or adhere to the requirements, would mean one must repeat the accreditation.

How long will it take me to complete the programme?

We anticipate it will take 60 hours to study the content provided in the Accreditation programme, plus additional time needed to write your assessments. As mentioned elsewhere in the FAQ, you have 30 months to complete the programme. Most students complete within 12 months, which works out at an average of 5 hours per month for course content, not counting time spent on completing your assessments.