Be part of a bigger change

The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) is a multidisciplinary society working towards improved prevention, management, and treatment of chronic, complex and lifestyle-related conditions.  ‘Lifestyle-related’ includes environmental, societal, behavioural and other factors.  Lifestyle Medicine is a rapidly growing discipline with numerous colleges and societies around the world and many more countries starting up.

ASLM members include GPs and medical specialists, allied health practitioners, public health professionals, educators and researchers.  In practical terms, Lifestyle Medicine involves a range of professionals working together to address physical inactivity, poor diet or nutrition, smoking, alcohol overconsumption, chronic stress, anxiety, poor or inadequate sleep, social isolation, loss of culture and identity, exposures to toxins, and other influences of society and environment.

Importantly, Lifestyle Medicine is both a discipline, and a movement for change.  We advocate for innovation in clinical practice and prevention, in particular addressing the drivers of chronic disease, health equity and environmental sustainability.  Areas of focus include reversing type 2 diabetes, weight loss and management, Shared Medical Appointments, largely plant-based whole food nutrition, reducing sugar consumption, and of course reducing harm from alcohol overuse.

Be part of a bigger change and join the Lifestyle Medicine movement. You’ll feel at home in our energetic, resourceful and creative multidisciplinary society.

Shared Medical Appointments

Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs), also called ‘Group Visits’, are a revolutionary way of managing chronic disease in primary care. They are “A series of consecutive individual medical consultations in a supportive group setting where all can listen, interact, and learn.” A SMA is both an individual consultation and a group education session.

SMAs involve a doctor, a facilitator (usually an allied health professional) who directs the 60 to 90 minute session and manages group dynamics, and 6 to 12 patients at a time. If you’re frustrated with the limitations of 1:1 consulting, SMAs are for you – and for your patients.

Become a Registered SMA Facilitator by attending a one day training course and followup assessment. ASLM provides an ongoing support structure for GPs and Facilitators trained in the SMA protocol.