Special Recognition Awards

Creighton University is being recognized in the Clinic/Innovations category for its visionary leadership in embedding lifestyle medicine across both academia and clinical practice, exemplified by the establishment of the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic in 2008. Under the direction of Program Director and lifestyle medicine champion, Dr. Tom Lenz, this pioneering initiative, which remains strong today, laid the foundation for integrating lifestyle medicine into Creighton’s curriculum and clinical training. Lifestyle medicine was first introduced to Creighton University by Dr. Tom Lenz in 2001. Creighton's dedication to lifestyle medicine now spans over two decades, and they've continued to build on Dr. Lenz's vision of bringing lifestyle medicine into patient and clinical care. The 2008 clinic paved the way for a lifestyle medicine–focused residency in 2009, the launch of graduate and undergraduate programs in 2012, and community-based initiatives in 2018, including the Creighton Highlander Food Pharmacy. Dr. Tom Lenz will accept this award on behalf of Creighton University, honoring the enduring impact of these efforts on the university and the advancement of lifestyle medicine nationwide.

Loma Linda University is being recognized as one of the first institutions to implement the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum—an achievement driven by the dedication of many at the university, including Dr. Karen Studer, who will accept this award on its behalf. Dr. Studer, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Program Director of the Preventive Medicine Residency, exemplifies Loma Linda’s long-standing commitment to advancing preventive and lifestyle medicine education. Under her leadership and through the university’s collective efforts, Loma Linda has become a national leader in integrating lifestyle medicine into graduate medical training—empowering future clinicians with the knowledge and skills to deliver whole-person care and pursue certification in lifestyle medicine.

Université Laval is being recognized as the first university in Canada to integrate the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC) into its Family Medicine Residency Program—an inspiring milestone for lifestyle medicine education in the country. This achievement was championed by Dr. Caroline Rheaumé, a family physician, clinical researcher, and professor in the Faculty of Medicine, who will accept this award on behalf of the university. A certified IBLM diplomate, Dr. Rhéaume exemplifies Université Laval’s commitment to advancing lifestyle medicine education. Through the university’s leadership and collective efforts, Université Laval has become a national pioneer in integrating lifestyle medicine into graduate medical training, equipping future clinicians with the knowledge and skills to deliver whole-person care and pursue certification in lifestyle medicine in Canada.

UNT Health Fort Worth is being recognized for its pioneering leadership in graduate education through the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences. Under the direction of Drs. Misti Zablosky and Debbie Gillespie, the university launched the Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences and Coaching degree in 2020. This is one of the first programs to fully integrate lifestyle medicine with nationally recognized health and wellness coaching competencies. Dr. Zablosky, who serves as Department Chair, has led innovative curriculum design and community impact initiatives, including clinical tracks, digital health integration, and CME programs for healthcare providers. Dr. Gillespie, one of the first International Board of Lifestyle Medicine–certified registered dietitians, envisioned and developed the original graduate certificate, which later evolved into the master’s program, expanding awareness and adoption of lifestyle medicine across North Texas. Together, they have positioned UNT Health Fort Worth as a national model for advancing lifestyle medicine education and improving community health outcomes.

Point Loma Nazarene University is being recognized as the first university to implement the full academic pathway in lifestyle medicine—an achievement championed by Dr. Jessica Matthews, who will accept this award on the university’s behalf. Dr. Matthews developed and directs PLNU’s M.S. in Integrative Wellness program, one of the nation’s first to integrate lifestyle medicine, health coaching, and clinical experiences in partnership with UC San Diego Health. Her leadership has embedded lifestyle medicine and health equity across multiple programs—from general education courses to PA, OT, and Nursing—creating an interdisciplinary model now emulated by other universities. Through her visionary efforts, PLNU has become a national leader in advancing whole-person health education and preparing the next generation of board-certified lifestyle medicine professionals.

This award honors their visionary leadership in embedding lifestyle medicine into the core of psychiatric care. Under the presidency of Dr. Viswanathan and through Dr. Merlo’s tireless advocacy, the American Psychiatric Association took bold, systemic steps to formalize lifestyle psychiatry as a fundamental component of mental health practice. They launched the Presidential Workgroup on Lifestyle Psychiatry, uniting over 350 professionals, and produced a landmark 370-page resource that now forms the basis of a national lifestyle psychiatry curriculum. They also established an endowed annual lecture on lifestyle medicine in psychiatry. Through their efforts, the APA has redefined mental health education and practice, ensuring lifestyle medicine becomes an enduring pillar of psychiatric care. ACLM is proud to recognize both of their individual contributions and APA’s pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health care. This well-deserved recognition reflects their collective impact and leadership.

This award honors Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst for her visionary leadership in advancing lifestyle medicine through education and public policy. Senator Kolkhorst, along with 38 bipartisan co-sponsors, championed Texas Senate Bill 25, which was signed into law in June 2025. SB 25 promotes health and nutrition through four key initiatives: requiring warning labels on food products containing certain chemicals, expanding nutrition education for healthcare professionals and students, increasing physical activity in public schools, and establishing the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee to guide state-specific nutrition guidelines. Through this landmark legislation, Senator Kolkhorst has set a bold example for integrating the principles of lifestyle medicine into policy, education, and community health—earning the Special Recognition Award in the Government category.