HEAL Scholarship Program:

The HEAL Initiative launched the HEAL Scholarship Program as part of its mission to address health disparities through lifestyle medicine (LM). Supporting a diverse health care workforce and delivering particular support to those providing care to marginalized people is the mission of this scholarship program. In recognition that achieving a diverse LM workforce is essential to that mission, this scholarship awards underrepresented in medicine (URM) clinicians with need-based scholarships to assist applicants with the costs associated with attaining education and certification in lifestyle medicine. This opportunity is open to applicants practicing in the United States. 

HEAL Scholarship includes:

ABLM/ACLM Board Certification Exam and Preparation

The Program will support partial (50%) and full (100%) scholarships based on need and funding availability to cover certification expenses, where certification expenses include:

• Approved CME through the Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course.
• Approved in-person CME through LM2022 conference attendance.
• Exam registration and certification fees.*
• One year of ACLM Membership.
•  A $550 travel stipend to attend the LM2022 conference in-person in Orlando, FL. 
  *Certification expenses vary by profession type. 

This scholarship equates to a value of up to $3,670 for physicians, $3,490 for doctoral-level, $3,390 for master-level and $3,021 for bachelor-level recipients. 

HEAL Scholarship criteria:

Eligibility: Individuals eligible to apply will be a) a physician, professional, or practitioner who is eligible to become a certified diplomate (Become Certified - ABLM & ACLM ), who b) self-identifies as a member of a racial or ethnic group historically underrepresented in medicine (URM) as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)—Black or African American, Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and c) practicing within the United States. 

Preferred Experience: Providers demonstrating a solid commitment to an evidence-based lifestyle medicine-first approach to their practice. Individuals demonstrating a commitment to health equity.

Awarding: Award recipients may receive the HEAL Education Scholarship once. Funding will be allocated based on financial need as indicated in the application and the strength of applicant statements about how scholarship support will help them in their lifestyle medicine-related missions. Eligible applicants not previously selected are welcome to apply the following year. 
Please note ACLM does not reimburse for prior certification exam fees, course enrollment fees or associated expenses. 

As defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): URM refers to those "racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."

HEAL Scholarship timeline:

Apply Now

Health Disparities Solutions Summit (HDSS) History:

The HDSS was born out of the vision of former ACLM President Dexter Shurney, with generous support from the Ardmore Institute of Health, to address dietary lifestyle and stress in economically challenged and diverse communities. This event brought together some of our nation’s foremost thought leaders in regard to one of the most pressing issues of our time. 
 
The objective of the HDSS is to spark discussion, leading to expert consensus recommended action steps addressing the lifestyle-related chronic disease health disparities that are ravaging our underserved communities. Interdisciplinary solutions created from the collective knowledge and experiences of practitioners and experts from across multiple sectors are urgently needed. We know the power of diversity in minds and voices in developing effective solutions, and this summit seeks to harness this collective power. 
 
This last year has shown a bright light on how lifestyle-related chronic disease has exacerbated vulnerability in regard to the Covid-19 virus, with communities of color being disproportionately impacted. Addressing these alarming health disparities is the purpose of this HDSS and an extension of the work of ACLM’s HEAL Member Interest Group, led by Drs. Terri Stone and Marsha-Gail Davis.

Health Disparities Solutions Summit (HDSS) White Paper:

The HDSS White Paper was published and addresses the disparities in healthcare.