Creating an Interprofessional Network in Lifestyle Medicine: The Journey of the Canadian Academy of Lifestyle Medicine

Abstract

Canada’s population is increasing, and aging. These demographic patterns are accompanied by a growing awareness and evidence base of the benefits to society of leading a healthy and active life. The Canadian Academy of Lifestyle Medicine (CALM) was created to fill a knowledge gap in the Canadian public: how to lead a healthier and more active life. CALM aimed to address these challenges by confronting the lack of assistance modern medicine provides. As a diverse collaborative network using a lifestyle medicine philosophy, CALM’s objective was to generate discussions and examine lifestyle medicine approaches to improving overall health and well-being for Canadians. CALM aimed to engage patients whose access to health care is through a physician and provide an innovative platform to support care and healthy decision making. Despite perceived widespread support, intense planning, and extensive development, CALM was slow to gain traction and realize its full potential. This article describes the experiences and lessons learned in creating CALM from the perspective of the leadership team. Although most CALM activities have ceased, virtual space and social media remain active so too does the work of the leadership team, striving to enable Canadians to develop behaviors that will improve their lifestyle, and their overall well-being.