Doctors For Nutrition (DFN) today announced that the 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Certification exam, offered in partnership with the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM), will take place on Sunday 29 November 2026 in Sydney, Australia. This in‑person exam offers physicians and other health professionals from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands a pathway to become internationally recognised Diplomates of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (DipIBLM).
Exam announcement
Doctors For Nutrition, the Australasian and Pacific Island representative of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, will host the 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Certification exam in Sydney on 29 November 2026. The exam will provide eligible clinicians with the opportunity to gain formal certification in lifestyle medicine and join a growing global network of lifestyle medicine practitioners.
"Lifestyle medicine certification equips clinicians with practical, evidence-based tools to address the root causes of chronic disease, not just its symptoms," said Doctors For Nutrition's CEO. "Holding the DipIBLM credential signals a commitment to prevention-focused, whole-person care at a time when non-communicable diseases are placing unprecedented strain on our health systems."
Why lifestyle medicine now
Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat and, when applied intensively, often reverse chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Clinicians trained in lifestyle medicine apply structured, prescriptive lifestyle change alongside, and sometimes ahead of, conventional pharmacological approaches to improve patient outcomes.
By integrating lifestyle medicine into clinical practice, doctors can shift care upstream to prevention and early intervention, reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases on individuals and health systems. This approach aligns with evolving models of care that prioritise value, sustainability and patient empowerment across primary and specialist care settings.
The six pillars of lifestyle medicine
The Lifestyle Medicine Certification program trains clinicians to master six evidence-based pillars of care that underpin effective prevention and treatment of chronic disease.
Whole‑food, plant‑predominant eating patterns to improve cardiometabolic risk factors and support healthy weight management.
Regular physical activity to enhance cardiovascular fitness, insulin sensitivity and mental health.
Restorative sleep to optimise hormonal regulation, cognitive performance and long-term health.
Stress management strategies to mitigate the impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health.
Avoidance of risky substances, including tobacco and harmful alcohol use, to prevent a wide range of lifestyle-related diseases.
Positive social connections that support adherence, resilience and psychological wellbeing.
These pillars are backed by a robust body of evidence demonstrating their capacity to prevent, manage and often reverse chronic diseases when implemented systematically in clinical practice.
Certification pathway and benefits
The Lifestyle Medicine Certification pathway offered through Doctors For Nutrition is designed for physicians and other qualified health professionals across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Candidates complete a structured program that includes online continuing medical education (CME), event-based CME and a lifestyle medicine case study before sitting the in‑person exam.
Certification as an IBLM Diplomate signifies specialised knowledge and competency in the practice of lifestyle medicine, with international recognition as a leader in this rapidly growing field. The credential enhances professional credibility, supports career advancement and aligns clinicians with global standards set by the peak lifestyle medicine certification body.
Call to action
Health professionals interested in sitting the 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Certification exam in Sydney are encouraged to review eligibility criteria, enrolment timelines and prerequisite requirements via the Doctors For Nutrition website. As places are limited, prospective candidates are advised to commence their CME prerequisites well ahead of the 29 November 2026 exam date to ensure they can be finalised at least 30 days prior to the exam.
