Why Lifestyle Medicine Belongs in Every Medical School with Dr. Beth Frates

In this episode, we sit down with one of the true pioneers of the lifestyle medicine, Dr. Beth Frates, to explore why lifestyle medicine belongs in every medical school. As a founding leader of the field, former president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and longtime educator at Harvard, Dr. Frates shares the story of how lifestyle medicine has grown from a grassroots idea into a science-driven discipline shaping the future of healthcare.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the opportunities—and barriers—facing lifestyle medicine in medical education today. Dr. Frates breaks down how trainees and faculty can effectively advocate for curriculum change, align lifestyle medicine with core medical competencies, and use evidence-based science to drive institutional buy-in. She also shares her vision for what medical education could look like if lifestyle medicine were introduced from day one.

This episode is packed with practical insights, inspiring reflections, and a hopeful roadmap for training the next generation of physicians. Whether you’re a medical student, resident, educator, or established clinician, Dr. Frates offers powerful guidance on how to move lifestyle medicine from the margins to the mainstream—and how each of us can play a role in shaping a healthier future.

Frates, B., Ortega, H. A., Freeman, K. J., Co, J. P. T., & Bernstein, M. (2024). Lifestyle medicine in medical education: Maximizing impact. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 8(5), 451–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2024.07.003

Lifestyle Medicine 101 Curriculum: https://learning.lifestylemedicine.org/content/lifestyle-medicine-101-curriculum

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