Prior to application for ACLM Fellow status, the ACLM member must meet the following qualifications.

Please note that all required forms and documentation must be completed in the online application prior to submission for committee approval. Please include an updated curriculum vitae. You will need to provide the appropriate documentation for each question answered with a “yes.” This is a very lengthy application, and you can start/stop. The review period for each applicant is approximately 12–15 hours of staff time. It is vital to include all relevant information and proper documentation.

Prior to application for ACLM Fellow status, the ACLM member must meet the following qualifications. Please note that all required forms and documentation must be completed in the online application prior to submission for committee approval. At a minimum, Fellows applicants must:

• Be an MD or DO engaged in the practice, teaching, or research in some relevant aspect of lifestyle medicine and certified in some other specialty of medicine recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. OR a doctorate-level professional (PhD, DrPH, DDS, ND, etc.) engaged in practice, teaching, or research in some relevant aspect of lifestyle medicine, appropriately certified and/or licensed relative to their training, practice, and locale. OR a licensed clinical team member holding a master’s degree* earned from an accredited academic institution and engaged in practice, teaching, or research in some relevant aspect of lifestyle medicine, appropriately certified and/or licensed relative to their training, practice, and locale. *Bachelor-level clinicians licensed in fields that now require a master’s degree are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants should be graduates of a U.S.-based medical school/doctoral/master-level program or have completed their residency/ fellowship or post-doctorate education in the U.S. Lifestyle medicine professionals from countries with established lifestyle medicine societies and a fellowship process are expected to apply to their respective local organizations for fellowship. No more than 25% of an annual Fellow inductee class will be comprised of non-physician/doctoral members.
• Be an active ACLM member in good standing for three consecutive years.
• Be certified in lifestyle medicine through the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM), the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), or the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM).
• Must have two sponsorship recommendation forms submitted from two current Fellows, establishing the applicant’s qualities and worthiness of consideration for ACLM Fellow status. Past and present ACLM Board of Directors and Officers may also be sponsors.
• Demonstrate contributions to the field of lifestyle medicine and to ACLM in one or more of the following categories: leadership, service, scholarly activity, education, and/or practice. Contributions must have appropriate documentation to support the points indicated on their application. 
• Submit a completed Fellows Application by the published deadline. To view a paper copy of the 2025 Fellows application, please click here.

After due consideration, the ACLM Board of Directors may waive a requirement.

The Fellows Application Fee is $200 for physician and doctoral-level applicants. The Fellows Application Fee is $150 for master-level applicants. This fee is in addition to your annual membership fee to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Please pay your application fee once you have completed your online application. Payments can be made directly in the application portal. 

The application fee is non-refundable and used to support the processing and review of Fellows applications, which take 12–15 hours of staff time per applicant.

Fellows are required to remain in “active” membership status with ACLM by paying their annual membership dues to maintain their Fellows distinction and have their profile listed on the ACLM Fellows website.

Fellows who do not renew their ACLM membership will lose their listing and the right to use the FACLM credential.

• Can international applicants apply?
  As of 2022, applicants should be graduates of a U.S.-based medical school/doctoral program or have completed their residency/fellowship or post-doctorate education in the U.S.
• Is the Fellows' fee refundable?
  No. The fee is non-refundable.
• Can I receive a deadline extension?
  The deadline may not be extended. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early or apply next year.
• How long will the application take to complete?
  Please allow at least 1–2 hours to complete the application. However, you can start and stop it at any time before submission, which will save your progress.
• What are some examples of acceptable documentation?
  Examples include letters of recommendation, scholarly publications, presentation abstracts, professional service confirmation, awards, and media coverage. Specific instructions are in the application portal.
• Will I receive feedback if my application is denied?
  Yes, applicants who are not approved will receive feedback and may reapply the following year.
• How will I know if I am approved?
  Applicants will be notified via email after their application has been reviewed by the Fellows Committee and approved by the ACLM Executive Board.
• When will I be recognized as a Fellow?
  New Fellows will be formally recognized each year at ACLM’s Annual Lifestyle Medicine Conference and listed on the Fellows website.

• Applications Open: May 1st every year at 12:00 AM CT.
• Applications Close: EXTENSION GRANTED THIS YEAR: July 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM CT.
• Award Notification: On or before September 15th every year.

Please use this application to help you prepare for the online application. Supporting documentation must be saved in an individual file for each item with points allocated on the Fellows application. It is highly recommended that you set aside time to complete this extensive application.