What is lifestyle medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary treatment for chronic conditions, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Lifestyle medicine-certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle changes to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions. Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections—also provides effective prevention for these conditions.

CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency

CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency is an official lifestyle medicine residency program—the only one in Missouri. The residents are members of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the program implements the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum. The curriculum is comprehensive, applicable and flexible, preparing residents to make evidence-based lifestyle behavior interventions. Upon completing the education and practicum components, residents are qualified to sit for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification exam.

CoxHealth FMR has a Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (LMIG), which is led by co-presidents Melanie Kim, DO (PGY3) and Erica Casey, MD (PGY2).

CoxHealth FMR faculty who are Lifestyle Medicine certified:

Cameron Cymes, MD

Kristi Crymes, DO

Katie Davenport-Kabonic, CO