The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is undergoing a significant transition as Susan Benigas steps down from her role as CEO to take on the position of CEO emeritus and senior advisor. This change comes after over 12 years of remarkable growth and leadership, a period that has seen ACLM evolve from a small organization into a global advocate for lifestyle medicine. The announcement was made on June 3, 2026, and the new CEO will be revealed on June 4.

Background on Susan Benigas and ACLM

Susan Benigas joined ACLM in March 2014 when the organization had just 380 members and a single employee. Under her guidance, ACLM has expanded its membership to over 16,000 professionals, supported by 48 staff members across 23 states. This transformation represents an astonishing growth rate of more than 4,000% in both size and revenue. Benigas’ leadership has been crucial in positioning ACLM as a leading voice in lifestyle medicine, influencing clinicians, health systems, and policymakers across the United States.

ACLM, founded to advance the field of lifestyle medicine, focuses on using lifestyle changes to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Benigas has been instrumental in promoting this vision, ensuring that lifestyle medicine is recognized as a legitimate medical specialty. Her efforts have included the co-founding of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance and the establishment of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, which has certified over 10,000 health professionals worldwide.

Milestones Achieved Under Benigas’ Leadership

During her tenure, ACLM achieved several significant milestones. One of the most noteworthy was the organization’s induction into the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates in 2024, marking a historic recognition for lifestyle medicine. This acknowledgment not only solidified ACLM’s position within the medical community but also highlighted the importance of lifestyle medicine in contemporary healthcare.

Another major achievement was the White House’s recognition of ACLM during the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The event presented ACLM’s commitment to promoting food as medicine, ultimately providing lifestyle medicine education to nearly 80,000 clinicians nationwide. These initiatives underscore the growing awareness of lifestyle medicine as a critical factor in addressing public health challenges.

Implications for the Future of Lifestyle Medicine

Benigas’ transition to an emeritus role raises several implications for the future of ACLM and the field of lifestyle medicine. First, the new leadership will need to maintain the momentum established during her tenure. The incoming CEO will face the challenge of expanding ACLM’s influence further, especially as lifestyle medicine becomes increasingly integrated into mainstream healthcare practices.

Secondly, the ongoing education of healthcare professionals remains a priority. With over 1.2 million hours of continuing medical education (CME) and continuing education (CE) delivered under Benigas’ leadership, the new CEO must continue to address the gaps in medical education related to lifestyle medicine. This effort is crucial for equipping clinicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement lifestyle interventions effectively.

Lastly, the market reaction to this leadership change will be closely monitored. Stakeholders, including members, healthcare providers, and policymakers, will be watching how ACLM adapts to new leadership. The organization’s ability to maintain its advocacy for lifestyle medicine amidst changing healthcare dynamics will be critical.

Broader Context and Trends in Lifestyle Medicine

The rise of lifestyle medicine is part of a broader trend in healthcare that emphasizes prevention and holistic approaches to health. As chronic diseases continue to rise, there is a growing recognition of the need for effective lifestyle interventions. This aligns with findings from various studies that indicate lifestyle habits can significantly impact long-term health outcomes, as discussed in articles such as Lifestyle Habits Outweigh Cancer.

Furthermore, the integration of lifestyle medicine into healthcare systems is crucial for achieving the Quintuple Aim of healthcare, which includes improving patient experience, population health, reducing costs, and enhancing clinician experience. As lifestyle medicine continues to gain traction, organizations like ACLM will play a vital role in shaping policy and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a CEO emeritus?

A CEO emeritus typically serves in an advisory capacity, providing guidance and support to the organization while stepping back from day-to-day operations. This allows them to continue contributing their expertise without the responsibilities of active leadership.

How has ACLM’s membership grown under Benigas?

Since Benigas took leadership in 2014, ACLM’s membership has expanded from 380 members to over 16,000, reflecting a significant increase in interest and recognition of lifestyle medicine.

What are the goals for ACLM moving forward?

ACLM aims to continue expanding its influence in lifestyle medicine, enhancing medical education, and advocating for policy changes that support lifestyle interventions in healthcare. The organization seeks to solidify lifestyle medicine as a standard of care globally.

Final Thoughts on ACLM’s Future

As Susan Benigas transitions to her new role, the future of ACLM looks promising. The foundation she helped build will serve as a launching pad for the next phase of growth and influence in lifestyle medicine. The commitment to educating healthcare professionals and advocating for lifestyle interventions will remain at the forefront of ACLM’s mission. The organization is poised to continue its essential work in promoting health through lifestyle changes, which is increasingly recognized as vital in the fight against chronic diseases.