In the latest Derm Dispatch episode hosted by Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, dermatology physician assistant Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, discussed her new certification through the
Neita explained that her long-standing interest in health, fitness, and patient counseling naturally led her to explore lifestyle medicine. Inspired by colleagues including Marsha-Gail Davis, MD, and Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, she pursued the ACLM diplomate program, which emphasizes evidence-based approaches to chronic disease prevention and management through 6 core pillars: nutrition, physical activity, stress management, substance use reduction, restorative sleep, and social connection.
“Patients are hungry for this; they want this information. They need this information. People are always looking for the root cause,” Neita emphasized. For dermatology, she highlighted its relevance in acne, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, hair loss, and aging skin, noting that while biologics and other therapies remain critical, lifestyle interventions often provide meaningful complementary benefit.
Neita described real-world examples where dietary and behavioral factors significantly influenced outcomes. One acne patient relapsed within months of isotretinoin completion after reverting to a highly processed, high-dairy diet, underscoring the interplay between systemic lifestyle factors and dermatologic disease. Similarly, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis have experienced improvements when combining conservative medical therapy with healthier diet patterns, weight loss, and stress reduction.
The ACLM provides clinicians with patient-friendly handouts on each of the 6 pillars. Neita noted these are “detailed, thorough, and accessible without membership,” offering dermatology clinicians practical tools for patient education. However, she acknowledged the need for timing and pacing, as lifestyle counseling can overwhelm patients if introduced during the first visit for complex conditions.
The certification also had profound personal impact. Following a mild COVID-19 infection in 2021, Neita developed stage 2 hypertension, severe fatigue, and muscle weakness. Medications caused unwanted side effects, and she struggled to maintain her clinical and family responsibilities. By prioritizing sleep, adopting a plant-forward diet, and gradually reintroducing exercise, she lost over 30 pounds, restored her health, and regained control of her blood pressure—experiences that reinforced her commitment to lifestyle medicine.
Neita encourages peers to consider certification, acknowledging its rigor but stressing its value. “It gives you validation—you’ve studied for months, taken the exam, and now you can show patients and colleagues that you now have the expertise to be able to treat these patients,” she explained.
Looking forward, Neita hopes to expand her role as an advocate and educator, encouraging dermatology clinicians to integrate lifestyle principles alongside traditional therapies.