3rd International Lifestyle Medicine Congress: Craft, Science & Art of Lifestyle Medicine
Introduction
The 3rd International Lifestyle Medicine Congress was held from 11 to 13 April 2025 at the University of Split School of Medicine, organised by the Croatian Lifestyle Medicine Association (CROLMA). Under the theme “Craft, Science & Art of Lifestyle Medicine”, the congress brought together experts from Croatia and abroad and health professionals interested in prevention, the drivers of chronic disease and the practical application of lifestyle medicine.
Over three days, participants attended lectures and discussions and took part in practical workshops. The programme included panels, round tables and interactive workshops. Speakers and participants included Academician Stjepan Gamulin, Sanja Musić Milanović, Ivana Kolčić and Academician Davor Miličić, alongside many other Croatian and international professionals.
What made the 3rd International Lifestyle Medicine Congress different
Alongside the professional programme, interdisciplinary work and practical application in everyday clinical care were an important part of the congress.
Interactive formats and conversations between sessions gave participants space to discuss practical problems and tools they could use in patient care.
Participant perspectives
Marin's perspective
“I arrived without particular expectations and left feeling that this was the most memorable congress I had attended so far. The variety of the programme, the speakers and the enjoyable interactive workshops such as olive oil tasting, healthy cooking, Pilates and singing showed that something practical and worthwhile was developing in Croatia. The people working behind the scenes and their commitment were what motivated me to join the Association.” Marin P.
Ana's perspective
“The congress atmosphere felt fresh and optimistic, with a sense that population lifestyle habits can be changed in ways that support individual health and reduce the burden of an ageing and increasingly unwell population. The closing message was that small everyday changes can have meaningful effects on the health of individuals and communities.” Ana K.
Interactive workshops and World Café
World Café sessions, practical workshops and informal conversations were an important part of the programme and created space to discuss how lifestyle medicine can be applied in clinical work.
Workshops such as “Food as Medicine”, olive oil tasting, Pilates, mindfulness and singing, together with World Café groups on type 2 diabetes, women's health, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, children's health and the health of healthcare professionals, gave participants a chance to connect scientific concepts with everyday life through experiential learning.
Changing the emphasis in healthcare
Examples from clinics and hospitals opened discussion about giving greater attention to prevention and to factors that contribute to chronic noncommunicable disease alongside standard treatment.
The discussions also addressed the place of lifestyle medicine in the healthcare system and the need for further education of health professionals.
What comes next?
Information about future congresses and other CROLMA events is published at crolma.net.
We also share announcements about workshops, education and other professional content on our social media channels.