Lifestyle Medicine (Blended)

Program Overview

The Lifestyle Medicine program at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences is a two-year Master's degree program designed to train professionals in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases. Offered in a blended learning format, the program combines online and on-site learning, making it accessible to students with varying schedules and locations. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement lifestyle changes, evaluate health risks, and develop health strategies and policies in various settings, including healthcare, public health, and private practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Lifestyle Medicine program at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) is a two-year Master's degree program designed to train professionals who can promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. This program is offered in a blended learning format, combining online and on-site learning, making it accessible to students who may not be able to relocate or attend full-time classes.

Objectives:

The program's objectives include:

• Equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to implement lifestyle changes in individuals, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.
• Training graduates to evaluate the risks associated with harmful habits and addictions.
• Providing graduates with the ability to identify and assess environmental, lifestyle, psychological, and biological health risk factors.
• Developing graduates' expertise in creating and implementing health strategies and policies.

Program Description:

The Lifestyle Medicine program focuses on the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex pathways that lead to chronic diseases. This program emphasizes prevention and early intervention, aiming to reduce the burden of chronic diseases on individuals and society.

Outline:

The Lifestyle Medicine program curriculum is divided into two academic years, with each year consisting of two semesters.

• Epidemiology of Chronic and Communicable Diseases: This module examines the patterns, causes, and risk factors of chronic and communicable diseases.
• Public Health: This module focuses on the principles and methods of public health, including health promotion, disease prevention, and health systems strengthening.
• Nutrition: This module explores the role of nutrition in health and disease, covering topics such as dietary guidelines, nutrient requirements, and food labeling.
• Physical Activity and Health: This module examines the benefits of physical activity for health and explores various forms of exercise and their impact on physical and mental well-being.
• Mental Health and Lifestyle: This module investigates the relationship between mental health and lifestyle, exploring topics such as stress management, depression, and anxiety.
• Research Work in Lifestyle Medicine: This module introduces students to research methodologies and provides them with the opportunity to conduct a research project on a topic related to Lifestyle Medicine.
• Elective Courses: Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to personalize their learning experience and explore areas of particular interest.
• Master Theses Preparation: Students begin developing their Master's thesis research proposal in preparation for the second year.

Year 2:

• Health Promotion and Prevention: This module focuses on strategies for promoting health and preventing disease, including health education, behavior change, and community-based interventions.
• Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs: The Role of the Lifestyle Medicine Specialist in Prevention and Management of Substance Abuse: This module explores the challenges associated with substance abuse and equips students with the skills to prevent and manage substance use disorders.
• Implementing Lifestyle Medicine in clinics and practices: This module provides students with practical skills for implementing Lifestyle Medicine interventions in healthcare settings, including communication strategies, patient education, and motivational interviewing.
• Environment, Health and Safety: This module explores the impact of the environment on health, including topics such as air pollution, water quality, and climate change.
• Elective Courses: Students can choose from additional elective courses to deepen their understanding of specific areas within Lifestyle Medicine.
• Practice: Students participate in supervised practice placements in various settings to gain practical experience in applying their knowledge and skills.
• Master Theses Preparation: Students continue developing and refining their Master's thesis research and prepare for their thesis defense.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the Lifestyle Medicine program include a combination of:

• Examinations: Written and oral examinations are used to assess students' understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the modules.
• Assignments: Students complete assignments throughout the program to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to practical situations.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings and participate in group discussions to develop their communication skills.
• Master's Thesis: Students conduct a research project and write a Master's thesis, which is assessed by a panel of experts.

Teaching:

The Lifestyle Medicine program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of public health, nutrition, exercise science, psychology, and medicine. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and case studies.

Careers:

The Lifestyle Medicine program prepares graduates for careers in various settings, including:

• Primary healthcare: Working alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases.
• Public health: Working with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to develop and implement public health programs.
• Private practice: Establishing private practices as Lifestyle Medicine Consultants or coaches, providing personalized guidance to individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being.
• Research: Pursuing research careers in academic institutions or research organizations, focusing on various aspects of Lifestyle Medicine and its impact on health outcomes.
• Education: Teaching courses on Lifestyle Medicine at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions.

Other:

• The program offers a unique opportunity to study Lifestyle Medicine in a blended learning format, combining online convenience with on-site intensive sessions.
• The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, creating a multicultural learning environment.

Tuition fee (per year): €5,266