Aesthetic Medicine Licensing

Deven Sharma MD talks about certification in lifestyle medicine.




Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1994 and a Law Degree in 2005, the field of medicine appealed to me. In 2014, I decided to explore MD study. At my stage of life, I preferred to do an MD without an intern/residency requirement, and I got my MD at Blue Marble University Medical School -Dominica, which did not have a clinical/residency requirement and could be completed entirely online. I started my MD in 2014 and completed it at the end of 2016.
I had an interest in lifestyle medicine, so I contacted the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM). Based on my qualifications, I had to do a health-related master’s level degree from an accredited educational institute. I completed a Masters in E -Health & Telemedicine Management (METM) from UCAM University in Spain. This allowed me to sit for my board certification exam with IBLM in 2020 and I am now a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, which allows me to practice lifestyle medicine. The program took 1 year for the master’s degree and then around 4 to 5 months self-study for IBLM certification exam.

---

I am also a certified health coach with American Council on Exercise (ACE) and I completed further training in Medical Laser Therapy for Pain Management and Rehabilitation. Here are the ACE health coach certification requirements.
As for medical laser therapy, the prerequisites vary. However, you generally need some health background like an MD, DO, RN or PA. For low level laser, which I use for pain management, there is no licensing requirement. However, without recognized training you are likely to have problems with insurance payments.In 2020 I completed my Lifestyle Medicine Certification with European Lifestyle Medicine Organization and act as the ELMO Ambassador in New Zealand (Oceania). ELMO is The European Lifestyle Medicine Organization. At the moment I am the sole ambassador in New Zealand.
I have completed my fellowship training with the Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) and am now designated FASLM.
In mid-2020 I purchased a specialist practice that had already been established for 25 years. I am the CEO of this practice and I am now adding lifestyle medicine to this practice. My MD provides tremendous scope in practical terms for non-clinical work, and the job of CEO is much easier with an MD education.

Deven P Sharma MD is the owner and CEO of The Ellerslie Clinic (formerly Kilpan & Associates) in Auckland New Zealand. The clinic is a practice of specialist psychiatrists, psychologists and other health professionals. The practice is an accredited supplier of health services to private health insurers, government agencies, and private paying patients. Dr. Sharma also has professional qualifications and training as a lawyer and a Chartered Accountant.