Announcing the 2025 Lifestyle Medicine Award Winners
The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lifestyle Medicine Awards, recognising individuals and organisations whose leadership, service, and innovation are shaping the future of health across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Presented at the ASLM Sydney Networking & Celebration Evening and the Auckland Networking and Celebration Evening as part of the 2025 Lifestyle Medicine Roadshow, this year’s awards honour pioneers, changemakers, emerging leaders, and dedicated contributors who exemplify the values at the heart of Lifestyle Medicine: prevention, equity, evidence, and whole-person care.
Pioneer of Lifestyle Medicine Award
A/Prof John Stevens
A founding Director of ASLM, Associate Professor John Stevens has played a defining role in building the movement since its formal establishment in 2008. Through his leadership, research, and advocacy, John has shaped education, systems of care, and professional practice across the region. His pioneering work in Shared Medical
Appointments and his lifelong commitment to prevention and community wellbeing continue to influence the future of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2025, John retired from the ASLM Board, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter of service.
Lifestyle Medicine Changemaker Award
Dr Michelle Woolhouse
Dr Michelle Woolhouse was recognised for her significant influence through clinical practice, education, mentoring, and public communication. Her integrative, whole-person approach to healthcare has helped reshape how individuals and professionals think about health, wellbeing, and sustainable change. Through her leadership roles, writing, speaking, and advocacy, Dr Woolhouse continues to contribute meaningfully to national conversations about Lifestyle Medicine and prevention-focused care.
Lifestyle Medicine Changemaker Award (Organisation)
Real Life Medicine, Founded by Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson
Real Life Medicine was recognised for delivering impactful programs and public education that empower women to improve metabolic health and achieve sustainable behaviour change. By translating evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine principles into compassionate, real-world support, Real Life Medicine is helping reshape how communities understand health, weight, and wellbeing.
Lifestyle Medicine Rising Star Award
Dr Valerie Quah
Dr Valerie Quah was recognised for her innovative and culturally responsive application of Lifestyle Medicine within an Aboriginal Medical Service. Her work expanding Shared Medical Appointments into settings such as alcohol rehabilitation, youth health, and diabetes care reflects a strong commitment to equity, community connection, and evidence-based practice. Dr Quah’s leadership and creativity mark her as a rising force in Lifestyle Medicine.
Student Leadership in Lifestyle Medicine Award
Angus Skeen
Angus Skeen was recognised for his pivotal role in establishing and growing the Monash University Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (MULMIG). From founding committee member to Co-Chair and Major Events Coordinator, Angus has championed Lifestyle Medicine among students and early-career professionals, helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in the field.
Outstanding Contribution to Lifestyle Medicine Award
Dr Clea Alexander
Dr Clea Alexander was recognised for her steadfast support, volunteerism, and significant contribution to ASLM’s education initiatives. A General Practitioner, Mental Health and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, and Accredited Health Coach, Dr Alexander has played a central role in the development of the ASLM Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine (AALM) curriculum, while also generously volunteering at ASLM events. Her dedication reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of ASLM.
Outstanding Contribution to Lifestyle Medicine Award
Gary Smith
Gary Smith (ArmchairMedical) was honoured for his extraordinary generosity and behind-the-scenes support of ASLM over many years. Through voluntarily recording and distributing ASLM conferences, guiding countless AV challenges, and supporting accessibility to education, Gary has strengthened ASLM’s ability to connect with members across Australasia and beyond.
Outstanding Contribution to Lifestyle Medicine (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Ruth Troughton
Ruth Troughton was honoured for her exceptional dedication to advancing Lifestyle Medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand and strengthening ASLM’s trans-Tasman community. A Registered Physiotherapist with more than 25 years’ experience across physical and mental health settings, Ruth’s thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to evidence-based practice have made a lasting contribution to ASLM and to holistic healthcare across the region.
Celebrating Our Community
Each of the 2025 award recipients reflects the diversity, depth, and strength of the Lifestyle Medicine movement. From pioneers and educators to emerging leaders and dedicated contributors, these awards celebrate the collective effort required to bring Lifestyle Medicine to the forefront of healthcare.
ASLM congratulates all award winners and thanks them for their leadership, service, and commitment to improving health and wellbeing across Australasia.
Lifestyle Medicine Awards – Previous Winners
The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine introduced the annual Lifestyle Medicine Awards in 2020. Click below to look back on past award winners.
NOMINATE FOR THE 2026 LIFESTYLE MEDICINE AWARDS
The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine invites nominations, including self-nominations, to recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the research, practice, and promotion of Lifestyle as Medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
Winners will be announced at the LM26 Conference in Hobart on 13-15 November 2026.
