This past November, five Kinwell clinicians traveled to Dallas, Texas, to attend the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference. Each year, clinicians and experts from around the world gather to learn the latest research on preventing and treating chronic conditions through healthy lifestyle habits.
Director of Lifestyle Medicine Dr. Kathleen Tonti-Horne, was accompanied by Dr. Nathan Kerestes and Dr. Angela Szatkowski from Kinwell’s Poulsbo clinic; Dr. Miranda Raiche from Kinwell’s East Wenatchee location; and Lifestyle Medicine Health Coach Heidi Beer.
“It’s always a wonderful experience to connect with colleagues and learn more about the connection between health and lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Tonti-Horne. “Some of the best minds in science are recognizing that the best healthcare starts with good nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other important aspects of daily life.”
Lifestyle and good health
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference is an accredited event for healthcare professionals who integrate lifestyle changes into their clinical practice. Over several days, participants explored evidence-based strategies for preventing, treating, and even reversing chronic diseases.
Sending five clinicians to this influential conference reflects Kinwell’s commitment to patient-centered, holistic care, and to the professional development of clinicians. The team attended sessions by leading researchers, participated in hands-on workshops, and networked with colleagues who share a vision for treating patients through lifestyle medicine.
“We have offered lifestyle medicine programs at Kinwell for over 2 years now,” noted Heidi Beer, a nationally certified lifestyle medicine health coach. “That puts us steps ahead of most primary care centers. Based on all the studies and research presented at the conference, it was clear to me that assisting our patients in following the six pillars of health is paramount to them taking charge of their own well-being. Lifestyle medicine is the patient care of the future, and we are at the foundation of that at Kinwell.”
Key conference highlights
One of the major themes of the conference was the transformative power of plant-based nutrition in managing chronic conditions. Experts presented compelling data on how dietary interventions can lead to substantial improvements in blood glucose control, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health. Attendees also learned about innovative behavioral coaching techniques and digital tools designed to support long-term habit change among patients.
Kinwell clinicians were especially engaged in sessions focused on group medical visits and community-based interventions. These approaches, which harness the strength of peer support and shared learning, mirror Kinwell’s own group programs for chronic disease management. The team returned with new insights into facilitating group dynamics, motivating patients, and tracking progress in a collaborative setting.
Kinwell’s commitment to lifestyle medicine
Kinwell’s group programs for managing diabetes and hypertension offer patients education, support, and practical tools to make sustainable lifestyle changes. These programs address key pillars of health such as nutrition, moving more, stress reduction, and healthy sleep, all tailored to individual needs and goals.
Patients enrolled in Kinwell’s lifestyle medicine group programs participate in regular meetings where they learn about the impact of lifestyle choices on their condition. These sessions foster a sense of community and accountability, empowering participants to share challenges and successes. The recent conference provided Kinwell’s clinicians with fresh strategies to enhance these programs, including innovative coaching methods and updated nutritional guidelines. A new program in 2026 is designed for patients who are taking GLP-1 medication.
Bringing conference insights home
After attending the Dallas conference, Kinwell’s clinicians are implementing several new practices in their group programs. They are sharing their learnings with colleagues, updating educational materials, and refining group programs to reflect the latest best practices. Notably, they plan to incorporate more interactive educational modules and cooking demonstrations, inspired by workshops at the conference. The goal is to make learning about lifestyle medicine both engaging and practical for patients.
As chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension continue to challenge patients nationwide, Kinwell’s programs offer hope and tangible solutions. The conference underscored the importance of building supportive environments that make healthy choices accessible for all. Patients can look forward to even more evidence-based solutions that empower individuals to take charge of their health, and these efforts ensure that Kinwell will remain at the forefront of chronic disease management.
To learn more about Kinwell’s group programs and the potential of lifestyle medicine, talk to your Kinwell clinician. Schedule a visit through your MyChart account. New patients can schedule online or by calling 833-411-5469.
