Bidwell to Represent UMMC at Lifestyle Medicine 2025
Dr. Josie Bidwell, professor of preventive medicine at the John D. Bower School of Population Health, has been invited to serve as a featured panelist at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s premier event – Lifestyle Medicine 2025 – taking place this November.
She will participate in the national panel discussion “From Populations to Individual Patients: Bridging the Public Health and Clinical Care Divide,” moderated by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona. The distinguished panel also includes California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Erin Brackbill.
Dr. Bidwell, who also serves as Clinical Director for the Department of Preventive Medicine and Director of UMMC’s Office of Well-being, will spotlight an innovative new program that brings lifestyle medicine into the heart of the community. Through a partnership with the Flowood YMCA, her team delivers medical care, nutritional guidance, and personalized exercise plans directly to community members—removing common barriers to care and addressing Mississippi’s chronic disease burden where it matters most.
The community-based initiative, funded by the Ardmore Institute of Health, is part of a broader study evaluating the success of lifestyle medicine in nontraditional healthcare settings. Program participants receive hands-on, team-based care, including customized fitness support, cooking demonstrations, and health education, all at no cost.
“This program meets people where they are—both literally and figuratively,” said Dr. Bidwell. “It’s about equipping patients with the tools, confidence, and community support to make sustainable health changes.”
The panel appearance reflects national recognition of Dr. Bidwell’s leadership in population health and lifestyle medicine, as well as UMMC’s innovative approach to preventive care.
As Mississippi continues to face high rates of chronic disease, UMMC’s Department of Preventive Medicine remains committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care—both within clinic walls and far beyond.