The Care Team Focus

The Southeast Lipid Association originated as an extension of an annual southern academic forum (Southeastern Lipid Conference) based on the science of cholesterol metabolism. A group of well-known academic physicians convened in 1997 to discuss the potential of starting a lipid association. The founding group of physicians had the vision to form an association that would become focused on the practical application and integration of science into clinical lipidology practice. It was during the second meeting in 1998 that the group looked at the makeup of the team and realized that, to develop the idea they had for this new association, they needed to involve a multidisciplinary team and, importantly, include people who had been “in the trenches,” thus involving other team member clinicians in lipid management.

The entire health care team, including nurses, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, registered dietitian nutritionists, and exercise physiologists, plays an integral role in healthcare. They represent a distinct and diverse group of professionals who in tandem with physicians can provide a comprehensive and seamless partnership of care with the patient. This team of professionals applies their rich diversity of talent, capabilities, and expertise to the practice of lipidology. They diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate people of all ages and conditions. Working together allows members with specific areas of expertise, to direct patient care, rehabilitation, treatment, diagnostics, and health improvement interventions to restore and maintain optimal physical, sensory, psychological, cognitive, and social functions.

Many incoming members were already involved in lipid-related medical professional societies such as the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA). At the same time, the group integrated dietitians and exercise physiologists to form an organization inclusive of appropriate healthcare disciplines. Several clinicians who were involved in other cardiovascular groups and who joined SELA in the early years have gone on to assume leadership roles in the National Lipid Association.

The first years of SELA conferences were a mix of didactic sessions reviewing recent scientific advances and practice-based discussions. All voices were heard at these meetings, and discussions ranged from best practice forums to reviews of recent medical trials.

As the Southeast Lipid Association expanded, becoming the National Lipid Association (NLA), members in the organization made great recruiting strides. As the organization grew, educational materials became available not just for physicians - but for dietitians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and exercise physiologists. Shortly after the creation of the physician certification organization and exam, and because of interest in certifying all NLA members in lipid management, the NLA helped establish the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology in 2006. The mission of the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology is to establish, certify, and maintain the clinical competencies of qualified health care professionals who have a focus in Clinical Lipidology. This council provided the exam on lipid science, known as the Clinical Lipid Specialist (CLS) certification program. The program is an advanced certification pathway open to licensed physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, registered dietitian nutritionists, clinical exercise physiologists, and other healthcare professionals who meet qualifying criteria. The concept of a certification program was spearheaded by the NLA to provide opportunities for professional development and formal recognition of the specialized expertise of healthcare professionals who focus on Clinical Lipidology. NLA participants value the distinction of achieving this certification and have reported increased respect in clinical organizations. CLS certification is now recognized by the American College of Cardiology as a qualifying criterion to become an Associate of the American College of Cardiology (AACC), a distinguished designation honoring those with advanced training and education in cardiology.

Since the early days of SELA and with the addition of other chapters, and others, the NLA has further defined the role of the care team which highlights individual team members’ responsibilities and participation in the team. Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, exercise physiologists, and registered dietitian nutritionists all have key roles in this effort, and those roles depend on strong and necessary collaborations. These collaborations have resulted in many education materials such as Guidelines, books, the Clinician’s Lifestyle Toolbox, Patient Tear Sheets, and Clinician Tear Sheets, targeted both to practitioners and patients for the treatment of clinical lipid disorders and the prevention of ASCVD. The care team always has, and always will center around the patient: the most important person on the team.