Lifestyle medicine in veterans: practical strategies for Australian general practice

Presented by Dr Sam Manger and Sarah Watson in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, this webinar explores how lifestyle medicine can be practically integrated into general practice to support the health and wellbeing of veteran patients.  

Veterans commonly experience clusters of chronic conditions. These are often shaped by the physical demands of service, changes in structure and routine after discharge, and the social and cultural norms of military life. Standard lifestyle advice may not always translate well without consideration of these factors. This session focuses on how GPs can adapt lifestyle approaches to better meet the needs of veteran patients.  

Sarah Watson, an Assistant Director at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Australian Army veteran, and endurance athlete, provides a lived-experience perspective on veteran engagement, motivation, and the supports available through DVA pathways.   

Dr Sam Manger is a general practitioner specialising in lifestyle medicine, with clinical expertise in physical activity, nutrition, metabolic health, and sustainable behaviour change. He brings a practical lens to applying lifestyle interventions in patients with chronic pain, multimorbidity, and complex health presentations.  

Using case-based discussion and clinical examples, the webinar explores how the pillars of lifestyle medicine – physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress, connection, and substance use – can be addressed using a strengths-based, veteran-centred approach. Participants will consider common pitfalls, learn how to prioritise achievable changes, and identify opportunities to align lifestyle interventions with DVA-funded services and referral pathways.  

This session supports reflective practice and equips GPs and primary care teams with practical strategies to deliver effective, sustainable lifestyle care for veterans within the realities of everyday general practice.