The training center program consists of a 2-day basic course and 1-day updates for previous students. Both are offered several times annually. In the basic course, we cover the physiology and pathophysiology of plasma lipid metabolism, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. We also review the evidence supporting risk assessment tools and the use of diagnostic procedures and therapies. Extensive time is devoted to diet, exercise, and weight management, which are the cornerstones of cardiovascular disease prevention. Safe and appropriate use of medications is also reviewed. A day-long demonstration clinic, in which attendees see actual Gladstone Lipid Clinic patients, provides practical experience in patient management.

The largest group of participants is physicians, but about half are nurses, pharmacists, and dieticians. These nonphysician healthcare providers mostly come from several very large health maintenance organizations, where they manage thousands of high-risk patients.

In the update course, we present new diagnostic methods for assessing the risk of sustaining a clinical vascular disease event and the treatment implications of recently completed clinical studies. New drug therapies are reviewed, and significant developments in lifestyle management are discussed.

We stress the value of a healthy lifestyle, which can reduce vascular disease risk by 50% or more and is additive to the benefits of drug therapy and invasive treatments (angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery).