The Best of AADE 12
Aug 9, 2012, 00:00 AM
I have had a few days at home now to reflect on AADE’s annual meeting. I thought it was fantastic! The exhibit hall was packed with things to help people with diabetes and us as educators. The social events were a fun, relaxing, wonderful way to meet others and create new friendships. The silent auction had great items up for bid. I could not walk past it without checking on my bids. The 5K race, along the White River, provided a way to get out with several hundred other educators to “walk the walk” for our health.
What about the sessions? There were so many during each time slot! The planning committee did a great job of putting together a meeting with so many options. I learned of the updates for the National Standards for DSMT/E from Donna Tomky and Melinda Maryniuk, how to enhance the self-esteem of a person with diabetes to assist in their self-care from Janis Roszler, and about the AADE Accreditation process (DEAP) from Leslie Kolb, to name a few.
I must admit, my favorite presentations were the general sessions. They were amazing! We started with Dr. Howard Koh talking about government and diabetes from a public health perspective. This might sound like a boring topic, but Dr. Koh made it so interesting. He pointed out the many resources for us as diabetes educators that are available through government programs. I really enjoyed the entire presentation.
Brian Wansink, PhD, presented the next general session with a funny and very informative discussion about “mindlessly eating better.” Check out Carla’s blog for a complete review. He was great to listen to, was so funny, and had excellent ideas that I will bring back to my co-workers, patients struggling with over-eating, and for myself!
Jane Pauley, who talked about change and reinvention, presented the final general session. She told us stories of people w
ho embraced change in their lives. She discouraged us as diabetes educators from totally reinventing ourselves since she knows how important we are! I LOVED her! I was fortunate enough to meet her the night before and again in the hour prior to her presentation. She was so “Midwest!” She approached me to introduce herself, chatted, told me I looked rested in spite of being five days into meetings (bless her heart), and was so gracious to all she was around. I listened to every word of her presentation as I think all of us did. A true inspiration.
I have returned home now, really have rested up, and will start reading Jane’s book and going through the literature and presentations from AADE 12. Thank you to the planning committee, the diabetes educators from Indiana that opened their doors to us, and the AADE staff for such a fantastic meeting!
What were your highlights? What would you like to see next year?