CDCES Fall 2022 Newsletter

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CDCES^®News

Official E-Newsletter of the

Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education

Fall 2022 | Issue 8

Message from the CBDCE Chair

Becky Sulik. RDN, LD, CDCES^®

2022 CBDCE Chair

We are well into the second half of 2022 with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting our personal and professional lives. I’m impressed with the resilience and creativity of our certificants and other healthcare providers as we all continue to meet the needs of people affected by diabetes despite the challenges.

I’ve been reflecting on people who have influenced my career path and ultimately my choice to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® (CDCES®). One of my biggest influences came from some kind and patient diabetes educators who helped me as a rebellious and angry teenager diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Besides giving me information/education, they helped me develop important problem-solving skills and confidence while offering non-judgmental support and encouragement. As I entered college and eventually a dietetics program, they developed into mentors and motivators, inspiring me to eventually finish my training as a registered dietitian and ultimately earn the CDCES (then CDE) credential. I wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of others who are affected by diabetes. I continue to be inspired by those with diabetes and their families/caregivers that I work with daily. I am also inspired by my fellow CDCESs and other health care professionals that work to help all affected by diabetes live their best lives.

I bet that many of you have memories and stories of those who have influenced, mentored, and supported you on your journey so far. There are others that continue to fuel your passion for helping those affected by diabetes. I am encouraging all of our certificants to consider their role as an inspiration to those you serve as well as the value of mentorship in strengthening our profession.

Here are some ideas to consider:

1) Assist persons with diabetes and their families/caregivers in finding ways to help others affected by diabetes as they are able to.

2) Work with students in health-care professions to have a more balanced and compassionate view of diabetes management. Encourage them to consider certification in their futures.

3) Sign up as a mentor for future CDCESs through the Mentorship Program. There are many potential CDCESs that have challenges getting the experience needed to apply for initial certification. You could be the missing link to help someone move forward in their career. Look at it as investing in your own future–supporting quality diabetes care and education for when you’re ready to retire or move on to your next challenge. We know the need is out there to help people at risk for or living with diabetes who do not have access to a diabetes care and education specialist, let alone one who is certified.

4) If you are in a leadership role, consider helping to develop future leaders through mentorship activities and encouraging your peers to consider volunteer service.

5) Consider volunteering on a committee or leadership position in your state or national professional organizations. Reach out to CBDCE to discuss possible volunteer experiences that might be a good fit for you within the committees that support our certification activities.

I am so honored to be the chair of the CBDCE Board of Directors for 2022. I appreciate all of those who have mentored, inspired, and even pushed me to do better and for those of you who continue to do so. Oprah Winfrey stated, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside of yourself.” If you are not already involved in these types of activities, I challenge you to consider taking the next step to help strengthen our community as Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Respectfully,

Becky Sulik, RDN, LD, CDCES

2022 CDCES Renewals

Is your CDCES credential due to expire in 2022? The extended deadline to renew by CE is now through October 15, 2022. Renew your credential through the CDCES portal and pay the $300 application fee. Learn more.

CBDCE Office Move

The CBDCE office is moving! The new office address will be 1340 Remington Road, Suite J, Schaumburg, IL 60173. We are moving this week, so please be aware that there may be a delay in responding to email and mail. The CBDCE website, email addresses, phone and fax numbers will all remain the same.

Congratulations! Newly Certified CDCESs

Welcome to the CDCES community! Congratulations to the 234 newly certified CDCESs who passed the exam from June, July, and August 2022.There are many resources available to you as a new CDCES. The credential represents a significant professional achievement. We hope you’re proud of your CDCES credential and the important work you do to help people with diabetes.

Important Announcements

A Value of CDCES Certification Survey was recently sent via email. Please take a moment to complete this important survey to help us assess the value of your CDCES credential. Your feedback matters! Be sure to check your inbox and spam folder. The deadline to complete the survey is extended to Friday, September 30.

Congratulations to the 52 lucky recipients of the 2022 CDCES Scholarship Program! We wish you much success in your journey to becoming a future CDCES. Scholarship recipients will be able to take the practice exam and CDCES exam at no cost. Let your colleagues know that the next scholarship application window will open in March 2023.

CBDCE and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

Foundation are proud to award Michelle Danny Stampley Boakye, PhD, MPH, RN, a one-year mentored fellowship in integrated diabetes management. Dr. Boakye plans to develop and pilot test a web-based tool to facilitate conversations on the concerns of individuals at the time of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Congratulations Dr. Boakye! Learn more.

CBDCE annually exhibits at industry trade shows representing the different disciplines. Our goal is to increase brand awareness and promote the CDCES credential. In 2022, we participated in a number of shows including the ADA Clinical Conference, Children with Diabetes Conference, National Black Nurses Association, National Hispanic Nurses Association, ADCES22, and the upcoming FNCE22 show. In 2023, we will expand and target the PA and NP audiences. If you have tradeshows that you recommend, please pass along to Susan Hall.

CBDCE encourages all CDCESs to use the current logo. We grant you permission to use the CDCES logo as long as your certification remains valid. How to use the CDCES logo:

• Use CDCES behind your name on your email signature, business cards, and social media profiles

• Display the CDCES certificate in your workplace and

• Add the CDCES logo to promotional materials.

Request Logo

CDCES Certificant Spotlight

Meet Sarah Chapel, RDN, CDCES

My CDCES credential has increased my marketability by providing many speaking opportunities with local organizations to increase diabetes awareness and promote the benefits of diabetes care and education. The credential has helped to advance my career and provide opportunities to be involved with workgroups on a local, state, and national level.

Each newsletter we spotlight a CDCES! Interested in being featured in a future CDCES story? Contact Susan Hall.

Read Sarah's Story

Q & A Corner

Q: What is the CDCES Renewal Audit Policy?

A: CBDCE conducts random audits on a regular basis and also reserves the right to verify and/or audit at any time any application is submitted for certification. CDCESs whose applications are selected for audit must provide verification that they met all the requirements at the time of application. Verifications include licensure/registration, practice hours, as well as documentation of completion, e.g., a photocopy of the certificate of completion, verification of attendance, brochure, or other relevant material, for all continuing education activities submitted. If you are chosen for audit, you will be notified via email and must provide required documentation by the deadline date identified in the audit notice. The deadline date is approximately 14 days after submitting the application. The exact deadline and a link to the required documentation will be provided in the email notice. IMPORTANT: A late fee of $25 will be assessed for the review of audit documentation not received by the deadline date identified in the audit notice. Click here for instructions for submission of audit documentation. Please note you must log into the CDCES portal to access these instructions.

CDCES Resources Available

Visit the CBDCE online shop to purchase CDCES tote bags, drinkware, pins and ID/badge holders. Shop Now!

Get listed in the Locate a CDCES Directory.

Set up your public profile listing in the CDCES portal so you can be included in the directory. Start here!

Renewing your Credential