The Oregon Chapter of American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to helping people with diabetes, recently awarded its 2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year to nurse practitioner and diabetes educator, Michelle Grove of The Portland Clinic. The Portland Clinic is Oregon's oldest multi-specialty medical group with four locations serving the greater Portland metropolitan area.

Each year the AADE looks for a worthy candidate that is not only a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, but also an active member of the Oregon chapter.  The winner must be a Certified Diabetes Educator with at least three years of experience.  Candidates must be nominated and the winner is selected based on all aspects of their participation in the local diabetes community.  Selection is based on the nominee's resume or work history, a one-page narrative highlighting work activities, offices held in diabetes organizations, innovative practices, attributes and accomplishments, patient teaching and relational skills, and patient and/or professional recommendations.

Michelle was nominated by a fellow co-worker Nurse Practitioner who specializes in diabetes at The Portland Clinic, Christine Olinghouse.  "The goal of the AADE is to improve the quality of life of people with diabetes and to foster their independence," says Olinghouse.  "Michelle amplifies this aim.  She has been involved in diabetes education for more than two decades.  She has also contributed to primary care physician education by hosting after hour seminars and educational dinners as well as providing intranet tips with the latest information on evidence-based diabetes care.  She represents Oregon's finest in contributing to the innovative practices in diabetes education."

ABOUT THE OREGON CHAPTER OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DIABETES EDUCATORS

AADE is a not for profit, all volunteer organization that is made up of health care professionals dedicated to integrating successful self-management as a key outcome in the care of people with diabetes and related conditions.  As a multidisciplinary professional association, AADE represents and supports the diabetes educator by providing members the resources to stay abreast of the current research, methods and trends in the field and by offering opportunities to network and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. To learn more about The AADE visit www.diabeteseducator.org.

ABOUT THE PORTLAND CLINIC

Established in 1921, The Portland Clinic is Oregon's oldest, private, multi-specialty medical group.  Today, with sophisticated medical technology, modern spacious facilities, and dynamic medical specialists, a personal approach to each patient's good health remains The Portland Clinic's primary focus.  The Portland Clinic's four locations serve the greater Portland metropolitan area and care for over 75,000 families each year throughout the Northwest. For more information click here.