Abstract
In 2019, ADCES launched its new strategic plan and published the vision document that is carrying us through 2023. The strategic plan focuses on the person at risk for and living with diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions. In January 2020, ADCES went through rebranding and changed our name from the American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE) to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). Additionally, we changed the name of our specialty from the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)/Diabetes Educator (DE) to Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)/ Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES). The goal is to make known that the DCES is a valued member of the care team and that our work expands beyond just diabetes education.
Presently, the ADCES Board of Directors (BOD) and key ADCES staff are in the midst of revising and creating a new strategic plan that will launch in 2024 and span the next few years. The BOD began working on the new strategic plan in the fall of 2022 in order to capture the thoughts and ideas of Board Directors completing their term on December 31, 2022. The ADCES 2023 BOD and key staff leaders embarked on a journey to create a new strategic plan with the assistance of the talented Smithbucklin Consulting Agency. Our mission is to carry forward the great work that has been done thus far in promoting the value of the specialty and to showcase the unique talents and knowledge our members bring to the care team. Most importantly, at the center of the strategic plan, we replaced the person living with diabetes with you, the ADCES member. It is without question that all that we do is for the person at risk for and living with diabetes; however, ADCES is the association for our members providing the resources needed to do our job well and to maximize our knowledge and skills.
Most importantly, at the center of the strategic plan, we replaced the person living with diabetes with you, the ADCES member.
Another shift you’ll see relates to advocacy, defined in the broader sense. Legislative and regulatory advocacy has always been a priority service we provide our members. The annual Public Policy Forum is a perfect example of a large-scale effort on the part of ADCES to share the voices of the people we serve. I took the liberty of speaking with Matt Hornberger, CEO of ADCES, and asked him what he thought of ADCES’s advocacy efforts and where he sees us moving the needle in both the new strategic plan and in the future of ADCES. Matt stated, “I have been thinking a good deal about our strategic plan and the role that ADCES plays and must play in continuing to advocate for the specialty. Many think of advocacy efforts as simply advocating for the right legislation and regulation, but it is more than that. It includes outreach to others in the diabetes community and also in the broader health care community to highlight the value that we bring.” Matt’s words resonate with me and mirror what I have seen as a member of the Board and during my travels as ADCES President for 2023. Most notably, the transformation I have seen has taken ADCES from outside the room looking in to now having a seat at the table. ADCES is now seen as a partner. Industry and organizations are asking us to share our knowledge and influence over the care, management, and education of the person at risk for and living with diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions.
We must not lose momentum and remain steady on our course. Reminding everyone of our value, mission, and vision. I am certain that the new strategic plan will position us to do just that. Providing us with the words and graphics to promote the value of who we are and what we do best, “advocate” for those we serve and for our specialty. ■
Be the voice, be well, and stay safe.