Calling All Educators: Let Us Know Your Educational Needs.

Coincidentally, as I sit to write this editorial, I am marking my eighth year of living with type 1 diabetes. At the time of my diagnosis, I was a newly graduated pharmacist exploring various career options. I remember quite vividly the feeling that came with hearing, " You have diabetes. " What particularly struck me at the time was that I was a health care professional, yet what knowledge I had gained through my education seemingly went out the window at the moment I heard those words. It was a very humbling realization. The paralyzing feeling that ensued immediately led me to wonder how others, many without a health care background, cope with a diagnosis of diabetes and all that comes with it. Only through the devoted attention and support of a small army consisting of my wonderful wife Angie, my parents, multiple diabetes educators, and other family members and friends was I able to bounce back. Given the impact diabetes educators had on my life at that time, I quickly decided on a career path as a diabetes educator. I was fortunate as a graduate of Washington State University in Spokane to have two brilliant and caring educators take me under their wings: decided to pursue a career in diabetes research and education, Steve was kind enough to take me on as a resident and nurture my aspirations and goals. Although Steve is no longer with us and is missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him, his legacy of compassion and advocacy for his " golden adults " — the term he used to describe the geriatric population he loved to serve—and people with diabetes continues through the many students, residents, and fellows he educated through the years. Keith Campbell has likewise been an amazing men-tor, friend, and confidant. Keith is an absolute dynamo and one of the most passionate and outgoing people I know. I cannot thank him enough for all of the opportunities, advice, and wisdom he has provided and will undoubtedly continue to provide for years to come. One of the most rewarding professional experiences I have had the privilege of participating in is being on the editorial team for Diabetes Spectrum. After Keith introduced me to former editor-in-chief Jackie L. Boucher, MS, RD, LD, CDE, in 2009, Jackie was kind enough to invite me to serve on the journal's editorial board. …