Greetings from your AADE16 Host
Jim Turner
By Jim Turner
Hello there! My name is Jim Turner and I’m going to be your host of the general sessions at the 2016 Annual Conference in San Diego. I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity!
I’ve met many of you over the years in my role as an entertainer and as a person with diabetes. I was one of the four original co-hosts of dLife TV. Some of you even came on the show to share your expertise and advice! As a co-host, I attended several AADE conferences over the years. In fact, it was at the 2008 conference in Washington D.C. that an in-depth conversation with a diabetes educator led me to write a one-man show about my life with type 1 diabetes (now going on 46 of my 63 years – my life, not the show). I wrote the show, DIABETES: My Struggle with Jim Turner, and performed it around the United States for many years.
The thing I love about every AADE Annual Conference is the passion you have for the work you do to support people with diabetes and their caregivers. It is your mission to help people with diabetes live their best life. It’s not a job a single one of you take lightly. And that’s inspiring!
I also had a ball just hanging with you while we perused the exhibit floor or mingled at all of the fun evening events and festivities. You’re a gloriously fun and spirited bunch.
This year’s program looks like the best one yet! I have the pleasure of introducing each of the keynote speakers who are sure to start your days with thought-provoking topics and a lot of fun: Evan M. Benjamin, MD, FACP; Dan Thurmon; and Donna Ryan, MD. Not to mention, over 100 education sessions to choose from! How are you going to choose between all of those great topics?!
I can’t wait to get to know y’all and celebrate you as the diabetes educators that are shaping the industry and the lives of people with diabetes!
