Local educator garners award
Pam Konakis was recently selected by the Association of Diabetic Educators of Utah (ADEU) scholarship and awards committee as the 2008 Educator of the Year for Utah.
She was awarded this recognition at a diabetes update conference held Nov. 6th at the Larry Miller Campus-Salt Lake Community College.
The awards committee consisted of physicians, diabetes nurse educators, and pharmacists, mainly from the Wasatch Front and Utah County areas.
Konakis' nomination was in recognition of her work as a board member for the Utah Diabetes Educators Association.
She was one of four nominees and the only nominee from a rural area. Her work with patients and her dedicated service to the community in fund raising events and community health awareness led to this prestigious award.
"It's a real privilege to even be nominated for this award," said Konakis. "But to be awarded this recognition in my field is really an honor."
"We all strive to help our patients with diabetes understand that through meal planning, exercise, and monitoring, the diagnosis of diabetes doesn't have to be a negative experience," she added.
Konakis knows first hand that having the diagnosis of diabetes does not have to be devastating.
She emphasizes the importance of proper education and patient understanding, so people can live healthy, fulfilling lives in spite of diabetes.
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