Deb Bjorsness, MPH, RD, BC-ADM, CDE, was chosen as the 2016 Montana Diabetes Educator of the Year. Deb’s passion for diabetes education is almost palpable. She embodies so many of the qualities that make her a truly great diabetes educator. I had the opportunity to sit down recently with Deb and find out more about what makes this remarkable woman tick.
Homegrown
Deb has been a practicing RD for 30 years, receiving her undergraduate degree from Montana State University before completing her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota.
Serendipitous Journey
The path to being a diabetes educator began shortly after she started her first job at Montana Deaconess Medical Center (now Benefis Health System) in Great Falls. Deb assisted teaching classes and met with people with diabetes both in the hospital and in the out-patient setting. Like a snowball rolling downhill, additional opportunities continued to open up that were diabetes related; overseeing the hospital’s diabetes resource team, sitting on the Montana Diabetes Association board, helping at diabetes camp and the teen retreat. “All of these opportunities felt like a “calling” to me. She continued to stay involved with diabetes-related projects and worked with those who were impacted by diabetes. Later Deb started a diabetes education program from the ground up at another facility and is a long-time member of the Montana Diabetes Educator Network Board.
Becoming Certified
As part of her journey, Deb became a Certified Diabetes Educator twenty-three years ago. Thirteen years ago she became Board-Certified in Advance Diabetes Management. She offers the following advice when asked what she would tell those who are considering taking the CDE exam: “Put in your time. Diabetes education takes practice. Continue to learn.” Deb feels that the learning never stops, and believes there is always something to learn.
Currently, Deb oversees the Diabetes Education Program and Diabetes Prevention Program at Benefis Health System and is the current Montana Diabetes Educator Network Lead/Chair, which is a Coordinating Body of AADE.
Diabetes Philosophy
Deb believes that the person with diabetes is “in charge” or “is the boss.” She looks at her role as one of helping or facilitating - working to help improve quality of life. Deb believes it’s essential to respect the decisions people make and remember that they are ultimately in the driver’s seat. Deb states, “I am there to offer information, discuss options, and to support them in their journey. When they feel better and make improvements in their life; it is their win.”
Battery Recharge
When not educating Deb loves to be outdoors. For her, there are few things more special that being one with nature. She loves watching the sunrise or set from the saddle of her road bike and says the time alone outside recharges her batteries.
Big Sky Country
Montana is known as Big Sky Country and there are a lot of miles to be covered in our rural state. Deb loves to work with colleagues from around the state who also care about people with diabetes and their families. She states that Diabetes Educators in Montana have a special bond and work together very well helping to increase awareness of diabetes and working towards improving services and resources. She feels that this will ultimately have a positive impact on the lives of those living with diabetes.