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Montefiore News Releases

February 20, 2013

CHAM Meets American Diabetes Association National Standards of Care 

NEW YORK (February 20, 2013) The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) has received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its diabetes self-management education program, which provides individualized instruction, educational materials and support to patients on how to successfully manage their condition through goal-setting, counseling and evaluation. Each patient works with a team of clinicians, including a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian, a social worker and a physician to adhere to the program, which has been shown to significantly improve health outcomes.

“This is a prestigious recognition and a testament to our department’s dedication to meeting the complex needs of our patients as we empower them to control this chronic condition,” said Rubina Heptulla, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at CHAM and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. “We are proud that our department has been shown to meet 10 national standards of care through a rigorous two-year application process.”

The Montefiore-Einstein diabetes education program for adults was accredited by the ADA in1996. The collaboration ensures that diabetes care is based on cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to treatment. To achieve the pediatric program recognition, Dr. Heptulla and her team went through an extensive review led by experts in the field of diabetes, who based their evaluations on the program’s ability to provide pediatric patients with comprehensive individualized education.

“By setting goals, establishing a support system and evaluating outcomes, patients, parents and caregivers work as a team to ensure a patient’s condition is kept under control and they are enjoying the best possible quality of life,” Dr. Heptulla said.

The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at CHAM is ranked as one of the Top 50 in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Heptulla is an internationally recognized pediatric endocrinologist and an expert in diabetes, thyroid, growth, puberty and adrenal disorders, leading research in these areas. She is a board member of the Westchester County Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and recently presented as keynote speaker at an event entitled Diabetes Education for School Nurses. She oversees six pediatric endocrinology and diabetes clinics that receive nearly 200 patient visits each week in locations across Westchester and the Bronx. A seventh clinic will open in early 2013.