(Schaumburg, IL – January 2023) – The Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) announces that James Bernasko, MD, FACOG, CDCES®, Director of the Stony Brook University Hospital Diabetes in Pregnancy Center, Stony Brook, NY, will serve as the 2023 Chair of CBDCE.
Dr. Bernasko is one of few Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists in the United States who have also achieved CDCES status (since 2006). He has been in the field for over 22 years and has established and directed several Diabetes in pregnancy programs in the New York area. He has dedicated much of his career to the care of women with diabetes in pregnancy. So much so that he has published a book titled A Practical Guide to Insulin Pump Therapy for Pregnancy. He has also inspired his fellows of maternal-fetal medicine in training to become CDCESs.
“We are excited to have Dr. Bernasko take on the role of Chair in 2023. As a physician with the CDCES credential, he is a strong proponent of what CDCESs can do for those living with diabetes. He will bring his passion to his role as Chair, along with a leadership style that will support the work of the board over the coming year.” said CBDCE’s Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Traficano, MBA, CAE.
Dr. Bernasko currently teaches the medical school curriculum for diabetes in pregnancy. He is a member of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the Diabetes in pregnancy study group in North America. Having three years of experience on the CBDCE Board of Directors, he begins his term as Chair at a time of opportunity for further collaborations with diabetes-related organizations.
The CBDCE continues to partner with various diabetes organizations like the ADA, ADCES, and The Diabetes Link to make a difference in this important cause. In addition, it is committed to providing scholarships to health professionals to assist them in achieving CDCES certification.
“There is much to be worried about in the diabetes realm: obesity, prediabetes, and overt adult and pediatric diabetes are surging in the United States and worldwide. Gestational diabetes rates are rising, and we are learning that the adverse metabolic effects on children born after these pregnancies persist until adolescence. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the long-standing inequities in diabetes care and patient outcomes, particularly in people who are racial minorities, less affluent, or live in rural areas. In addition, reliable and affordable access to healthy nutrition and essential interventions, including diabetes education and insulin therapy, remain beyond the reach of millions of people in the United States and around the world. The future consequences of the current situation should trouble us all deeply.”
“I like to remind those who work in diabetes care and education, particularly in pregnancy, that we potentially impact multiple generations, one patient at a time. What an incredible privilege and responsibility. Like previous chairpersons, I want to continue encouraging healthcare providers, payors, policymakers, and the public to appreciate the value of CDCES certification. I am honored to be on the CBDCE board and at the opportunity to serve as the 2023 Chair. Certification matters - CDCES certification ensures consistency, quality, and commitment. CDCESs are vital to providing care to people with or at risk for diabetes in a manner that fosters inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. I strongly encourage all health professionals to consider becoming CDCES, knowing that you can impact real lives in your own families and local communities. This endeavor is achievable, meaningful, rewarding, and in demand!” said Dr. Bernasko.