Harpreet Kaur, an alumna of the IMU Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management and Education programme and a Diabetes Educator with Subang Jaya Medical Centre shares some history, insights, and advice from her successful career in Diabetes Care in this interview.
How Did You Become a Diabetes Educator?
When working as a Clinical Resource Nurse, I witnessed firsthand that patients who manage diabetes face many challenges. There was a distinct need to support these patients and this gap can be filled by what a Diabetes Educator does. When people living with diabetes are well-supported, their health improves. This is especially important given the high prevalence of diabetes in Asia. This experience became the cornerstone of my journey towards becoming a Diabetes Educator.
Managing diabetes is a complex process, and the healthcare provider needs to be armed with specialised knowledge to provide the support for people living with diabetes. Even though I have a Master in Nursing qualification, I found myself having to actively seek out opportunities to learn more about the intricacies of diabetes care. This drive for continuous learning ultimately led me to pursue a specialised training in a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes Management and Education from International Medical University (IMU) in 2023.
Can You Tell Us More About the Specialised Training You Received?
Obtaining a postgraduate degree in diabetes care was essential to my career development as it provided me with advanced theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and specialised training necessary to excel in my role as a Diabetes Educator. It equipped me with a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes, advanced management strategies, and effective patient education techniques. In addition to specialised knowledge, I have also honed my skills in patient education, communication, and counselling, enabling me to effectively connect with individuals and tailor support to their specific needs. I also gained the skills needed to prepare a clinical audit report.
This additional qualification not only enhanced my credibility and expertise in the field but also enabled me to provide comprehensive care and support in a tailored manner to people living with diabetes, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and improving the quality of life for my patients. Indeed, I saw the significant impact that tailored education and management strategies had on my patients’ health outcomes and quality of life.
What is Your Most Recent Achievement in this Field that You Work In?
I was the co-author of two scientific posters that secured 1st Prize at the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) Conference & Exhibition 2023 and Best Poster Awards at the Diabetes Asia Conference 2023. This win was based on a Clinical Improvement Project to reduce early morning in-patient hypoglycemia incidence. I am proud that I was able to contribute meaningfully to this project while fulfilling my other responsibilities. It was also rewarding to work alongside the multi-disciplinary team that was involved in this project.
What Advice Would You Give to Healthcare Professionals Training to be Diabetes Educators?
My philosophy as a diabetes educator is centred on empowering, educating and enabling people living with diabetes to thrive. Through personalised support and tailored knowledge, people living with diabetes can take control of their health journey and foster emotional well-being. This approach equips them with the tools to conquer challenges and embrace life to the fullest.
My advice to fellow healthcare professionals is to embody three pillars into their practice: empower, educate, and inspire. Embrace lifelong learning, mastering the latest advancements in diabetes care. Cultivate empathetic communication skills to connect with patients and address their unique needs. Champion personalised, patient-centered care, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience in those living with diabetes. By leading with these principles, we empower individuals to navigate their diabetes journey with confidence and thrive.
Path to Upskilling as a Diabetes Educator
Working adults in the healthcare sectors or fresh graduates with a keen interest in diabetes education have the opportunity to upskill with a postgraduate degree at the IMU through by either taking the conventional learning pathway with classes at the university campus, or the 100% online learning experience via Open Distance Learning. Designed to suit working adults, this programme incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to diabetes care in a blended learning model that includes both online and in-person learning. This delivery allows the student to make meaningful connections with the different healthcare disciplines involved in diabetes care.
