July 1, 2001

FOR RELEASE: Immediately

Local Dietitians Achieve Certified
Diabetes Educator Status

Cheyrle Borneman, RD, and Mary Schmitt, RD, clinical dietitians at Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital, have become certified diabetes educators (CDE) by successfully completing the certification examination administered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE.)

Candidates must meet rigorous education and professional practice experience requirements to be eligible to take the examination. Achieving the CDE credential demonstrates to patients and employers that the health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care of patients with diabetes. Diabetes educators teach individuals with diabetes how to manage the disease; currently there are over 11,700 diabetes educators holding the CDE credential.

Borneman, who joined the hospital staff in January 1998, specializes in cardiac and weight reduction counseling. A graduate of Penn State, she practices what she teaches-she is a marathon runner who has completed 21 marathons. Schmitt, a graduate of University of Wisconsin, specializes in wellness nutrition and has worked at the hospital since August. She also provides consultant dietitian services to Magnolia Hall Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

In addition to sponsoring a diabetic support group, Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital offers a six-week class, Living with Diabetes, several times each year. Borneman and Schmitt will be joining Barbara McDanolds, MA, RN, CDE, as class instructors.

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