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My ADA
Sandra A. Parker, RD
TENDON Diabetes Outreach Network Project Director, St. Mary's Health Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ADA Leadership Highlights: National - American Dietetic Association (ADA) Foundation State Fundraising Task Force, February; ADA Leadership Institute participant; ADA Foundation Focus Group. Michigan Dietetic Association: Conference Committee; Government Relations Committee of the American Diabetes Association liason; Nominating Committee Chair; Annual Conference Committee; ADA Foundation State Chair; Pre Conference Workshop Chair; Representative to Year of Women’s Health Steering committee; Medigrant Coordinator; President; Representative to Joint State Diabetes Legislative Strategy Conference. Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group: Chair, Industry Relations Chair; Representative to the National Diabetes Education Program Ad Hoc Work Group for Gestational Diabetes and Prevention Initiative; Treasurer; National Public Policy Coordinator; Representative to National Diabetes Partners Meeting; Legislative Committee.
Other Professional Activities: American Diabetes Association: 2006 Scientific Sessions Content Area Subcommittee; American Diabetes Association and American Association of Diabetes Educators\Joint Task Force on Delivery of Diabetes Education and Care Task Force; Federal Bureau of Primary Health Care Health Disparities Collaborative, Midwest Steering Committee; Michigan Organization of Diabetes Educators, Region 10 Secretary; Communicating Food for Health Newsletter Editorial Advisory Board; Michigan Department of Community Health Cardiovascular Disease Advisory Committee; American Heart Association West Shore Region Taste of Health Committee.
Awards: Michigan Dietetic Association Public Relations Group Award; Michigan Dietetic Association Award.
Education: BS, Foods and Nutrition, Hospital Dietetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
What related experience and skills have you obtained to prepare you to be an ADA leader?
I have been a volunteer at the district, state, and DPG levels for the past 26 years. The variety of positions have been in committee and executive level positions. Executive positions included district and DPG treasurer, district and state president, and chair of the largest DPG of ADA. Over the years, I have developed a great network of professional contacts and have had the opportunity to serve our profession in many diverse roles.
What do you perceive as an important issue impacting the dietetics profession today?
I feel we are at a "tipping point" for the dietetic profession. Prevention of chronic disease is the number one health care concern in the United States. It impacts quality of life for individuals and the societal burden of health care costs in our country. The dietetic profession is THE health profession best suited to address chronic disease. Our time has come to be the leaders in the most challenging health issue today.
How would you encourage and promote diversity if elected? The importance and need for diversity in dietetic leadership roles has been a personal priority when serving on nominating committees and when appointing board positions. I would continue to advocate for diversity in appointments and nominations. I would also encourage and support initiatives that would increase diversity of students in dietetic programs.
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