Dear AACE Community,
For my message this month I am thrilled to announce some exciting new developments at AACE for our community.
AACE Community Platform
First, we have launched our new AACE Community online platform — a dynamic space for members to connect, engage in discussions, and explore the latest advancements in clinical endocrinology.
Within this platform, we have created specialized Topical Interest Groups (TIGs) to foster focused discussions and collaboration among peers with shared interests. Our first two TIGs concentrate on the emerging areas of AI and environmental sustainability:
- AI and Endocrinology: This group delves into the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence and its integration into endocrinology. From predictive analytics in patient diagnosis to AI-driven treatment plans, our discussions aim to uncover how AI can revolutionize our understanding and management of endocrine disorders.
- Environmental Endocrinology Community: Focusing on the complex interactions between environmental factors and endocrine health, this group explores topics ranging from pollution and chemical exposure to lifestyle factors that affect hormonal balance. Join us to discuss the latest research findings and strategies for mitigating environmental impacts on endocrine health.
To join the conversation, log in with your AACE account. If you’re not yet a member, learn how to join at aace.com/join.
CDC and CMSS Partnership
Next, I want to congratulate our esteemed board member, Kenneth Izuora, MD, MBA, FACE, for his leadership on a joint initiative with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Council on Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) to improve vaccination rates among patients with diabetes. His team at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Endocrinology Department, implemented a new clinical workflow using a team-based quality improvement approach that has successfully increased vaccination rates for patients with diabetes. Dr. Izuora's leadership exemplifies AACE's commitment to enhancing patient care. Read more about his team's approach and lessons learned here.
AACE Certificate Programs
I am also excited to announce the launch of our new AACE Certificate programs — an interactive educational curriculum designed to equip the entire endocrine care team with enhanced expertise for improving patient outcomes. Our first available certificate, Fundamentals of Diabetes Technology, provides in-depth training on continuous glucose monitoring, insulin delivery technologies, and more.
Why AACE Certificates?
At AACE, we recognize the critical role endocrine disorders play in overall health and understand that, in addition to endocrinologists, patients often rely on nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), pharmacists, and other clinicians, for their care. To support all members of the endocrine care team (ECT), we conducted market research on endocrinologists and ECT members to identify the most effective ways to assist our community. The feedback revealed that nearly all (97%) NPs and PAs agree that CME/CE opportunities help improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.
The research also highlighted three essential areas of need:
- Endocrine care team members manage patients with complex chronic health issues, offering the possibility to develop long-term relationships. Certificates in specific endocrine diseases support NPs and PAs who value continuity of care and a deeper understanding of their patients' health journeys.
- Care team members value continuing education that supports increased knowledge and confidence in providing better patient care. AACE Certificates will allow patients to have increased confidence in their care team's ability to deliver the best possible care.
- With the global rising incidence of endocrine disorders, there is a growing demand for endocrine care team members with specialized training. AACE Certificates will support this need by providing more care team members with specialized training, leading to more job opportunities to support endocrine care, and make a significant impact on the specialty.
The initial AACE Certificate programs cover:
- Fundamentals of Diabetes Technology
- Obesity and Weight Loss
- Inpatient Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia and Lipids Management
- Bone and Osteoporosis
Each program offers a comprehensive, self-paced curriculum that integrates:
- Realistic practice activities and case studies
- Up-to-date research and resources to support your practice
- Interactive learning platforms, including podcasts, videos, and audio materials
By completing an AACE Certificate program, you will access the latest training in clinical endocrinology while earning CME/CE credits. You will also receive a downloadable certificate and a digital badge, highlighting your commitment to professional development and excellence in patient care.
AACE MENA Conference
Lastly, I’m pleased to announce registration is now open for our AACE MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Conference on November 22-24, 2024, in Dubai, UAE. We have a comprehensive lineup of speakers, sessions, and networking opportunities planned, where we will explore the latest developments in endocrine disease management, research, and patient care. I invite our global community to join me as we collectively advance endocrine innovation, education, and care to achieve healthier communities worldwide.
I look forward to your involvement and participation in our new initiatives.
Thank you,
Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP Fellow
AACE Chief Executive Officer