Dr. Kam Capoccia, Clinical Professor of Community Care at Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, was recently awarded the 2022 Cynthia Pasquarello Massachusetts Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).
The annual award honors a diabetes educator who has made a special contribution to the field through dedication, innovation, and sensitivity to patient care. It comes on the heels of WNE's diabetes education program earning a four-year reaccreditation from ADCES.
"It is an honor and a privilege to provide care and help people with diabetes," Dr. Capoccia said. "I am grateful for the wonderful people who welcome and trust me with their health."
Dr. Capoccia's work with the ADCES has been ongoing for more than 10 years. She cofounded the Western Local Networking Group in Springfield as part of the Massachusetts Coordinating Body (MACB) of the ADCES, and continues to volunteer for the organization.
She is also a member of the Pharmacy Community of Interest, through which her pharmacy students who are on their Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experience rotation contribute to writing blog articles related to important diabetes topics. She has also coauthored several articles in the In Practice journal, a peer-reviewed publication of the ADCES, and over the past several years, she has presented posters and educational sessions at annual ADCES meetings.
"The ADCES is an incredibly valuable, interdisciplinary organization of diabetes care and education specialists," Dr. Capoccia noted. "Diabetes can be a challenging condition. People living with diabetes are not alone and can benefit from the support and education in their communities. Education is one of the most valuable and beneficial tools we have in diabetes care as it impacts so many facets of life."
