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Dr Shannon Lin, a distinguished CDE and an ADEA director, delivered a powerful occasional address at a recent University of Technology Sydney (UTS) graduation ceremony.
Her heartfelt message in the May graduation ceremony centred on the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have on the lives of others, and she emphasised the critical role of education and advocacy in addressing the diabetes epidemic.
ADEA advocacy initiatives, including submissions to the federal budget and the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, were cited as part of the effort to help grow the diabetes workforce and help those living with the condition.
Dr Shannon Lin addresses UTS graduates at a ceremony in May. Photo: UTS
In telling her history, Dr Lin said she had been “humbled by the resilience and courage” of people living with diabetes, and she shared a heart-wrenching story of a young girl living with type 1 diabetes.
“Despite her pain, she maintained a hopeful spirit, dreaming of a day when she could take a break from her diabetes,” Dr Lin said.
“I also think of an elderly immigrant, newly diagnosed with diabetes, struggling to understand his treatment regimen due to language barriers; his tears of desperation a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many.
“These encounters remind us of the challenges faced by individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes and the profound impact we can have as healthcare professionals.”
Dr Lin also emphasised the need to address healthcare disparities, particularly in rural and remote communities.
“Through initiatives such as diabetes outreach clinics and community-based projects, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of accessible and culturally appropriate care on individuals’ lives,” she said.
“These experiences have fuelled my passion for advocating for vulnerable populations and driving systemic change in healthcare delivery.
“Together, we’ve elevated our diabetes course [Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management] at UTS to unprecedented levels; not merely as a curriculum but as a movement driven by empathy and purpose.”
Her passionate plea encouraged graduates to embrace their roles in empowering individuals and families navigating the challenges of diabetes.
Dr Lin also expressed gratitude to her mentors, especially Grace Ward, and 20 First Nations students and graduates who have been part of the UTS course since 2021 for their cultural guidance.
To watch Dr Lin’s full address, please visit UTS’ video here (beginning at 59 minutes and 35 seconds).
Dr Shannon Lin, a distinguished CDE and an ADEA director, delivered a powerful occasional address at a recent University of Technology Sydney (UTS) graduation ceremony.
Her heartfelt message in the May graduation ceremony centred on the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have on the lives of others, and she emphasised the critical role of education and advocacy in addressing the diabetes epidemic.
ADEA advocacy initiatives, including submissions to the federal budget and the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, were cited as part of the effort to help grow the diabetes workforce and help those living with the condition.
Dr Shannon Lin addresses UTS graduates at a ceremony in May. Photo: UTS
In telling her history, Dr Lin said she had been “humbled by the resilience and courage” of people living with diabetes, and she shared a heart-wrenching story of a young girl living with type 1 diabetes.
“Despite her pain, she maintained a hopeful spirit, dreaming of a day when she could take a break from her diabetes,” Dr Lin said.
“I also think of an elderly immigrant, newly diagnosed with diabetes, struggling to understand his treatment regimen due to language barriers; his tears of desperation a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many.
“These encounters remind us of the challenges faced by individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes and the profound impact we can have as healthcare professionals.”
Dr Lin also emphasised the need to address healthcare disparities, particularly in rural and remote communities.
“Through initiatives such as diabetes outreach clinics and community-based projects, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of accessible and culturally appropriate care on individuals’ lives,” she said.
“These experiences have fuelled my passion for advocating for vulnerable populations and driving systemic change in healthcare delivery.
“Together, we’ve elevated our diabetes course [Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management] at UTS to unprecedented levels; not merely as a curriculum but as a movement driven by empathy and purpose.”
Her passionate plea encouraged graduates to embrace their roles in empowering individuals and families navigating the challenges of diabetes.
Dr Lin also expressed gratitude to her mentors, especially Grace Ward, and 20 First Nations students and graduates who have been part of the UTS course since 2021 for their cultural guidance.
To watch Dr Lin’s full address, please visit UTS’ video here (beginning at 59 minutes and 35 seconds).
