ADEA Board Director named Fellow of Dietitians Australia—a milestone for the CDE profession

14 February 2025—The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) congratulates CDE and Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Dr Shannon Lin on being named a Fellow of Dietitians Australia (FDA)—one of the highest honours in the dietetic profession.

Believed to be the first dietitian CDE to receive this recognition, Dr Lin’s achievement highlights the critical role of CDEs in advancing diabetes education and care in Australia.

Dietitians Australia announced Dr Lin as one of its 19 newest Fellows on 13 February, recognising leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the profession through education, research and practice.

As an expert recognised at local, state, national, and international levels, Dr Lin’s work has fundamentally strengthened and progressed diabetes education and management.

Dr Shannon Lin at the 2024 Australasian Diabetes Congress. Photo: Supplied

In response to being named, Dr Lin expressed her enthusiasm for this recognition, viewing it as a testament to the influence of CDEs in improving diabetes care.

“I’m excited for this recognition, as it represents not only a personal milestone but also a recognition of the wider impact diabetes educators have in improving health outcomes,” Dr Lin said.

“This acknowledgement by Dietitians Australia highlights the importance of our collective work, and it’s encouraging to see diabetes education gaining greater visibility in the healthcare community.

“It is an honour to be part of such a dedicated and passionate field, and I’m committed to continuing to make meaningful contributions to diabetes care and education.”

A leader in diabetes education and health literacy

As diabetes course director at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Dr Lin, who is also an ADEA Board Director, and her teaching team have revolutionised diabetes education by pioneering a dedicated First Nations stream within the diabetes educator course.

This initiative has led to a 40% increase in the First Nations diabetes workforce, significantly expanding culturally responsive diabetes care.

Her groundbreaking work in health literacy has transformed diabetes care nationwide, ensuring that education is accessible and effective for diverse populations.

Additionally, her expertise in aged care has improved health outcomes for culturally diverse residents across more than 50 facilities, impacting more than 5,000 consultations in the past two decades.

Dr Lin’s impact extends globally through her collaboration with Life for a Child/Diabetes Australia, where she actively supports healthcare professionals in under-resourced countries, furthering diabetes education worldwide.

Named National Credentialled Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2023, Dr Lin has trained over 5,000 diabetes healthcare professionals globally and secured over $2 million in research funding.

This fellowship places her among an elite group of leaders whose work has fundamentally shaped the profession through innovation and leadership.

As an ADEA Board Director, Dr Lin remains committed to advocating for people living with diabetes and supporting the professional growth of CDEs.

ADEA congratulates Dr Lin on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing to support health professionals in diabetes education in their professional excellence and leadership.

ADEA Board Director named Fellow of Dietitians Australia—a milestone for the CDE profession

14 February 2025—The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) congratulates CDE and Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Dr Shannon Lin on being named a Fellow of Dietitians Australia (FDA)—one of the highest honours in the dietetic profession.

Believed to be the first dietitian CDE to receive this recognition, Dr Lin’s achievement highlights the critical role of CDEs in advancing diabetes education and care in Australia.

Dietitians Australia announced Dr Lin as one of its 19 newest Fellows on 13 February, recognising leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the profession through education, research and practice.

As an expert recognised at local, state, national, and international levels, Dr Lin’s work has fundamentally strengthened and progressed diabetes education and management.

Dr Shannon Lin at the 2024 Australasian Diabetes Congress. Photo: Supplied

In response to being named, Dr Lin expressed her enthusiasm for this recognition, viewing it as a testament to the influence of CDEs in improving diabetes care.

“I’m excited for this recognition, as it represents not only a personal milestone but also a recognition of the wider impact diabetes educators have in improving health outcomes,” Dr Lin said.

“This acknowledgement by Dietitians Australia highlights the importance of our collective work, and it’s encouraging to see diabetes education gaining greater visibility in the healthcare community.

“It is an honour to be part of such a dedicated and passionate field, and I’m committed to continuing to make meaningful contributions to diabetes care and education.”

A leader in diabetes education and health literacy

As diabetes course director at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Dr Lin, who is also an ADEA Board Director, and her teaching team have revolutionised diabetes education by pioneering a dedicated First Nations stream within the diabetes educator course.

This initiative has led to a 40% increase in the First Nations diabetes workforce, significantly expanding culturally responsive diabetes care.

Her groundbreaking work in health literacy has transformed diabetes care nationwide, ensuring that education is accessible and effective for diverse populations.

Additionally, her expertise in aged care has improved health outcomes for culturally diverse residents across more than 50 facilities, impacting more than 5,000 consultations in the past two decades.

Dr Lin’s impact extends globally through her collaboration with Life for a Child/Diabetes Australia, where she actively supports healthcare professionals in under-resourced countries, furthering diabetes education worldwide.

Named National Credentialled Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2023, Dr Lin has trained over 5,000 diabetes healthcare professionals globally and secured over $2 million in research funding.

This fellowship places her among an elite group of leaders whose work has fundamentally shaped the profession through innovation and leadership.

As an ADEA Board Director, Dr Lin remains committed to advocating for people living with diabetes and supporting the professional growth of CDEs.

ADEA congratulates Dr Lin on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing to support health professionals in diabetes education in their professional excellence and leadership.