Diabetes Tasmania awards scholarship to provide specialist training

Diabetes Tasmania has today announced the inaugural recipient of the David Symons Memorial Scholarship with Myles Clarkson Fletcher named as the first successful applicant.

The scholarship is an initiative designed to assist in addressing the low number of credentialed diabetes nurse educators (CDE) working in Tasmania.

The 1,000 hours of practical experience required to achieve credentialing status has proved difficult for newly qualified Diabetes Nurse Educators, due to limited available positions in the state.

Diabetes Tasmania is committed to funding a 12 month Scholarship to support a newly qualified DNE to achieve credentialing status. The 12 month placement involves a rotation between three clinical sites, Diabetes Tasmania, RHH Diabetes Centre and Moonah Doctors.

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells expressed her delight in being able to create a valuable new position for a deserving recipient.

“The current shortage in CDEs is due directly to the lack of work opportunities for those recently qualified who have achieved a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education attempting to finish their qualification and become credentialled,” Ms Wells said.

“We’re very excited to help Myles in his career and know he’ll be a valuable asset to Tasmanian’s currently affected by diabetes, she said.

“This fantastic rotational program will put Myles in the best possible situation to secure future employment by giving him a diverse mix of community, acute sector and general practice experience.”

Successful Applicant, Myles Clarkson Turner, worked as a registered nurse in a variety of acute settings in Australia and the UK, before completing his Masters of Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education in 2015.

The scholarship named after David Symons, long-time Diabetes Tasmania supporter and donor, targeted the seven Australian Universities which deliver the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education.
Caroline Wells, Diabetes Tasmania