Today I get to invite five people to dinner. I decided to invite people who have made an impact on health care, nursing, and/or diabetes:
Florence Nightingale (mother of nursing);
Clara Barton (angel of the battlefield);
Elliott P. Joslin (pioneer in diabetes);
Virginia Henderson (foremost nurse of the 20th century); and
Fred Banting (discoverer of insulin).
These five people have made a distinct impact on me personally, professionally and physically. My philosophy of nursing and diabetes education are clearly shaped by the work and teachings of Nightingale and Henderson. Nightingale promoted professional nursing by establishing the first formal nursing school, while Henderson defined nursing as “assisting individuals to gain independence in relation to the performance of activities contributing to health or its recovery.”
Clara Barton had many accomplishments, one of the most well-known was founding the American Red Cross . Known as a pioneer and humanitarian, Clara “dashed about bringing relief and hope to the (battle) field.” She is described as having force, independent spirit and charm.
Elliott P. Joslin believed in a team approach to working with people who have diabetes. He came up with the “troika” – diet, exercise and insulin, and his (now called “intensive”) approach to diabetes management was finally supported in 1993 with the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial.
Fred Banting only lived to be 50 years old, yet he did a lot in those fifty years. Without his determination, I would not be here. Many other people were involved in the discovery of insulin, but I give Dr. Banting credit for persevering through many challenges in order to save the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.
My life, my approach to health care and to teaching others has been shaped by these amazing leaders. I would be honored to share a meal with them.