We all know that living with diabetes takes a village, and part of that village is made up of the outstanding healthcare teams that patients and caregivers can lean on for support. We are so grateful to the endocrinologists, nurses, diabetes educators, dieticians and mental health providers that keep our loved ones healthy.

At the New Jersey Metro & Rockland County’s TypeOneNation Summit held on March 16 at Kean University, we were honored to recognize on provider who holds a special place at JDRF as a long-time supporter and advocate. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Harold Starkman has cared for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Starkman arrived at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital  as a department of one, with passion for providing best in class care and education to his patients and their caregivers. Under his leadership, the program has grown to become a nationally recognized center for diabetes education.

But, Dr. Starkman’s work extends far beyond the walls of a clinical office. He truly understands the value in partnership with professional groups, community organizations, and patient advocacy groups in supporting the health and wellness of the child and family. He has served countless volunteer hours and held multiple board and leadership positions in organizations such as JDRF, ADA, AADE, The Diabetes Foundation and Camp Nejeda, just to name a few!

Most recently at JDRF, Dr. Starkman worked along side chapter staff and board to create and chair our Medical Advisory Committee, a volunteer group of clinicians throughout the state who lead and support multiple projects to educate healthcare providers on T1D. One of the committee’s first projects was a JDRF partnership with the BD Diabetes Center at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital to create and distribute a three-part video series providing psychosocial support to newly diagnosed adolescent patients and their families.

During the welcome session at the recent TypeOneNation Summit, chapter board president, Andy Drechsler presented Dr. Starkman with the Lifetime Achievement Award for care in diabetes on behalf of the New Jersey Metro & Rockland County Chapter. Dr. Starkman has an endless list of accomplishments, and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all he has done, and continues to do to support the T1D community. Congratulations Dr. Starkman!