Amy and Ed Wertheim. Photo by Isabella Dellolio Photography
Expanding Expertise Through Education
Generous gift enables launch of novel fellowship
Roughly one in ten Americans lives with diabetes, yet access to comprehensive, specialized care remains a challenge for many patients, particularly in communities without diabetes experts. At Joslin Diabetes Center, education is helping to bridge that gap. Thanks to a generous gift from Ed and Amy Wertheim, Joslin is launching the new Wertheim Fellowship for Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and Internists, which will expand access to Joslin’s world-renowned expertise by training physicians who can apply and share their learnings in their own practices.
This intensive, yearlong clinical fellowship will strengthen the primary care workforce’s knowledge of advanced diabetes management, helping address barriers that prevent patients from accessing comprehensive, high-quality diabetes care. It is the first training opportunity of its kind in New England. Graduates of the program will be prepared to deliver evidence-based treatment across a range of settings, including primary care practices, specialty centers, and dedicated diabetes clinics. The fellowship will improve access to expert care and reduce reliance on endocrinology referrals for many patients, bringing timely, effective treatment closer to home.
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The Wertheims’ support of this initiative reflects a strong belief in what they have observed firsthand at Joslin—that education has the power to change lives, improving not only individual outcomes but also the quality of care delivered across communities. “We’re interested in spreading information out so it can reach a broader audience,” says Ed. “Having these programs and educating people is really critical.” He recalls the benefits of educational programs he participated in as a Joslin patient, which taught him new approaches for more effectively managing his diabetes. Now, he and Amy are helping to bring crucial learning opportunities to providers, enabling even more people to benefit from Joslin’s specialized expertise.
In addition to Ed’s journey with diabetes, several relatives have been affected by the disease, including Amy’s father, whose diagnosis came shortly after the discovery of insulin. That fortunate timing saved his life and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in care, research, and education that can transform lives. Reflecting on family members’ experiences with diabetes, Ed notes how dramatically care has advanced over the years and the changes new developments have made possible. “Had they had access to the kind of services and expertise that we now have, their lives might have been very different, so we hope we can make a difference for others,” he says.
Through their involvement with Joslin, the Wertheims have also seen firsthand the impact that access to education and resources have on other families facing a diabetes diagnosis. “We’ve met a number of parents who’ve gone through this with their children,” Amy says. “I’ve been very impressed with the kind of support that they’ve had from Joslin.” Those interactions have deepened their commitment to ensuring that more people can benefit from the knowledge and care that Joslin provides.
Their gift to establish the Wertheim Fellowship for PCPs and Internists will help make that possible, redefining the scope and level of treatment PCPs are able to deliver. Ultimately, the impact of their generosity will extend far beyond Joslin’s walls, helping more people with diabetes access the expert care they need, wherever they live.