At our Ottawa clinic, we believe that great care happens when great minds come together. Twice a week, our health team gathers for “rounds” — a vital part of how we deliver collaborative, patient-centered care.
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This week, we were thrilled to welcome a Certified Nurse Diabetes Educator to lead a special two-hour session. It was a powerful reminder of why ongoing education and teamwork are essential to supporting the health journeys of our patients.
Why Rounds Matter
Rounds are not just a meeting — they are the heartbeat of our clinical practice.
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Through regular rounds:
We Share Knowledge: Every team member brings unique expertise to the table. By sharing cases and learning together, we ensure patients benefit from a collective wealth of experience.
We Strengthen Skills: Rounds allow us to sharpen our clinical skills, update on best practices, and develop a shared approach to care.
We Build Collaboration: Health care is a team effort. Rounds foster trust, communication, and a unified commitment to excellence. ⠀
This collaboration ensures that no patient is cared for by just one clinician — but rather by a whole team invested in their success.
Key Takeaways From Our Diabetes Education Rounds
During our special session this week, we focused on strategies for supporting patients with diabetes — and there were several empowering insights we want to share with you:
1. Small Goals Lead to Big Wins
Managing diabetes (or any health condition) isn’t about making giant changes overnight. It’s about setting small, achievable goals that build momentum.
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Whether it’s swapping one sugary drink for water each day, adding a short walk after dinner, or checking blood sugar more consistently, small wins stack up — and build confidence along the way.
2. Finding Common Ground for Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes feel easier when they align with what you already value.
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Rather than forcing a complete overhaul, we help patients identify common ground:
Do you enjoy being outdoors? Let’s build more walking into your day.
Love cooking? Let’s focus on adding healthier ingredients.
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Healthier living should feel empowering — not overwhelming.
3. Medications Are a Tool, Not the Only Tool
Medications are an important tool in managing diabetes, and sometimes they are necessary.
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But our philosophy is clear: medications alone aren’t the answer.
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We work closely with patients to integrate lifestyle changes alongside any prescribed treatments. This creates a holistic, sustainable path to better health.
4. Lifestyle: The Most Effective (and Affordable) Method
Finally, one of the biggest messages from our rounds was this:
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Lifestyle changes are the most effective and affordable way to manage — and even prevent — diabetes.
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Movement, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and community support can profoundly improve health outcomes — often at little or no cost.
Final Thoughts
At our Ottawa clinic, we are proud to prioritize education, collaboration, and empowerment — for both our team and our patients.
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Every small step toward better health matters. And when we walk those steps together, success becomes inevitable.
