Meet the Staff: Cherie Roussos, RD, CDE

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Cherie Roussos

Cherie Roussos, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator (CDE), began consulting with Sharp Rees-Stealy in 1991. She received her bachelor's degree in dietetics and foods systems management from Oregon State University in 1989 and then completed her dietetic internship at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla. Soon after she became an employee of Sharp Rees-Stealy, she became a CDE.

How did you choose to work in the field of diabetes education?
When I first started working at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, I soon realized many of the patients I consulted with had diabetes. I enjoyed the complexity of diabetes and understood that it was a manageable condition with knowledge. I wanted to become an expert in the field to really help my patients, so I became a CDE soon after.

What do you do in your role at Sharp Rees-Stealy as a certified diabetes educator?
I teach classes on prediabetes, gestational diabetes and diabetes self-management. I also see patients of all ages from infants to the elderly. Diabetes self-management is my main area of expertise, but I also enjoy educating and creating meal plans for individuals with other medical conditions such as celiac disease, multiple food allergies, failure to thrive, eating disorders and obese children.

How do you help your patients succeed in managing their chronic disease?
My education style is to empower patients and give them the confidence to know that they can control their diabetes instead of letting it control them. I also like to show them what that can eat versus what they can't.

What is the key to self-managing a chronic disease?
Understanding the chronic condition, moving forward with the positive attitude of managing it well, versus running away from it and ignoring it.

How do you stay healthy?
I meet my girlfriends during the workweek for a long run/walk early in the morning before the family wakes up. I also surf with my kids and friends on the weekends. I try to prepare most of our family meals at home and include lots of colorful fruits and veggies. I also include an occasional indulgence to keep things in balance.

For More Information
To learn more or to speak with someone to determine if you're eligible to participate in a Sharp Rees-Stealy disease management program, please call 619-446-1571, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.