Meet the Staff: Teresa Romero, RN

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Teresa Romero

Teresa Romero, RN, has been with the Sharp Rees-Stealy diabetes department as a disease case manager since 2008. She received her nursing education at Grossmont College and her bachelor's in science from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara.

How did you choose to work in the field of disease management?
As a health care professional working for some time in this field, I know there is sufficient data that predicts that the number of people with both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes will increase or double over the next 25 years. I want to help make a difference by providing education and knowledge to our population regarding prevention and control of this disease.

What do you do in your role at Sharp Rees Stealy Disease Management?
My role is to have a good communication with our patient population and, once this is established, communicating patient needs to physicians. This active communication helps our patients meet their goal of managing their diabetes, which, in the long run, will help them prevent complications.

How do you help your patients succeed in managing their chronic disease?
To me the most important aspect of managing a chronic disease is patient empowerment. I want our patients to feel and know that they are empowered to make their own health care decisions. As adults we do not like to be told what to do, but if we work together we are more likely to follow through. I make sure to end a conversation with a patient by asking them how it feels that the decision made was not mine, but theirs.

What is the key to self-managing a chronic disease?
The key is knowledge. I have seen time and time again, when a patient comes to the understanding of his or her disease, how to prevent complications, how the medications they are taking work and the need for them and then the perspective changes and taking medications becomes a need rather than a must.

How do you stay healthy?
Having breakfast is the most important aspect for me, it gives me energy and keeps me focused. I enjoy the beach; I bike to the beach, take walks on the beach. I have a German shepherd he keeps me busy also; I take him to dog beach and we run together along the ocean.  He also reminds me to take walks in the evening. I also enjoy zumba classes.

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.