Meet Alfred Rodgers

I started at Diabetes Care Club in the summer of 2011, after working in the hospitality industry for several years while pursuing my Bachelor of Science. My path to this point did not follow the map I intended, but the detours have shown me a whole new world. I am a more technical, logical, straight to the point type person, but the detours showed me how to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the view, or if I prefer grab a (healthy) snack!

Interview

Q. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about diabetes here?

A: The most surprising thing that I've learned about diabetes here is the number of people directly affected by the disease. Not only does it affect the person with diabetes, it also affects the family and/or friends of that person. Since working here, I've talked to patients that have given up on themselves, patients that have coped with diabetes, and patients that have taken charge of their life and not let diabetes rule it.

Q. Have you learned anything here that surprised you?

A. What I've learned that surprised me is the number of people at, near, or younger than my age that are affected with diabetes. That was really an eye-opener for me because one of my favorite things to do is eat, and I thought I was compensating that with physical activity, but now I am better at watching the foods that I eat.

Q. Aside from ordering supplies, what’s the most common reason that patients call?

A. The most common reason that patients call, I would have to say is instructions on how to use a particular meter. It ranges from adjustment of volume, how to put a strip into the meter, and how to use the control solution, to name a few.

Q. What makes you good at your job?

A. The aspects of me that make me good at my job is that I am efficient and proactive, but I also have patience and have learned to better understand people. Coming from the hospitality industry, there was a lot more face to face interaction where body language could be read, but now I have to transfer those skills to tone of voice when talking to a patient over the phone.