UF physician honored for her commitment to diabetic children

Janet Silverstein, M.D., chief of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, has been honored for her lifetime commitment to children with diabetes.

She was recognized last month by the Florida Diabetes Camp at an event called “Celebrate! For Children’s Sake,” held at the Best Western Gateway Grand.

Silverstein, who joined UF in 1978, became involved as a camp physician in 1979. Since 1989 she has served as the organization’s medical director, setting the standards for the various camps and family weekends it hosts. Under her leadership, the number of camp sessions for children has more than doubled, weekend events have grown from one to six yearly, and the full-time staff has expanded.

Called the “heart and soul” of the camp by its Executive Director Rosalie Bandyopadhyay, Silverstein was presented a sculpture that described her as a physician, teacher, mentor, friend and healer.

“Camp for me is the most rewarding thing I do,” said Silverstein, whose philosophy is to work with children as individuals, help them develop self-esteem, and make them know they can do anything they wish and not be limited by their diabetes, as well as to teach them the tools necessary to successfully self-manage their disease.

Based in Gainesville, the Florida Diabetes Camp has provided programs to children with type 1 diabetes and their families since 1962. The demand for the camp’s services is growing as the number of children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes rises.