Dian True, regional coordinator for the Wyoming Center on Aging at the University of Wyoming, and Dr. Tom Repas, a Gillette endocrinologist, were honored on April 10 at Elevating Your Practice: The Wyoming Diabetes Summit in Casper for their roles in developing diabetes care infrastructure across the state.
The recognition highlights more than two decades of work by both individuals to advance diabetes care and education in Wyoming. Their efforts have helped establish programs and standards that benefit patients throughout the region.
True was recognized as a “pioneer” and “mentor of mentors” after a career spanning 25 years. She played a key role in opening one of Wyoming’s first comprehensive diabetes centers in Cody in 2000 and served as founding president of the state’s chapter of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) in 2006. Her advocacy extended internationally, representing her profession as an ambassador in cities such as Paris, Zurich, and Beijing.
“Ashley Littleton, chair of the coordinating body of the Wyoming ADCES chapter who presented True with her award said: ‘Dian is the reason many of us have a seat at the table.’” Littleton also pointed out True’s work as a legislative liaison in Washington, D.C., ensuring that state programs met national Medicare standards.
Dr. Repas was honored for his leadership over 25 years since returning to practice medicine in Wyoming after completing his fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. Kara Beech, regional coordinator for WyCOA said: “Dr. Repas has been the approverof [sic] the diabetes continuing education for the diabetes conference (Wyoming Diabetes Summit) we support… All education has to have someone with a high level of credentials approving the education provided.”
Both honorees were credited with leading advisory initiatives that secured Centers for Disease Control grant funding needed to establish chronic disease prevention programs statewide starting in 2001. In addition to his medical achievements, Repas is known outside clinical settings as a fourth-generation master beekeeper and an internationally award-winning mead maker who applies principles of sustainability from his homestead life into patient care.
The ceremony underscored how their combined efforts have advanced rural health care delivery while building frameworks intended to support future generations of health professionals across Wyoming.
