Honoring Joslin's Heroes
The Medalist Program began in 1948 when the team at Joslin first began awarding medals to people who had been living with diabetes for 25 years. Believing that proper self-management was the key to minimizing long-term complications, the program was the vision of our founder, Elliott P. Joslin, MD, and served as an incentive for those committed to good, although challenging, diabetes care.
As more and more people began living longer, healthier lives with diabetes, Joslin expanded the program. In 1970, the team began awarding a 50-Year Bronze Medal. Then Joslin presented the first 75-Year Medal in 1996 and the first 80-Year Lifetime Achievement Award in May of 2013. The awardees with 25 years of insulin dependent diabetes are now honored with a certificate.
Since 1970, our team has presented more than 5,000 50-Year Medals. We’ve also awarded more than 90 distinctive 75-Year Medals from 1996 to today. The Medalist Program is far reaching, and Joslin has awarded medals across the country and around the world. We’ve presented medals internationally to recipients in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, Finland, Hungary, Japan, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
If you are interested in learning more about Joslin’s Medalist Program, please fill out this form to receive more information on the program and application process.
Meet Our Medalists
There are people all over the world who thrive, despite having diabetes. Listen to stories from our medalists - they offer strength, hope, and encouragement for your journey.