Young woman with diabetes ready for morning run along the coast

A Unique Time

Young adults with diabetes have unique needs. Many of them are moving out of their parents’ houses, advancing their education, starting a career, deepening relationships and exploring their independence. But diabetes can add a level of complexity to a young adult’s life. That’s why Joslin Diabetes Center offers a unique program designed especially for young adults with the condition.

Joslin's Young Adult Program offers:

  • Individualized visits with physicians who specialize in young adult care
  • A 24/7 on-call physician
  • Educational visits with Certified Diabetes Educators who specialize in nutrition, exercise physiology and diabetes technology
  • Individualized and group visits with Behavioral Health experts
  • A compassionate, confidential and judgment-free setting

Our Young Adult Program tailors plans for young adults, taking into consideration their life goals and the emotional demands of living with diabetes.

Each one of our clinical team members offers expertise in diabetes management, as well as extensive experience with diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. We also take into account the busy lives of young adults — and we offer flexibility in scheduling.

Meet Our Specialists

Elena Toschi
Elena Toschi, MD
Staff Physician
Director, Young Adult Clinic
Research Associate
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Elizabeth Bashoff
Elizabeth Bashoff, MD
Senior Staff Physician
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Joanna Mitri
Joanna Mitri, MD, MS
Staff Physician
Research Associate
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Giulio Romeo
Giulio Romeo, MD
Staff Physician
Associate Program Director, Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, BIDMC-Joslin Diabetes Center
Assistant Investigator
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Samar Hafida
Samar Hafida, MD
Staff Physician
Assistant Medical Director, Global Education and Care
Weight Management and Clinical Nutrition Specialist
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Susan Herzlinger-Botein
Susan Herzlinger-Botein, MD
Staff Physician
Research Associate
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Roeland Middelbeek
Roeland Middelbeek, MD
Staff Physician
Research Associate
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Cara Kilroy
Cara Kilroy, MSN, ANP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Maria Koen, Nurse Practitioner
Maria Koen, FNP
Nurse Practitioner
Melissa Rubinsky
Melissa Rubinsky, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, ACNS-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Fioralda Kico
Fioralda Kico, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Yu Wang, Nurse Practitioner
Yu Wang, DNP
Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Patience
Nicole Patience, MS, RDN, LDN,CDE, CEDRD
Nutrition Educator
Eating Disorder Specialist
Sean Edmonds
Sean Edmonds, RN, BSN
Nurse Educator
Jacqueline Shahar
Jacqueline Shahar, MEd, RCEP, CDE
Manager, Clinical Exercise Physiology
Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Stacey Connolly
Stacey Connolly, MS, RN, CDE
Nurse Educator
Mallory Sin
Mallory Sin, BS, RDN, LDN
Nutrition Educator
View More Young Adult Specialists

Classes & Events

Blood sugar control with healthy organic food and dumbbells

Virtual Why WAIT

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Virtual Why WAIT

Joslin's Why WAIT Program is now available virtually! Designed to help patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes safely lose weight to better...
Read more on

Virtual Why WAIT

Jennifer Sun

Dr. Jennifer K. Sun promoted to Senior Investigator at Joslin Diabetes Center

Dr. Jennifer K. Sun promoted to Senior Investigator at Joslin Diabetes Center

Dr. Jennifer K. Sun, MD, MPH has been promoted to Senior Investigator within the Research Section of the Joslin Diabetes Center. This prestigious appointment recognizes sustained excellence in...
Read more on Dr. Jennifer K. Sun promoted to Senior Investigator at Joslin Diabetes Center
photo of Stephan Kissler and Peng Yi

Protecting beta cells against stress may guard against type 1 diabetes

Protecting beta cells against stress may guard against type 1 diabetes

An existing drug boosts survival for insulin-producing cells under autoimmune attack. BOSTON – (July 27, 2020) – Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s own immune system destroys insulin-producing...
Read more on Protecting beta cells against stress may guard against type 1 diabetes

For more information or to make a young adult care appointment, call 617-309-1936 or email the YoungAdult [at] joslin.harvard.edu (Young Adult Coordinator).