Speakers from March 11th

	PHILIP R. NICOL, MD: Owner and Director, The Diabetes Center of Myrtle Beach Doctor Nicol was trained in internal medicine at Guy's Hospital in London England.  He completed his residency in Wilmington, NC.  He has worked in Myrtle Beach for over 10 years and opened The Diabetes Center 7 years ago to meet the growing demand of diabetics in the region.  Dr. Nicol is now at the forefront of treating diabetes and sees over 2,000 diabetic patients every year.  His practice is the only medical group in the area focused solely on diabetes care.
	JOANNA MALENCIA: Retired RN, Volunteer Dietary Educator Joanna Malencia began her career working in obstetrics before changing to the operating room.  She was diagnosed as a diabetic one year before retiring in 1999.  After retiring, she volunteered at the UPMC Horizon hospital in Greenville, PA working with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).  She now volunteers at The Diabetes Center teaching about dietary plans.
	JENNIFER H. MERRITT, MD: Ophthalmologist, Coastal Eye Group Doctor Merritt practices comprehensive ophthalmology and oculoplastic care with the Coastal Eye Group in Little River.  She is a life-long resident of South Carolina and received her bachelor of science cum laude from Furman University and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  She also performed her internship in general surgery at MUSC and completed her ophthalmology residency at MUSC's Storm Eye Insitute.  Doctor Merritt is certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Ophthalmology.
	LYNDA MATLASHEWSKI: Fitness Director, American Athletic Club Lynda Matlashewski is originally from Ontario, Canada. She graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Health and Education. She is a certified Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and has been working in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Lynda has a wide range of specialties which include pre/post natal, cardiac rehab, diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and joint replacement post rehab. Lynda has worked with all age groups as young as 4 to the even younger age of 92. She also has specialized training in Pilates and Yoga. You will be able to locate Lynda at the American Athletic Club where she is the Fitness Director.
	KIM RALPH: Diabetes Management Consultant, Medtronic Diabetes Kim Ralph graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Statue University in 1997. She has spent her career in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry working in sales, marketing, managed markets and operations. She has been working with Medtronic, the global leader in Medical technology, since 2006 as a Diabetes Management Consultant.