Patient Advisor, Amy Ohmer and family
Alice Train, Patient Advisor
Inas Thomas, MD
The Caswell Diabetes Institute (CDI) had a proud showing at the 2025 HOPE & JOY Awards, hosted by the Michigan Medicine Office of Patient Experience. These meaningful awards honor individuals who go above and beyond to elevate the patient and family experience—and this year, several of our own were acknowledged and celebrated.
We’re thrilled to announce that patient advisor Amy Ohmer was awarded the JOY Award for her remarkable contributions to CDI and the Pediatric Endocrinology Department. Amy is a dedicated member of the CDI Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and an unwavering diabetes advocate. With over 11 years of service as a patient advisor, Amy brings unmatched insight, compassion, and leadership to her role. As a mother of two college-aged daughters living with diabetes, she has been a driving force behind initiatives to ease the transition from pediatric to adult care, helping to ensure that young adults feel supported every step of the way.
We also recognize Alice Train, a founding member of the CDI PFAC, who was nominated for her outstanding dedication and commitment. Alice has played a pivotal role in shaping CDI’s strategic direction, ensuring our priorities reflect the real-world needs of individuals and families impacted by diabetes. Her nomination described her best: “Alice embodies the spirit of partnership, compassion, and innovation that defines patient- and family-centered care.”
In addition, Dr. Inas Thomas, Associate Director for Pediatric Clinical Research and Diabetes Programming for CDI, received the HOPE Award in the Children’s, Women’s, and Psychiatry Individual category. Dr. Thomas was recognized for her visionary leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to driving meaningful change in diabetes care.
We are incredibly fortunate to work with Amy, Alice, and Dr. Thomas and are grateful for their extraordinary contributions and commitment to improving the lives of those living with diabetes. Congratulations and thank you for your passion and partnership!
The HOPE Award recognizes faculty, staff, and teams at Michigan Medicine while the JOY Award is open to any patient or family advisor/Volunteer who has made a significant impact through their work.