Dr Bonar, an early leader in the field of endocrinology, has been practicing medicine for more than 50 years and earned her medical degree at the University of Arkansas School of Medicine. She has served several academic appointments and has affiliations with numerous professional organizations, including former president of the American Diabetes Association and former president of the Alaska State Medical Association, and she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. A skilled researcher, she has published many articles on a variety of topics in endocrinology and has authored a text book on diabetes.