What does an Endocrinologist do?
Published 4 min read
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of the glands that produce hormones. Hormones are chemicals that affect the way your body works. Endocrinologists treat conditions that are caused by problems with hormones.
Endocrinologist job duties include:
- Evaluating and treating hormone imbalances and disorders of the endocrine system
- Diagnosing and treating diabetes mellitus and other disorders of the pancreas
- Diagnosing and treating thyroid diseases
- Diagnosing and treating adrenal gland disorders
- Diagnosing and treating pituitary gland disorders
- Diagnosing and treating calcium disorders
- Diagnosing and treating obesity
- Diagnosing and treating infertility
- Managing patients with hormone-related cancers such as thyroid cancer, adrenocortical cancer, pituitary tumor, etc.
Endocrinologist Job Requirements
An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system. Endocrinologists typically complete four years of medical school, followed by three to four years of residency training in internal medicine or pediatrics. Many endocrinologists also complete fellowship training, which can last an additional two to three years. Board certification in endocrinology is available through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). To maintain certification, endocrinologists must participate in continuing medical education and pass a recertification exam every 10 years.
Endocrinologist Skills
- Hormone disorders
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal disorders
- Pituitary disorders
- Calcium disorders
- Lipid disorders
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Male infertility
- Menopause
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How to become an Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messenger molecules that help regulate the body’s growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions.
To become an endocrinologist, you will need to complete four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and three to four years of residency training in internal medicine or pediatrics. After completing your residency training, you will need to pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics.
If you are interested in becoming an endocrinologist, you should start by taking courses in biology and chemistry in college. You should also consider volunteering or working in a healthcare setting to get experience in the field. During your medical school training, you will take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. You will also complete rotations in various medical specialties, including endocrinology.
After completing your residency training, you can choose to practice general endocrinology or subspecialize in a particular area of interest, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or reproductive endocrinology. Endocrinologists typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice settings. They may also conduct research on new treatments for endocrine disorders.
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