Endocrinologist

Who are endocrinologists?

Endocrinologists are internal medicine doctors who specialize in the study of hormones produced by the pituitary glands, pancreas, thyroid and other internal organs. Some conditions treated by endocrinologists include diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, infertility, osteoporosis and metabolic disorders. Typical job duties can include helping diabetic patients control their blood sugar, prescribing hormone replacement therapies for women undergoing menopause or creating diet and exercise regimens for patients with lipid disorders. Endocrinologists also use a variety of diagnostic procedures, such as fine-needle biopsies, blood glucose monitoring and bone density tests.

Duties

Because most endocrine disorders are chronic diseases that require life-long care, endocrinologists must be thoroughly trained in understanding, treating and managing these problems. Additionally, they must be able to help patients cope with the physical limitations from diseases like diabetes and hypothyroidism. Daily duties may range from ordering tests to prescribing medications.

Education

To become endocrinologists, students must first earn a bachelor's degree and then begin the application process for medical school. Students receive their medical degree after successful completion of a 4-year medical school program. Most endocrinologists complete a 3- or 4-year residency in internal medicine, pediatrics or gynecology before finishing their training with a 3-year fellowship in adult, pediatric or reproductive endocrinology. Only after completing this entire process and obtaining a state license can an endocrinologist begin unsupervised practice.

Salary

According to March 2012 figures on Salary.com, the median annual salary for endocrinologists was over $193,000, which sounds pretty good until you compare it to the salaries of other specialists. For example, the median annual salary for gastroenterologists was around $319,000, while invasive cardiologists earned about $358,000.

Sources

http://education-portal.com/articles/Endocrinologist_Job_Description_and_Info_for_Students_Considering_a_Career_in_Endocrinology.html

http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Endocrinologist_Career_Summary.html