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Endocrinologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewAn endocrinologist is a physician who is trained to diagnose, treat and manage diseases of the endocrine organs, which secrete hormones necessary for everyday bodily functions. The endocrine organs include the pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes and pancreas.
More commonly known endocrine disorders include diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, menopause and some fertility problems. Endocrinologists do not perform surgery on the endocrine organs, but instead work cooperatively with endocrine surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Endocrinologists must be constantly updating their knowledge of the endocrine system and the various drug therapies that are being used and researched.
Excellent ability to work within a team of medical practitioners as well as to communicate effectively with patients and their families are very important skills. Often patients have difficulty understanding issues with the endocrine system so the endocrinologist must be willing to take the time to explain the various functions, treatments and problems associated with the endocrine system.
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Career RequirementsThe field of endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, pediatric medicine and gynecology, and as such requires many years of study from the student so that he may competently practice endocrinology on an independent basis. A student interested in this particular field of medicine must first successfully complete a B.S. or B.A. degree with an emphasis on the basic sciences.
Next, the prospective physician must enter and graduate from an LCME accredited medical school. Finally, now considered an M.D., the physician must complete an additional three or more years of training to become a specialist in either internal medicine, pediatrics or gynecology, followed by three or more years of specialized training in adult, pediatric or reproductive endocrinology.
During these years of study and training, the student of endocrinology is expected to maintain high grade point averages and successfully pass many rigorous examinations that prove academic excellence as well as the ability to care for patients.
Education for an endocrinologist never ends, as each state requires a certain amount of continuing education credits to be completed each year in order to keep the endocrinologist current on all new developments in his field. In addition to several years of education, an endocrinologist must be licensed in the state he wishes to work in order to practice medicine legally.
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Job OutlookAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor, the opportunities for physicians will increase faster than average through the year 2014. Job openings will increase due to physicians retiring between now and 2014.
Opportunities for employment for physicians are more abundant in rural and low-income communities. Most endocrinologists choose to enter group practices, such as clinics and hospitals, rather than entering into private practices.
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Career TrackTraditionally, endocrinologists diagnose and treat patients on a daily basis. However, there are other options for those interested in endocrinology. Some of these options include:
- Becoming a research physician
- Teaching medical students and residents
- Directing various health programs and facilities
- Working with pharmaceutical companies
- Developing new medical devices and/or procedures
There are four unique categories within the field of endocrinology. An endocrine surgeon performs surgery on the various organs of the endocrine system. An adult endocrinologist works only with those patients over the age of 18. A pediatric endocrinologist works only with those patients under the age of 18. A reproductive endocrinologist works with adults entering menopause as well as those having fertility problems resulting from disorders of the ovaries and testes.
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CompensationA new endocrinologist can expect to earn between $125,000 and $220,000. These numbers can be affected by many different things. The salary for an endocrinologist will increase with respect to the years of accumulated experience.
Also, salary can be expected to be higher in rural and low-income areas, where there are fewer physicians. Commonly, salary varies from state to state.
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