The Discipline
Endocrinology is the subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and care of disorders of the endocrine (glandular) system and the associated metabolic dysfunction. Endocrinologists are frequently involved with the diagnosis and management of
- Hypothalamic disorders (abnormal sodium and water balance)
- Pituitary diseases (tumors, over- or under-production of pituitary hormones)
- Parathyroid abnormalities (hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia)
- Thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, nodules)
- Adrenal cortex dysfunction (mineralcorticoid, glucocorticoid, sex hormone abnormalities)
- Gonadal disease (hypogonadism and reproductive disorders)
- Pancreatic endocrine disease (diabetes mellitus)
- Bone metabolism (osteoporosis)
- Lipid metabolism
- Iatrogenic effect of glucocorticoids
Endocrinologists may practice in a dedicated endocrine practice, as part of a multi-specialty group, or may maintain a split practice seeing both endocrinology and general internal medicine patients. They may also provide consultation for other physicians or hospitals. Academic endocrinologists often participate in basic science or clinical research and teach medical students and resident trainees.
Training
Training in endocrinology includes two years of additional training following successful completion of a basic internal medicine residency training program. Following completion, Endocrine, Diabetes, and Metabolism fellows are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Training Positions
In the 2019-2020 academic year, there are 149 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism with 672 trainees. There are also 50 ACGME-accredited training programs with 164 trainees in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and 73 ACGME-accredited training programs with 246 trainees in pediatric endocrinology.
Major Professional Societies
- American College of Endocrinology
- The Endocrine Society
- American Diabetes Association
Back to the August 2019 issue of ACP IMpact