Career: Endocrinologist

WHAT 

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who has a basic training in Internal Medicine as well. Endocrinologists have the training to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in the body. The common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.

DISEASES THAT ENDOCRINOLOGISTS DEAL WITH: 

• Metabolic diseases
• Menopause and its hormonal unbalances
• Over- or underproduction of hormones
• Osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency
• Infertility
• Precocious puberty
• Lack of growth (short stature)
• Pediatric endocrine diseases
• Excessive growth or acromegaly/gigantism
• Cancers of the endocrine glands
• High blood pressure due to endocrine dysfunctions like adrenal gland tumors pheochromocytoma
• High blood cholesterol or lipid abnormalities associated with heart disease

HOW

Endocrinologists need four years of medical school and then spend three or four years in an internship and residency program. They cover internal medicine, pediatrics, orobstetrics and gynecology during this time.

Thereafter they spend two or three more years learning how to diagnose and treat hormone conditions.

Core training requires knowledge of normal physiology of the endocrine system, including the physiology and biochemistry of hormones, and their actions.

References: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Endocrinologist-What-is-an-Endocrinologist.aspx