An endocrinologist is a medical professional who specialises in the treatment of hormone related disorders. There is a special interest in the treatment of diabetes, and much of the work is conducted on the outpatient ward. Other conditions of interest include cholesterol and thyroid problems. Once several years experience has been acquired there is the opportunity to specialise in other areas of endocrinology, such as molecular laboratory research and the chance to undertake academic medicine.
Such specialists can choose whether they want to work in a general hospital or a private clinic. There are many organisations and specialist groups that an endocrinologist can choose to become a member of. There is the opportunity to conduct your own research into this speciality, and this will help to further the treatment and care that is given to patients by discovering new drugs and treatments.
Work activities
Typical work activities an endocrinologist would need to carry out include:
- An endocrinologist would need to diagnose and treat conditions such as the menopause, metabolic disorders and infertility, all of which are related to hormone imbalances.
- Treat a wide array of patients who are suffering from hormonal problems.
- Work alongside other medical professionals.
- Collate and analyse any medical referral material you are given about patients and ensure that they are updated with any new diagnoses and treatments that are done.
- There would be the chance to conduct your own research if you so wish, with your writings likely to be published in medical journals.
- Mainly work in the outpatient department of a hospital, unless you choose to work for a private organisation.
- Use an array of testing methods to find what, if any, hormonal problems a patient is suffering from.
- Put patients at ease when carrying out diagnoses and treatment.
Essential skills
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Organised and professional manner.
- Friendly manner, especially if working in the speciality of paediatrics.
- Leadership skills.
- Receptive of other medical professionals’ opinions, and willing to give your own insights into patient welfare.
- Competent when using computers and other apparatus to conduct medical testing.
- Desire to continue researching throughout your career in order to keep up-to-date with any advances in the diagnoses and treatment of patients with hormonal imbalances.
- Desire to help people overcome their medical problems.
- Attention to detail.
- Extensive knowledge of and an aptitude for medicine and the sciences.