Becoming an endocrinologist requires more than 10 years of training, including completing medical school, internal medicine residency, and an endocrinology fellowship. High school students should focus on math and science, and pursue internships in the field. Membership in professional organizations is helpful for networking and job opportunities.
Someone who wants to become an endocrinologist will need to complete training as a physician and then pursue further certification in the field of endocrinology. This is a long process, taking more than 10 years. After certification, an endocrinologist treats people with disorders related to the endocrine system, including hormone imbalances, endocrine cancers and diabetes. Endocrinologists also provide hormone therapy for people such as menopausal women and transgender men and women who take hormones as part of the transition process.
The first step for someone who intends to become an endocrinologist is to lay the groundwork in high school. Having a good foundation in math and science will provide the student with more options when applying to undergraduate institutions, as well as facilitating the success of the plan to become an endocrinologist. Students should apply to colleges and universities that offer pre-med programs or that are known to be strong in the sciences and, if possible, should also pursue internship opportunities in laboratories and physicians’ offices during graduation.
With a degree, it is possible to apply to medical school, the next step on the path to becoming an endocrinologist. Applications to medical schools usually require passing the entrance exam, as well as submission of application materials and an interview. After completing medical school, a doctor who wants to become an endocrinologist will need to apply to internal medicine residencies, as endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine.
Becoming an internist requires three years of training, at which point the budding endocrinologist can apply for board certification and apply for an endocrinology fellowship. During the fellowship, the physician will receive specific education in endocrinology and learn skills that will be valuable in patient care. It is also possible to pursue a career as a pediatric endocrinologist, treating disorders of the endocrine system in children.
Once someone becomes an endocrinologist, it is common to apply to join professional organizations. Membership in these organizations provides physicians with networking opportunities, access to trade journals, and conference invitations that can be used to keep up with the latest research in the field. Membership in such an organization is also helpful when it comes to applying for jobs, as people with professional credentials are more likely to be hired and will receive higher compensation than people who do not.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
