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Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the physiology and pathophysiology of the endocrine system, including glandular and metabolic systems. Clinical Endocrinology is concerned with the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders, including disorders of the thyroid and hypothalamus, adrenal glands, production of hormones, or metabolism of lipids, osteoporosis, diabetes, pituitary disease, and reproductive issues. There is a large spectrum of endocrine disorders, which are often genetic, congenital, or long-term, and affect multiple body systems. Diagnosis is often complex and can involve physical exams, interpretation of laboratory and biochemical tests, organ imaging and nuclear medicine. Specialist expertise and procedural skills are required for the management and treatment of patients, which involves a range of therapies, pharmacology and care provided by a multidisciplinary team. This field of medicine involves collaboration between specialists in metabolic disease, clinical biochemistry, renal medicine, neurology, cardiovascular disease, genetics, and chronic disease management

Endocrinology (and Diabetes Mellitus) Jobs

Endocrinologists are experts in hormones and metabolism. They diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine system, including thyroid disease, osteoporosis and bone disorders, reproductive issues, adrenal fatigue, and pancreatic complications. Endocrinologists examine and assess their patients, and order and interpret biochemical tests and medical imaging of endocrine organs. They have a good understanding of laboratory methods, their use to inform diagnosis, and their limitations. Endocrinologists provide specialist care, which can involve non-surgical therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy, or referral for surgical procedures in collaboration with specialist surgeons. At this senior level, they consult directly with patients and other medical specialists, provide clinical leadership, coordinate care, and contribute to training and research in the field. Endocrinologists work in hospitals and private clinics, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They have undertaken core training, followed by a four-year JRCPTB higher specialist training programme in Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, together with Internal Medicine (IM) stage 2, and they are eligible for the GMC specialty register.

Registrars (Endocrinology) are registered doctors who have completed their medical degree, foundation and core training (three years of Internal Medicine (IM) stage 1 or Acute Care Common Stem). They undertake specialty registrar positions, or positions at ST3+ level, broadening and refining their scope of practice and gain experience, skills and competency in their chosen area of medicine. Registrars are very important members of the integrated and multi-disciplinary health care team. They have increasing responsibility for patient care, oversee and support junior doctors and staff, participate in professional development activities and continue to receive important guidance, training, and support from senior staff. Registrars who work in Endocrinology work in outpatient clinics in hospitals, but they may also work in acute general medicine, including emergency and inpatient care. Registrars who want to work in this field can undertake specialised training in Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus and Internal Medicine (IM) stage 2, a minimum four-year JRCPTB programme. At this level, Registrars work under Endocrinologists and develop skills and clinical expertise, in providing medical care, diagnosis and treatment for patients with Endocrine and related disorders.

Nurses (Endocrinology) provide specialised nursing care to patients with endocrine disorders and help to perform diagnostic tests related to these disorders. They work in multidisciplinary teams and provide education and support to patients, take records, and provide other assistance with tests and treatments. Roles can involve triaging, leading clinics, undertaking physical assessments of patients, and coordination of patient care.