Endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in endocrinology, the study of the endocrine system, which controls the hormones in your body. They can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that affect the endocrine system. When the endocrine system is working properly, the hormones in your body can do their various jobs, such as controlling blood sugar and regulating heart rate and blood pressure. But when the endocrine system isn’t working properly, it causes a hormonal imbalance that can throw off your body’s systems.
An endocrinologist helps patients get their endocrine system back on track. They may work with children or adults. But there are several subspecialties of endocrinology, including diabetology, endocrine oncology, neuroendocrinology, and more.
What is the Demand and Outlook for Endocrinologists?
Because of the continued prevalence of diabetes, as well as an aging workforce, endocrinologists are in high demand. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes. Another 97.6 million people have prediabetes. However, there are just under 9,000 active endocrinologists in the U.S.
Previous research estimated that, without intervention, the U.S. would face a shortage of 2,700 endocrinologists by 2025. More than 85% of people with diabetes rely on their primary care physician (PCPs) for management. However, PCPs do not receive extensive training in diabetes care, making the need for endocrinologists even more critical.
How to Become an Endocrinologist
From start to finish, it typically takes 13 years to become an endocrinologist. First, you need a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years. Your bachelor’s should include prerequisite courses for medical school, such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
Each medical school has its own set of prerequisites, so be sure to check the requirements for the schools you plan to apply to.
After you get your bachelor’s, you’ll need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Once you pass the MCAT, you can apply for medical school, which usually takes four years to complete. At the end of your second year of medical school, you’re required to take Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). The National Board of Medical Examiners (NMBE) provides examinations for healthcare professionals and administers the USMLE. You’ll take Step 2 of the USMLE at the end of your last year of medical school.
When you graduate from medical school, you’ll need to apply for a residency in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, or pediatrics. During your residency, you’ll work directly with patients to get hands-on experience in the field. Residency usually takes three to four years to complete.
During your residency, you’ll also take Step 3 of the USMLE. When you complete your residency and the USMLE, you can apply for an endocrinology fellowship, which takes two to three years to complete.
Upon completing your fellowship, you must pass the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism certification exam. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) administers this exam. You’ll also need to pass the licensing exam for each state in which you plan to practice medicine. You can learn more about the licensing requirements to become an endocrinologist in Connecticut through the state’s Department of Public Health website.
How Often Do Endocrinologists Need to Recertify?
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) requires physicians to recertify in their specialty every eight years. Recertification ensures that physicians are staying up to date on the latest research and medical techniques, and also proves their expertise to their employers and patients.
A medical license, on the other hand, usually lasts for two to three years before it requires renewal. However, this varies by state. In Connecticut, physicians must renew their medical license annually and complete 50 continuing medical education (CME) credits. Licenses typically expire in the first birth month after issuance. Licenses issued by the Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (PLIS) have a 90 day grace period; on the 91st day after expiration, the license becomes inactive and you will need to apply to have it reinstated.
Is Endocrinology Right for You?
Choosing any medical specialty can be a complex decision. There are many factors to take into consideration, such as the amount of training and licensure requirements. Endocrinology may be a good fit for you if you:
- Have good problem-solving skills — Endocrinologists have to be able to find abnormalities within the endocrine system, which requires attention to detail and being able to dig into test results.
- Want to develop longitudinal relationships with patients — Endocrinologists often work with patients long-term, especially those with chronic conditions. Endocrine conditions such as diabetes and obesity also allow you to educate your patients on healthy lifestyle choices that can help them manage their conditions.
- Want a positive work-life balance — Most endocrinologists have an outpatient schedule and are rarely on call.
Ready to start your career as an endocrinologist in Connecticut? Contact us today.
