Physicians who specialize in the field of internal medicine possess the background to treat many of the health conditions related to the endocrine system, but only endocrinologists have the specific skills necessary to address complicated endocrine diseases. In this article, I describe the typical educational background and professional certifications of a qualified endocrinologist.
As physicians, endocrinologists must earn their medical degrees before pursuing further specialization. Depending on their chosen subspecialty, endocrinologists complete their residency training in one of three fields: internal medicine for adult endocrinology, pediatrics for pediatric endocrinology, or obstetrics and gynecology for reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After three years of residency, physicians who plan to become adult endocrinologists embark on advanced postgraduate fellowships in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. These generally take an additional two years and qualify endocrinologists for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Although board certification is voluntary, the ABIM currently certifies a quarter of practicing physicians in the United States. All candidates for subspecialty certification in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism must first earn certification in internal medicine; the board then evaluates qualified practitioners according to rigorous standards of education, training, and clinical competence. Once certified, endocrinologists regularly maintain certification through a process that includes continuing education, self-evaluation, and a comprehensive recertification exam.
In addition to board certification, endocrinologists may choose to join professional membership associations such as the Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. Dedicated to promoting excellence within the profession, these organizations also provide endocrinologists with valuable resources to address the wide and varied range of hormonal disorders.
About the author: A graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Dr. Robert Aden completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the New York University Medical Center. He earned board certification in 1999 and maintains affiliations with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.
As physicians, endocrinologists must earn their medical degrees before pursuing further specialization. Depending on their chosen subspecialty, endocrinologists complete their residency training in one of three fields: internal medicine for adult endocrinology, pediatrics for pediatric endocrinology, or obstetrics and gynecology for reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After three years of residency, physicians who plan to become adult endocrinologists embark on advanced postgraduate fellowships in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. These generally take an additional two years and qualify endocrinologists for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Although board certification is voluntary, the ABIM currently certifies a quarter of practicing physicians in the United States. All candidates for subspecialty certification in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism must first earn certification in internal medicine; the board then evaluates qualified practitioners according to rigorous standards of education, training, and clinical competence. Once certified, endocrinologists regularly maintain certification through a process that includes continuing education, self-evaluation, and a comprehensive recertification exam.
In addition to board certification, endocrinologists may choose to join professional membership associations such as the Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. Dedicated to promoting excellence within the profession, these organizations also provide endocrinologists with valuable resources to address the wide and varied range of hormonal disorders.
About the author: A graduate of the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Dr. Robert Aden completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the New York University Medical Center. He earned board certification in 1999 and maintains affiliations with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.
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