Endocrinologist Job Description, Career as a Endocrinologist, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Specialized advanced degree and license

Median Salary: $184,997 per year

Job Prospects: Very good

Job Description

An endocrinologist is responsible for and specialized in caring for the endocrine glands and the hormones secreted by them. This is a very involved specialty of medicine and therefore requires a great attention to detail as well as a strong understanding of this pivotal part of the body. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat disease and dysfunctions of the thyroid, pituitary, adrenals, ovaries, and testes.

Endocrinologists must know how to diagnosis any problems that may come about in any of these specific parts, such as a tumor. There are a variety of issues, such as infertility or diabetes, that may come about if there is a breakdown in any part of the endocrine system. Primary care physicians refer patients to endocrinologists when they need a more defined diagnosis or specialized treatment.

Though an endocrinologist works in the same capacity as any other physician, the job can be a bit more stressful. Patients are usually referred to endocrinologists for a serious condition, and they are looking for good answers, hoping that their endocrinologist will be able to keep them healthy and moving forward with their life. Endocrinologists meet and consult with their patients and review previous doctors’ test results and notes to get a full understanding of each patient. They then assess any symptoms or issues that the patient has had and perform any tests or surgeries deemed necessary and appropriate.

Endocrinologists work first and foremost in patient care, as this is their main focus. They work with their patients throughout the entire process, from consultation to treatment plan. Endocrinologists must be able to translate symptoms into conditions, so that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be prescribed for each and every patient. Endocrinologists work to clear up any health conditions or problems that the patient has developed as a result of a breakdown in the endocrine system. If they run their own practice, these specialized doctors are also responsible for all business functions within it as well.

Training/Educational Requirements

As with any other type of physician, it is essential that an endocrinologist completes medical school. Since this is a specialization within medicine, it is also important that endocrinologists obtain an advanced degree in this area. It is essential that all endocrinologists have a license to practice in their home state.

As part of the licensing process, there is usually a requirement for some sort of ongoing training, though the specifics varies some by state. It can be quite helpful for endocrinologists to attend additional workshops and seminars to keep their skills fresh and to keep abreast of new studies or trends. This is particularly important in this area because it is a specialization that many patients require these days, and there is a great deal of new research coming out all the time.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired initially is to have the necessary educational background and license. Most endocrinologists follow in the footsteps of other physicians in that they work as interns and then residents to gain the necessary experience. Any specialized experience that they can gain in endocrinology can help to better prepare them.

Once endocrinologists move on in their career, experience becomes the best way to get hired. It is important to both patients and other health care professionals that an endocrinologist has strong experience working with a wide array of patients. This specialization requires a great deal of knowledge because there are so many different things to consider, so the more experience that an endocrinologist possesses, the better the chances are of getting hired. This is true for endocrinologists wishing to get hired at a medical facility directly, or for those who wish to gain clients through a small or private practice.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

The outlook for this role is very good, and that’s great news for those wishing to enter the field or move within it. The health care industry is in a growth pattern across the board right now, and when it comes to this specialization, there are a great deal of job openings. As more people seem to struggle with issues related to the endocrine system, greater demand is created for this specialized physician. This all means more job openings for those wishing to enter endocrinology. For those who wish to gain a new position or to open their own practice after working in a larger clinic, the greater demand can only help them, too. The more patients require this specialized physician, the more endocrinology jobs will become available.

Working Environment

The typical working environment for an endocrinologist is that of a physician’s office. They generally meet with or consult with their patients in standard exam rooms, and they may maintain an office of their own to handle research or phone calls. Endocrinologists may keep some hours at a hospital, particularly if they have to handle any procedures or tests or perform any surgeries. They may spend part of their time at their office and then part of their time at a hospital or medical facility, much like that of other physicians.

Salary and Benefits

The typical salary for an endocrinologist is around $184,997. The salary can vary from as low as $163,968 per year to as high as $211,416 per year. The reason for the variation has everything to do with level of experience and the way in which and where the endocrinologist practices. As these specialized doctors often work for themselves, endocrinologists are often responsible for their own benefits and for those of their employees. If they work as part of a hospital or clinic, endocrinologists usually receive very generous benefits, including paid vacation and sick days, excellent medical coverage, and some sort of pension plan.