To become an endocrinologist, a person must first complete medical school and then pursue additional certification in the field of endocrinology. This is a lengthy procedure that takes more than ten years to complete. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as hormone imbalances, endocrine cancers, and diabetes. Hormone therapy is also provided endocrinologists for people who are taking hormones as part of the transition process, such as women in menopause and transgendered men and women.
For someone who wants to be an endocrinologist, the first step is to lay the groundwork in high school. A strong foundation in math and science will give a student more options when applying to undergraduate institutions and will also help the student succeed in his or her goal of becoming an endocrinologist. Students should apply to colleges and universities that offer premedicine programs or are known for having strong science programs, and they should also look for internship opportunities in labs and medical offices while still in school.
With a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to medical school, which is the next step on the path to becoming an endocrinologist. In addition to submitting application materials and attending an interview, most medical school applications require passing an entrance exam. Because endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, doctors who want to become endocrinologists must apply for internal medicine residencies after graduating from medical school.
After completing three years of training as an internist, the aspiring endocrinologist can apply for board certification and an endocrinology fellowship. The doctor will receive specific endocrinology training and learn skills that will be useful in patient care during the fellowship. A career as a pediatric endocrinologist, treating disorders of the endocrine system in children, is also an option.
It is common for endocrinologists to join professional organizations after they have completed their training. Membership in such organizations allows doctors to network, gain access to trade journals, and receive invitations to conferences, all of which can help them stay up to date on the latest research in the field. Being a member of such an organization is also beneficial when applying for jobs, as people with professional credentials are more likely to be hired and will be paid more than those who do not.