An endocrinologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the body’s endocrine glands. This includes several glands, most commonly the thyroid and adrenal ones, though it may also refer to some glands related to one’s genitals, despite them not being endocrine glands. Endocrinologists are commonly sought by patients suspicious of a tumor or another unwanted growth in their bodies, and they usually work closely with an endocrine surgeon as most complications of endocrine glands require surgical intervention to some extent.
The training required for becoming an endocrinologist is similar to that of other physicians – it includes a basic 4-year course in medical school, followed by several years of specialization. The educational course is a bit more demanding than the ones other physicians go through, despite endocrinal surgeons having a relatively easier training in comparison. Certification is required as well, and obtaining it involves slightly different procedures in every jurisdiction.
Endocrinologists are traditionally paid highly, both by physician standards and those of the entire healthcare sector in general. With salaries of between $168,000 – $214,000 being the most common, endocrinologists are frequently heard expressing a great deal of satisfaction from their jobs. In some cases, the demands attached to performing the job properly can be higher than one’s expectations, but even then endocrinologists have reported satisfying working conditions and rewards. Despite those factors, the high initial learning requirements can be quite unappealing to some and have lead to a decrease in the number of endocrinologists in recent years.