A career in endocrinology: identifying with the area you will pursue throughout your career is one of the main challenges for newly graduated doctors. In this article you will learn a little more about endocrinology – a specialty whose postgraduate studies may be exactly what some professionals are looking for in their future.
Endocrinology is the medical specialty focused on the study and treatment of hormonal imbalances , which affect various functions in the human body.
Endocrinologists are sought by people of all ages , from children to the elderly, focusing on the regulation of glands responsible for hormone production, helping to correct dysfunctions and promote well-being , as these can lead to serious daily complications
In fact, nowadays, some of the most frequent reasons people seek this professional are related to:
- Metabolism;
- Decreased libido;
- gain ;
- Weight control
- In addition to other hormonal.
What exactly does this specialist do?
An endocrinologist specializes in everything related to the functioning of the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas , and adrenal glands, which produce hormones essential for the body's functioning. They are responsible for identifying hormonal imbalances and proposing treatments to restore patients' health.
This professional has in-depth knowledge of various hormonal conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases , and problems related to the parathyroid, among others.
After a clinical evaluation and specific tests, he develops a treatment plan, which may include ongoing medication or, in some cases, surgery to remove suspicious nodules.
What conditions are treated by professionals with a career in endocrinology?
Those who choose to work in this area deal primarily with problems of the pancreas and thyroid, which are among the most common. Some of the disorders frequently treated by endocrinologists include:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism;
- Bone disorders related to mineral metabolism;
- Obesity and other hormonal disorders.
In addition, the endocrinologist helps to identify and treat irregularities in the production of sex hormones, collaborating with gynecologists and andrologists to address problems such as infertility or hormonal imbalances.
He also works with teenagers who have hormonal disorders during puberty, as well as cases of dwarfism and gigantism.
Currently, there is a growing demand for endocrinologists who work in conjunction with nutritionists and physical education professionals to optimize the treatment of patients seeking weight loss or muscle gain in a healthy way .
How does an endocrinologist work?
In addition to diagnosing the condition based on symptoms or reports , the endocrinologist needs to explain to the patient the short- , medium- , and long- term impacts of the disease . Many endocrine diseases, such as diabetes, are chronic , meaning there is no cure, but it is possible to control symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
Other conditions, such as the appearance of nodules in the thyroid, require regular monitoring to check for progression or malignancy, as in cases of cancer. There are also professionals who work in treatments to improve physical performance and weight loss, working in conjunction with other health professionals.
And what about the market for the field of endocrinology?
In recent years, the number of endocrinology specialists has grown, although they still represent only 1.4% of the total number of doctors in Brazil, according to the 2020 Medical Demographics report.
This indicates that there are excellent growth opportunities in the field, especially in the North and Midwest, which have a lower concentration of professionals.
However, one of the best ways to achieve success in an endocrinology career is by specializing as much as possible in order to become recognized in the field. Many endocrinologists choose this path and achieve incredible success with their own practices.
What are the main benefits of a career in endocrinology?
Currently, being an endocrinologist offers several advantages, both in terms of professional fulfillment and remuneration. With greater awareness of hormonal disorders, the demand for this type of specialist has increased.
In fact, in the past, many patients began their treatments with general practitioners or other specialists without obtaining the expected results. Today, referral to an endocrinologist is more common, allowing for more effective and individualized treatments.
Furthermore, with advances in medicine, there are new hormonal therapies and treatments, which require constant professional updating for those who choose to pursue a career in endocrinology, further expanding career development opportunities.
salary considerably , but the average is around R$ 6,500.00 per month. This amount can be influenced by several factors, such as experience or the number of consultations performed in private practices.
However, with the increase in demand, the number of clinics specializing in aesthetics and sports medicine is growing, offering excellent earning opportunities for professionals.
What are the main benefits of this career?
To become an endocrinologist, after graduating from medical school, it is necessary to enter a residency or postgraduate program in the field – a very relevant option for those seeking greater control over their time in their career.
After that, the professional only needs to pass the certification exam from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism to become a specialist in the field of endocrinology.
Interested? CLICK HERE to see the complete curriculum of the postgraduate medical course in endocrinology at Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic.
