Training to become an endocrinologist

[Steve-H]

Hi Doctors,

Training to become an endocrinologist takes 10 years miniumum if im not mistaken ? 5 Of those years in med school touch only the basics of endocrine ?

Do you not feel it would be better to maybe have less years in training but to focus more on the endocrine system ?

Steve

[Dr David Kerbel]

Hypothyroidism is largely managed in general practice.
I learnt basics at medical school and have a basic understanding of hormonal pathways.
Currently after 5 yrs in medical school doctors do 2 years rotating around various specialties - Foundation years 1 & 2.
GPs then do a further 3 years vocational training - in Leicester that involves 2 years of 4m blocks in various specialties 2 of which will be general practice & the last year completely in general practice. In total 1 year and 8 months in general practice. I have never had a registrar doing a block attached to a thyroid specialist - some are attached to diabeticians / medical rotations.

I have had to argue hard with my colleagues to facilitate an afternoon session on hypothyroid management in general practice (as it didnt fit our local schemes policy of not doing topic based teaching.) Registrar feedback after session has been v enthuisiastic and have been asked to repeat this year!
Registrars are meant to learn from their trainers in debriefs and tutorials & look up evidence & guidelines themselves.
Unfortunately there is still a lot of substandard practice about.
Yes there is a problem with training & education!
Unfortunately its not only knowledge thats lacking - its experience and training learning how to manage what is a complex difficult challenging condition.