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Career OverviewEndocrinologists are professionals in the field of Diabetes and Endocrinology, and see a broad range of medical problems. Diabetic patients commonly suffer from a range of problems from the ophthalmological to the podiatric.
They have a large preventative role, and also work closely with primary care and associated specialties such as cardiology, nephrology, vascular surgery, paediatrics and obstetrics.
Diabetologists are specialist endocrinologists at the forefront of multi-disciplinary care, working closely with nurses, dietetics and podiatry. Their expertise in endocrinology also prepares them to deal with uncommon endocrine conditions, which can be both fascinating and challenging to diagnose and treat.
They may develop additional expertise in other aspects of metabolic medicine, such as obesity, lipidology, metabolic bone disease, nutrition and hypertension.
There is an extensive range of opportunities for clinical and scientific research in diabetes and endocrinology.
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Career RequirementsOnce they have qualified as doctors, trainees in endocrinology must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
General postgraduate medical training takes six to eight years depending on the specialty. Once the type 1 programme of formal training is completed, the trainee earns the award of a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST).
Before entering specialist training, the trainee must complete at least two years of General Professional Training (GPT) in approved Senior House Officer (SHO) posts, with at least six months of acute unselected medical take. A large number of trainees spend additional time at the SHO grade in order to broaden their experience.
During this time, trainees obtain the MRCP (UK) or equivalent and apply to obtain a post with a National Training Number (NTN) as a Specialist Registrar (SpR) in Diabetes and endocrinology. Higher Medical Training in endocrinology takes at least four years.
Trainees pursuing a CCST in General (Internal) Medicine as well as endocrinology spend an additional year in training, although most training posts in Diabetes and Endocrinology can also be accredited for general medicine.
Because of the existence of Calman training posts, there is no firm requirement to have an MD or other higher degree in order to become a Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, but it is still considered advantageous to get an M.Sc during the higher specialist training.
Those who aspire to a post as an academic or NHS physician in a teaching hospital do generally need an MD or PhD in order to compete. There are excellent prospects for research in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Most DGH posts are combined diabetes and endocrinology, although many larger centres split the two specialties. Posts that are only Endocrinology are rare and highly competitive.
In order to earn a CCST in diabetes and endocrinology, the candidate must go through a standard recognised Specialist Registrar Training Scheme run by the Specialist Training Authority (STA).
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Job OutlookMost consultant posts in the field combine endocrinology and diabetes. Both can be extremely satisfying in practical patient care and in academic terms. Many posts include general medicine responsibilities.
Specialist registrars frequently work night shifts, although there is less of that at consultant level. It can be difficult to advance from SHO to SpR due to high competition for NTNs. Many aspirants work to improve their chances with extra qualifications such as a B.Sc, publications, and participation in research or audit.
Many SHO’s earn an MD before applying for an SpR post. Consultant posts are likely to be expanded over the next decade, and new NTNs will become necessary and available. Locum Appointment for Service (LAS) or Locum Appointment for Training posts can be very advantageous when applying for an NTN.
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Career TrackThere are currently more Consultant posts than there are applicants, although this situation may change over time. Long term prospects for the career are good. Most DGHs have at least one and in some cases two Consultants with an interest in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
With the rapid rise in prevalence of diabetes, posts are expected to increase somewhat. Many professionals improve their career prospects with dual certification in Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology.
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CompensationGeneralist salaries start between £20,741 and £25,882, while those undergoing specialist training can earn from £29,000 to £44,000.
Pay at senior levels can range from £50,000 to £76,000, and full time consultants may earn between £70,000 and £94,000.
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