Once in life, we need to see an endocrinologist, right? And if you wish to become one of them, you need to practice, study and do an internship. Learn more here in this guide about the endocrinologist study in Australia.
There are stages of training and assessment required to become an endocrinologist in Australia. A minimum of 12 years is necessary to complete endocrinology studies, plus training in Australia. It requires a substantial investment of time and effort to become a professional endocrinologist.
The journey includes medical school, internship, residency, and then specialised training. If you want to become an endocrinologist in Australia, this guide may help you understand the steps you need to take and what to expect on this journey. This includes a Bachelor’s degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), internship and residency (1-2 years), and fellowship training in endocrinology (3-7 years).
Who Are Endocrinologists?
An endocrinologist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system, which includes glands and organs that produce hormones. They manage conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, and other hormone-related problems. They also specialised in managing conditions like osteoporosis, growth disorders, and adrenal and pituitary gland problems.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are major areas of focus. They manage diabetes and its complications, including insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Endocrinologist Chermside can also deal with infertility issues in men and women.
How to Become an Endocrinologist in Australia?
From getting a bachelor’s degree to completing advanced training, there are several things you need to do before you call an endocrinologist. Some steps that may come in your path and you need to accomplish are given below:
1. A Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 years)
A bachelor’s degree is necessary to form a foundation in the particular field and to understand it. While some students enter postgraduate medical school with a general science or biomedical degree, others may complete a health sciences degree. You are promoting the basics of your understanding of human biology, anatomy, and physiology, which are essential for medical studies.
2. Medical School (4 years)
After completing an undergraduate degree, complete a postgraduate medical program, such as an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). It is a competitive field and typically requires a high GPA, performance in an aptitude test such as the GAMSAT, and an interview.
3. Internship (1 year)
You need to complete a one-year internship at a hospital. This supervised training includes experience and rotations through various specialities such as general medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. You will gain experience with your seniors and can expect to meet other specialists whom you might need to intervene in some cases.
4. Residency (1–2 years)
Working as a resident medical officer (RMO) in hospitals is the next step. During this period, you gain further clinical experience and begin to consider which speciality to pursue. You can undertake rotations in internal medicine and endocrine-related fields to strengthen your application for specialist training.
5. Basic Physician Training (3 years)
You must enter a Basic Physician Training program through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). This training includes clinical rotations, on-the-job learning, and preparation for the RACP Written and Clinical Examinations. Successful completion of these exams is required before advancing to speciality training.
6. Advanced Training in Endocrinology (3 years)
After passing the RACP examinations, you may apply for Advanced Training in Endocrinology. This involves structured training under supervision in accredited hospitals, which will focus on endocrine disorders. During this time, you’ll develop advanced diagnostic and management skills, work in outpatient clinics, participate in research, and may complete rotations in subspecialties such as reproductive endocrinology or paediatric endocrinology.
These steps must be completed, and you need to be disciplined while following the process. Once you accomplish all these achievements, you are good to go for being an endocrinologist in Australia. An endocrinologist needs to intervene with other medical specialists at a certain point in life, so be calm, clear and patient when you connect with other specialists and seniors. This need may arise as part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, particularly when dealing with complex hormonal conditions or when complications arise from endocrine disorders.
Final Thoughts
Although becoming an endocrinologist in Australia may take time, you need to be disciplined and sincere towards your goal. Once the studies are complete, you will become a certified endocrinologist, and your certification signifies expertise in diagnosing and treating hormonal and metabolic disorders.
Do not skip the internship or experience year, as it will help you gain practical experience, and you will be supervised by seniors and other professionals who might need to intervene in future.
