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Pediatric Endocrinologist |
Career OverviewA pediatric endocrinologist treats children with complex hormonal disorders and other metabolic conditions. They treat infants, children and teenagers that have diabetes, puberty growth problems and other disorders associated with hormones and the glands producing them. Hormones affect many parts of the body, such as a child’s growth and maturity. The pituitary gland is the endocrine gland that releases a person’s hormone into their bodies.
Endocrinology is studying endocrine glands, which are the group of glands, which secrete hormones and evoke responses in other body cells. These hormones control growth, metabolism, sexual development and other bodily functions. Hormones travel through the body to their target cells and organs. They attach themselves to receptors inside the cell or on the cell surface. Each glad produces a carefully balanced amount of hormones, but when they produce too little or too much of a certain hormone, this affects the body causing several endocrine disorders. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin thereby making it necessary for a child to inject insulin into his or her body. This hormone then maintains and regulates endocrine system balance.
Pediatric endocrinologists are specialists trained to recognize hormone problems and then treat the condition by restoring the natural hormone balance. They also diagnose hormonal disorders along with treatment and management of the condition.
Some of the many problems a pediatric endocrinologist treats are:
- Puberty that is either delayed or early
- Testicular and ovarian dysfunction
- Growth problems
- Adrenal gland hypo/hyper function
- Enlarged thyroid gland/goiter
- Ambiguous genitals
- Overactive or underactive thyroid gland
- Pituitary gland hyper/hypo function
- Vitamin D problems such as rickets
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Pediatric endocrinologists are sensitive to the problems that sexual development and growth have on a child’s emotional and physical well-being. They have the expertise and extensive training needed to deal with and treat children that have hormonal problems and endocrine disorders. They work closely with the child’s primary care pediatrician to provide comprehensive and coordinated healthcare.
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Career RequirementsThe training required to become a pediatric endocrinologist requires four years of medical school followed by three years of pediatric residency. There is an additional three or four years training in pediatric endocrinology.
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Job OutlookThe job outlook for pediatric endocrinologists is very positive and expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing population growth and expansion of the health care industry.
Although the need for physicians services is sensitive to consumer preferences, pediatric endocrinologists are necessary and always in demand for children. As the baby boomers retire between 2006 and 2014, there are additional job openings to fill.
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Career TrackMany pediactric endocrinologists practice in settings such as university medical centers, children’s hospitals and large community hospitals. Many doctors move into private practice or teach at colleges and universities. Pediatric endocrinologists that stay in hospitals may choose to enter into management positions or head up treatment teams.
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CompensationA pediatric endocrinologist’s average salary across the United States ranges from approximately $207,200 to over $255,000. This often depends on the endocrinologist’s years of experience and location, among other considerations.
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