Endocrinologists, like other specialized physicians, are doctors first and foremost. Their education includes four years of medical school and three years of internship and residency before they seek out additional specialized training. This takes an additional two to three years, making 10 years of education in total. Some endocrinologists will focus on a specific illness, such as diabetes, while others remain generalists. Endocrinologists may do research, practice clinically or do both.
The University of California, Berkeley offers a graduate program in endocrinology. Applicants may come from medical or nonmedical programs, with nonmedical students holding an undergraduate degree in some form of animal biology. The program provides two degree paths, one leading to a master's degree and the other to a doctorate degree.
The Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education at the Mayo Clinic, in Minnesota, offers a fellowship program in endocrinology. Each of the fellows selected will be given the opportunity to learn hands-on in a clinical environment, learning from practicing endocrinologists in a one-to-one environment. Fellows also participate in the school's comprehensive research program.
The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a fellowship program to qualified applicants. Fellows are trained in endocrine research methodology and must complete a research project during their term of study. The college delivers clinical training through rotations in three local hospitals.