Endocrinology

Specialty overview

Endocrinologists diagnose, treat and manage patients experiencing conditions caused by problems of the endocrine system, including diabetes, thyroid issues, pituitary and adrenal disease, gonadal disorders and infertility, neuroendocrine conditions, benign and malignant glandular tumours, disorders of growth, glandular dysfunction, lipid and nutritional abnormalities, menopausal disorders, osteoporosis and metabolic bone

Clinical practice

Endocrinologists work within both public and private facilities, within a range of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, community and telehealth services. Endocrinologists work collaboratively with other physicians, with surgeons and other health care professionals to manage and educate patients of all ages.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

25
eligible

8
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

129

Number of QLD specialists

716

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

Number of QLD new fellows

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

Number of QLD trainees

39.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

129

Number of QLD specialists
10

Number of QLD new fellows
39.5 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
47 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 20% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 26% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 16.4% are located in regional Queensland, 83.6% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.
Proportion Female/Male - QLD

39.1%
male

60.9%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 39.1%, Females are 60.9%.
Public vs Private

41.4%
private

58.6%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 41.4%, Public is 58.6%.

Information on trainees

21

Number of Queensland trainees
7

Number of new Queensland trainees
157

Number of Australian trainees
51

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

19%
male

81%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 19%, Females are 81%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

25
eligible

8
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 25 Eligible applications were received, 8 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Dr Swetha Rangaswamaiah

Endocrinologist
Townsville University Hospital

I love endocrinology as it is a multi-system specialty and we are exposed to a huge variety of endocrine problems – some being common like diabetes and thyroid disorders, and others quite rare with interesting presentations. It is also an evolving field and never ceases to surprise, inspire and stimulate. I am privileged to look after patients with endocrine disorders and help them manage and sometimes cure their disease. Working in Townsville University Hospital provides good exposure to general endocrinology with a small hospital feel in a tertiary centre, and also provides a good work-life balance.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

Length of training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training), 7 years full-time (Joint endocrinology and chemical pathology training). A maximum of 12 months of non-core training can also be undertaken in other disciplines such as genetics, nephrology, transplant/autoimmune pathology, nuclear medicine, obstetric medicine or general medicine.

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Endocrinology Advanced Training Program is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in endrocrinology and is supported by a panel comprising of Endocrinology Unit Directors from accredited Queensland hospitals.

Training program overview

Endocrinology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practice as an Endocrinologist in Australia or New Zealand.

Trainees may elect to undertake the endocrinology and chemical pathology joint RACP/Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) advanced program with successful trainees attaining the qualifications of FRACP and FRCPA with accreditation to practice in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years or 10 years if completing joint or non-core training.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

Training locations

Last updated: September 2024