Endocrinology is the branch of medicine focused on managing hormonal imbalances and disorders. This includes conditions such as diabetes and metabolic disorders, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, gonadal disorders, pituitary disease and bone disorders. Our training consists of 4 years of medical school, 3 years of internal medicine (residency) and 2-3 years of an endocrinology fellowship.

I chose Endocrinology as my subspecialty because I consider it to be a practical field with a relatively good lifestyle. With the epidemic of diabetes and obesity (especially in the African American community), I wanted the opportunity to make an impact. I’ve always been intrigued by very mysterious diseases which once solved can often be attenuated by balancing ones hormones. I’d like you to follow me as I show you a typical day for me.

Rise and shine. I typically wake up at 6:30am to start my day. A few times a month I travel to a satellite clinic which is quite a distance so I’m up by 5:30am on those days.

 

Got to start the day right. I typically get in a 20-30 minute work-out at home. Morning exercise has a ton of benefits like boosting energy, lowering blood pressure, burning fat, building muscle, preventing diseases.

All done as the sun rises. Let’s get this day started!

Breakfast of champs. I pretty much eat a bowl steel-cut oatmeal and drink my full glass of water every morning while I chat with the wifey. 

Kissed the wife and baby and I’m off to work.

I practice primarily in a smaller blue-collar, town (population 30,000) with median household average below the national. The population is predominantly Hispanic.  I serve as the only Endocrinologist in this town and neighboring cities covering an area of 100 miles.

Pulling into my beautiful clinic. We have a total of 4 medical doctors (primary care and pain management) and 3 advance practice providers (nurse practitioners). Our neighbors next door are surgeons, primary care, and neurology. Most of us (including myself) are employed by the hospital in town.

My first patient is scheduled for 8:30am. I typically see anywhere from 16-25 patients a day.

Long morning. I saw a good mix of cases from diabetes, thyroid cancer, low testosterone and a pituitary tumor. What’s for lunch? I typically rush to the hospital cafeteria or pack my lunch and eat while I work on my clinic notes. 

I have to clear my head after the long morning. I typically go for a 15 minute walk before clinic resumes at 1pm.

Done for the day (sort of). I typically still have some notes and tasks I will still need to complete at home. really need to tidy this place up. I’ll need to share a pretty mysterious case I encountered with you very soon. Stay tuned! 

And… I’m out! Technically, I’m on call 24/7 for my patients and the local hospitals but it is very unusual to get an emergency Endocrine case. Occasionally, I will have a patient I need to visit at the local hospital.

My beautiful drive home.

By far the best part of my day! 

Thanks for following me today. Feel free to message me or ask any questions if you are interested in learning more about the field of Endocrinology. 

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