Sub-specialty Training of Endocrinology in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Estimating the Need for Endocrinologist Training

Endocrinologists contribute to the care of sizable populations with diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, dyslipidemia, pituitary disease, adrenal disease, male and female reproductive disorders and menopausal women. In addition, the trend of prevalences of endocrine and metabolic disorders show that these diseases are highly prevalent, with none becoming less common; on the contrary, diabetes and obesity are the great epidemics of the third millennium. Based on the number of hospital beds, required office-based services, trend of endocrinology diseases, current prevalence of this disease, an estimated 860 endocrinologist are needed while at present there are only 146 adult endocrinologists are practicing. Efforts are urgently needed to find solutions for this gap in the endocrinology workforce if quality services is to be offered.