What are the pros and cons of being an endocrinologist?

The pros and cons of being an endocrinologist relate to salary, diverse medical environments, and expensive education. Here are the pros and cons of being an endocrinologist:

Pros:

• Endocrinologists tend to make very high salaries

This is due to the extensive schooling and training they have had to complete to become endocrinologists. Endocrinologists make impressive salaries with the average endocrinologist earning an annual wage of $248,358 in the United States. Endocrinologists' salaries can vary depending on what medical setting they work in but tend to be very high.

• Getting to help people and making a considerable impact in their lives

This pro to being an endocrinologist means that most endocrinologists experience a wealth of personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose during their careers in the medical field. Many endocrinologists save people's lives and there is arguably no greater impact you can have on a person's life than to save them or to improve their overall health.

• There are so many different areas of speciality you can practice as an endocrinologist

There is such a diverse list of specializations in being an endocrinologist, a medical student shouldn't have any trouble finding the right fit. Some endocrinologists specialize in diabetes, thyroid issues and disorders, osteoporosis, and other endocrine-related issues. This abundance represents an expansive amount of knowledge one can pursue.

• Diverse medical environments

Endocrinologists can work in many different medical environments, such as hospitals, private practices, medical clinics, mental health hospitals, inpatient and outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and many other medical facilities. Endocrinologists may also work for specific organizations, schools, or government institutions.

• High demand

There is a very high demand for endocrinologists. This is due to an increasing amount of endocrine disorders, especially in the senior population. In this profession, you are likely to be able to find work just about anywhere you want to in the United States. Technology and knowledge is also advancing in this field, securing it as a vital medical job for years to come.

Cons:

• Expensive and lengthy education and training process

Medical school is very difficult and expensive. Once you have finished your bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or pre-med you can then go on to take the MCAT exam for medical school.

• Pressure and stress of being an endocrinologist

Endocrinologists can work in extremely stressful environments, like hospitals. This emotional toll can be quite taxing for many endocrinologists and they can experience burnout often in some cases.

• Exposure to illnesses and diseases

Most endocrinologists experience this con by default. Being in a medical environments typically means you are going to be around sick individuals. Many endocrinologists often contract the illnesses of their patients, sometimes even when using personal protective equipment (PPE).