Endocrinology

[Ali8655]

Hi

Apologies if this is a really silly question.

Is an endocrinology surgeon the same as an endocrinologist.

I’m currently seeing an endo surgeon due to a substernal goitre and wondered if I should request seeing an endocrinologist but not sure if they are one and the same.

Many thanks, ali8665

[shaws Administrator]

I believe they are distinct from one another as the surgeon deals with operations on the thyroid gland. This is an excerpt:

Endocrine surgery is the division of surgery which specializes in the surgical treatment of endocrine diseases. Endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons typically work closely together to provide the most advantageous care to patients afflicted with endocrine disorders.12 Oct 2010

endocrineweb.com/endocrinol...

[Ali8655]

Thank you Shaws. So in a perfect world I should either be seeing an endocrinologist as well or referred to one after surgery?

I’m seeing the surgeon end of January so will ask this question.

The last thing I want is to be signed off and back under the care of my thyroid knowledge inept GP.

[spongecat in reply to Ali8655]

They both study and treat the parts of the endocrine system as their speciality but the endocrine surgeon is the one who wields a scalpel if required. An endocrinologist does not, just does diagnosis and non-surgical treatments within the field. As Shaws said they work closely together, if necessary.

[Ali8655]

Thank you spongecat.

[Clutter]

Ali8655,

Your endocrine surgeon will probably refer you to the endocrinology team after your surgery.

[Ali8655 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter.