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Endocrinologists

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

There is no way to obtain direct experience in high school, but it's a good idea to take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs. During your medical training, you will gain experience by completing a four-year residency in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, or pediatrics, and at least three years of training in an endocrinology fellowship.

Communication skills are essential, as most of an endocrinologist's time is spent with patients, talking to them and listening to their histories and problems. Endocrinologists should be highly inquisitive and patient by nature, as this medical discipline relies heavily on laboratory testing and experimentation. Other important traits include strong analytical ability, compassion, excellent time-management skills, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their career.

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