Endocrinology is the medical specialty focused on the endocrine system, which includes the glands and hormones that regulate nearly every bodily function. These specialists manage complex conditions arising from hormonal imbalances. Hormones like insulin, thyroid hormone, and cortisol govern metabolism, growth, mood, and reproduction. The number of practitioners available to manage these diseases is a matter of public health concern. This analysis quantifies the current supply of endocrinologists and explores the context surrounding their availability across the nation.
The Current State of the U.S. Endocrinology Workforce
The total number of practicing endocrinologists in the United States is approximately 8,000 physicians. This figure includes those who treat adults and those who specialize in pediatrics. The vast majority of the workforce are adult endocrinologists, estimated to be around 6,500 specialists. The pediatric subspecialty accounts for roughly 1,500 board-certified physicians.
Demographically, the workforce is aging, with approximately 40% of current specialists nearing traditional retirement age, suggesting significant turnover in the coming years. The increasing representation of women is a trend in the specialty’s pipeline. Among the pediatric group specifically, women already make up a significant majority, comprising over 73% of board-certified pediatric endocrinologists.
Factors Driving the Demand for Endocrinologists
Demand for endocrine specialists is largely driven by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions requiring sophisticated hormonal management. The most significant factor is the escalating rate of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which affects more than 37 million Americans. Furthermore, an estimated 96 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, a condition that often requires specialized intervention to prevent progression to full diabetes.
Obesity is closely linked to this demand, as it contributes heavily to metabolic syndromes and complex hormonal dysregulation. Beyond diabetes, endocrinologists manage a high volume of patients with thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The aging of the U.S. population also increases demand, as older adults frequently require specialized care for conditions like osteoporosis and multiple endocrine-related diseases.
Geographic Distribution and Access to Care
Geographic disparities exist because endocrinologists are not evenly distributed across the country. A substantial majority of these specialists, including about 95% of adult endocrinologists, are clustered in urbanized areas. This concentration leaves many rural and underserved regions as “endocrinology deserts,” where patients must travel long distances to receive treatment.
This uneven distribution directly affects patient access. The average wait time for a new patient appointment was reported to be over a month, with some regions experiencing delays of three to six months. Consequently, primary care physicians are often tasked with managing complex endocrine disorders, sometimes without the benefit of the specialist’s expertise. For adults aged 18 to 64, the national population-to-endocrinologist ratio within a 20-mile radius is approximately 29,887 to one.
The Future Supply Pipeline and Workforce Projections
The future supply of endocrinologists relies on the output of fellowship programs, which currently train only about 270 to 300 new specialists each year. This growth rate is insufficient to offset the attrition from retirement. The field has a lower interest level among medical students compared to other internal medicine subspecialties, which complicates recruitment efforts into the training pipeline.
Workforce projections indicate a persistent and widening gap between the supply of adult endocrinologists and the growing demand over the next decade. The shortage of adult endocrinologists is expected to expand without an increase in the number of trained fellows. Telemedicine is being explored as a potential strategy to mitigate access issues by allowing specialists to consult with patients in remote areas.