Department of Medicine - Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nutrition
Professor and Head
Alan R. Shuldiner, MD
Undergraduate Courses
2nd-4th years
Research fellowships during the summer (8-10 weeks) and part-time and full-time during the school year are offered for students interested in intensive basic and/or clinical research training. Students are matched with a faculty member based on their research interests. Ongoing basic research interests of the division’s faculty members include molecular genetics and genetic epidemiology of type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, hypertension, lipid disorders, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, and longevity; molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell ontogeny, growth and maintenance; and functional genomics and cell biology of adipose and muscle tissue in diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. Clinical research interests include genetic and physiological control of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in humans, pharmacogenetics, prevention and treatment of macrovascular and microvascular complication of diabetes, growth hormone deficiency in adults, as well as clinical trials of new glucose sensing technologies and agents to manage diabetes, obesity and their complications. Students receive didactic teaching in the molecular, cellular and pathophysiological basis of endocrine disorders and diabetes and participate in weekly grand rounds, clinical conferences, research seminars and journal and data presentation sessions.
Fourth Year
ENDO 541
Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes Elective
Seniors are provided a broad clinical experience through a four-week concentrated period of training devoted to a study of patients with clinical disorders of endocrine function. Students are involved in the day-to-day diagnostic evaluation and management of both hospitalized patients and outpatients, and participate in weekly clinics (general endocrinology, diabetes, thyroid cancer, hypertension, bone) under the direct supervision of faculty members. The pathophysiologic basis for diagnostic and management aspects is presented at daily rounds and at weekly in-depth clinical conferences, research seminars, grand rounds and journal club. A separate elective of 8-12 weeks is available to interested students who may desire a longer period of training and/or who wish to pursue a clinical or laboratory research project in depth.
Residents
Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes Rotation
Full-time or part-time positions are available for selected candidates who have usually completed one or more years of house officer training. The purpose of this rotation is for residents to gain an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of endocrine disorders and diabetes, and to gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating these disorders. The resident will work closely with the fellow and attending physician, and will consult in both ambulatory and hospital settings to obtain a broad exposure and experience in diagnosis and treatment of endocrinopathies (thyroid, parathyroid, neuroendocrine, adrenal, bone, reproductive, pediatric). Extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its complications is provided at the University of Maryland Joslin Diabetes Center, including inpatient rotations through the renal and pancreas transplantation services. Didactic sessions include weekly grand rounds, clinical conferences, research seminars, and journal and data presentation sessions. Residents also have the opportunity to become engaged in basic or clinical research.
Postgraduate Fellowships
Clinical Endocrinology and Research)
Full-time positions are available to selected candidates with MD degrees who have usually completed two or more years of house officer training. Broad clinical inpatient and outpatient activities are designed for subspecialty board preparation. Applications and interviews are required. Competitive stipends are offered. Fellows consult in both ambulatory and hospital settings to obtain a broad exposure and experience in diagnosis and treatment of endocrinopathies (thyroid, parathyroid, neuroendocrine, adrenal, bone, reproductive, pediatric endocrine). Extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its complications is provided at the Joslin Diabetes Center, including inpatient rotations through the renal and pancreas transplantation services. Didactic sessions include weekly grand rounds, clinical conferences, research seminars, and journal and data presentation sessions. The fellowship is a two-year program in which the first year is predominantly clinical and the second year (with an option for a third and fourth year) is predominantly research. All fellows conduct independent clinical or basic research programs with graduated autonomy.
Basic and Clinical Research
Full-time and part-time research opportunities are available for candidates with MD or PhD degrees in basic and/or clinical research. All fellows conduct independent clinical or basic research programs with graduated autonomy. Interested candidates can apply for these positions by submitting their Curriculum Vitae with a cover letter describing their interests in endocrinology and diabetes research. Competitive stipends are available. Typically postdoctoral fellows devote two to three years to an intensive research experience. Ongoing basic research interests of the division’s faculty members include molecular genetics and genetic epidemiology of type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, and longevity; molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell ontogeny, growth and maintenance; and molecular and cell biology and functional genomics of adipose tissue in diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. These research activities are performed in the division’s state-of-the-art basic research laboratories located on the 4th floor of Howard Hall. Clinical research interests include genetic and physiological control of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in humans, pharmacogenetics, prevention and treatment of macrovascular and microvascular complication of diabetes, growth hormone deficiency in adults, as well as clinical trials of agents to manage diabetes, obesity and their complications. This research is performed at the Joslin Diabetes Center, the General Clinical Research Center, and in the Division’s Amish Diabetes Research Clinic in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Didactic sessions include weekly grand rounds, clinical conferences, research seminars, and journal and data presentation sessions. Emphasis is also placed on faculty development including the potential for graduate course work, and formal and informal training in grant and manuscript preparation.