The Endocrine Society is a professional, international medical organization in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, founded in 1916[1] as The Association for the Study of Internal Secretions.[2] The official name of the organization was changed to the Endocrine Society on January 1, 1952. It is a leading organization in the field and publishes four leading journals. It has more than 18,000 members from over 120 countries in medicine, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, education, industry, and allied health. The Society's mission is: "to advance excellence in endocrinology and promote its essential and integrative role in scientific discovery, medical practice, and human health."

It is said to be "the world's oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology."[3]

Annual Meetings have been held since 1916 except in 1943 and 1945 during World War II when meetings were cancelled at the request of the United States government. Realizing the increasing importance of endocrinology to general medicine, the Council, in 1947, established an annual post graduate assembly now known as the Clinical Endocrinology Update.

The Society publishes Endocrinology, the first issue of which was published in January 1927 and edited by Henry Harrower. Another publication, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology (JCEM), was established in 1941, and the name of the journal was changed to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on January 1, 1952.[4] Current publications include: Endocrine Reviews, JCEM Case Reports, and Journal of the Endocrine Society[5] (JES).

Annual Meetings

Each year, the Endocrine Society hosts three major meetings throughout the course of a calendar year: ENDO, Clinical Endocrinology Update (CEU), and Endocrine Board Review (EBR). ENDO is the top global meeting on endocrinology research and clinical care. This annual conference gathers world-renown speakers in the endocrine space to showcase cutting-edge science.

Clinical Endocrinology Update (CEU) provides practicing endocrinologists with the latest updates through the latest expert guidelines in hormone care.

Endocrine Board Review (EBR) is the leading online training program for fellows, residents and physicians preparing for board certification exams. EBR offers a comprehensive preparation course for the Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism Exam.

Advocacy

The Endocrine Society influences a wide range of policies affecting endocrine-related research and practice.

The organization’s priorities include: increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH); ensuring access to adequate, affordable healthcare; improved regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)[6] in the United States and internationally, realigning physician payment to recognize the value endocrinologists bring to the health care system; reduction in the prevalence of diabetes and obesity, protecting access to care for women and transgender patients; improved research policy; and increased awareness of the impact of climate change on endocrine health.

Insulin affordability has become an increasingly prevalent issue for people living with diabetes. The Endocrine Society's advocacy team supports insulin affordability for all, the Endocrine Society advocates for the Inflation Reduction Act to limit cost-sharing to a copay of no more than $35 and capping costs at no more than $100 per month.[7]

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. Then Endocrine Society President Ursula B. Kaiser, explained the impact of this legislation on the lives of everyday Americans who live with diabetes.

Additionally, the Endocrine Society has partnered with IPEN to raise awareness of health risks associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Experts in the field have developed a guide[8] for public interest organization and policy makers urging them to prioritize specific actions on EDCs, including a coherent identification process linked to control measures to reduce widespread exposures.

In 2023, Delia M. Sosa and other members of the Endocrine Society authored a resolution with the Endocrine Society that led to the American Medical Association strengthening its position on protecting gender-affirming care. This resolution advocated against legislation criminalizing access to gender-affirming healthcare and supported efforts to oppose discriminatory policies.[9][10]

Science in the News

The Endocrine Society and its membership have developed and showcased new research in a swath of topical areas that has garnered media attention for its clinical significance. In 2019, clinical practice guidelines addressing Treatment of Diabetes in Older Adults.[11] These guidelines recommendations included higher glucose and A1c targets for older people with diabetes, particularly those with several other chronic illnesses and cognitive impairment.

A 2021 study found that eating breakfast earlier in the morning, before 8:30 AM, can potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.[12] Endocrine Society publicized this study, looking at eight years of data on 10,575 adults, at ENDO.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, one study published in Endocrine Society Journals suggested that vitamin D helped reduce the effects of COVID.[13]

Endocrine Society members unveiled research about the promise of male birth control pills[14] This new contraception proved safe in the testing phases.

An ENDO 2023 study examined the obesity vastly underestimate the prevalence of obesity using BMI and there are many people with normal BMI who still have obesity.[15]

In 2023, the Endocrine Society released a scientific statement on aging.[16] This statement offered data and available therapies for older individuals with growth hormone, adrenal, ovarian, testicular, thyroid, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, type 2 diabetes, and water metabolism.

Sister Societies

The Endocrine Society provides a forum for other related societies to discuss, interact and share views in the field of endocrinology. The list of related societies is as follows:[17]

Publications

The Endocrine Society publishes the following journals:[18]

References

  1. ^ "About Endocrinology Training from Endocrine Society". AMA Education Hub. American Medical Association.
  2. ^ "Endocrinology History". News-Medical.net. 2016-06-28. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  3. ^ News release from Springer 27-Aug-2009
  4. ^ Wartofsky, Leonard (2010-01-01). "A New Editor-in-Chief at the Helm!". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 95 (1): 1–2. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-2363. ISSN 0021-972X. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
  5. ^ Jameson, Larry. "A New Publishing Medium for the Endocrine Society". National Library of Medicine.
  6. ^ "Helping medical professionals and patients understand endocrine disruptors". EHN. 2020-01-28. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  7. ^ Shah, Simmone. "Why Insulin Is So Expensive in the U.S.—And What the Inflation Reduction Act Does About It". Time. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
  8. ^ Rice, Doyle (December 16, 2020). "'A serious threat': Plastics we use every day are leaching hazardous chemicals, report says". AOL. USA Today.
  9. ^ Riedel, Samantha (2023-06-14). "The American Medical Association Has Strengthened Its Stance on Gender-Affirming Care". Them. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  10. ^ "Delia Sosa". 500 Queer Scientists. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  11. ^ Span, Paula (April 12, 2019). "A New Rx for Diabetes: Lighten Up". New York Times.
  12. ^ Searing, Linda (March 22, 2021). "The Big Number: Eating breakfast before 8: 30 a.m. may reduce diabetes risk". Washington Post.
  13. ^ Ashton, Jen. "Can vitamin D help prevent COVID-19?". goodmorningamerica.com. Good Morning America.
  14. ^ Hafner, Josh (March 27, 2019). "Male birth control pill looks 'exciting' after early safety tests: Could it work?". USA Today.
  15. ^ Sullivan, Kaitlin (June 15, 2023). "BMI is a flawed way to measure obesity, experts say. What else works?". NBC News.
  16. ^ Tucker, Miriam (June 19, 2023). "A 'One-Stop Shop': New Guidance on Hormones and Aging". Medscape.
  17. ^ "Sister Societies". Endocrine Society website. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  18. ^ "Endocrine Society Publications | Oxford Academic". OUP Academic. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
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