Dr. Megan Kristan Receives Endocrine Society Award to Boost Medical Student Engagement in Endocrinology
According to the Endocrine Society, the field of endocrinology is grappling with a significant challenge: despite a 78% increase in fellowship positions since 2010, there has been a 4% decline in U.S. MD medical school graduates applying to endocrinology. Alarmingly, this July, fewer than one-third of first-year endocrine fellows will come from U.S. medical schools. In response to this pressing issue, the Endocrine Society has launched the Medical School Engagement Program to inspire more medical students to pursue careers in endocrinology.
Dr. Megan M. Kristan, an assistant professor and Associate Program Director for the Fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, has been recognized with one of ten national awards from the Endocrine Society. This award, a highlight of the recent ENDO 2024 annual meeting in Boston, aims to support initiatives designed to engage medical students in the field of endocrinology.
Dr. Kristan is leading the charge by establishing the Endocrinology Student Interest Group, with two promising events already in the pipeline. In September, the group will host a panel of endocrinologists, including both adult and pediatric specialists, to provide students with insights into the field, the nature of the work, and potential career paths. Later in November or December, a hands-on skills workshop will be conducted, featuring training on glucometer use, insulin injection techniques, and continuous glucose monitoring systems.
“Our task is to engage early learners in interest in our field to not only pursue internal medicine but endocrinology,” said Dr. Kristan. “Data clearly shows the shifting interest in the workforce. The grant supports student events to get them interested in endocrinology.”
This initiative by Dr. Kristan and the Endocrine Society represents a significant step towards reversing the current trends and ensuring the future growth and success of the endocrinology field.
