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How to become a diabetes doctor

Find out everything you need to know to become a medical expert in diabetes care

A medical expert in diabetes care is a doctor who understands how to help patients manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. They may be an Endocrinologist or a medical doctor with a special interest in diabetes.

1. Complete a degree in medicine

Admission to our postgraduate courses in diabetes management and metabolic health require a medical degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.

2. Complete a postgraduate qualification with us

All medical doctors who are involved in the care of people living with diabetes may benefit from undertaking the Sydney Professional Certificate (SPC) in Diabetes Management. This includes primary care physicians (GPs), junior medical officers, general physicians, and critical care doctors.

The SPC in Diabetes Management is a one-year part-time course designed to address the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. There is a strong focus on patient-centred management, lifestyle interventions, medication options, diabetes technology, and the screening and management of diabetes-related complications.

Alternatively, you may wish to study metabolic health in more depth. We have designed four coursework degrees to help doctors develop a comprehensive understanding of the aetiology, diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of metabolic conditions. Degrees on offer include:

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are shorter qualifications that focus on stream-specific units and are suitable for students looking for a quick way to update their skills and knowledge with the flexibility of part-time study.

You will also have the benefit of gaining a qualification from a top 20 university globally (QS World University Rankings 2024) that is also 2nd in Australia and 26th globally for medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

3. Learn in a distinctive teaching environment

Our metabolic health courses are developed and delivered by national and international leaders who are passionate about educating healthcare professionals. You will learn using innovative teaching methods and gain knowledge of the latest evidence-based medicine.

Our courses offer a flexible structure that allow you to tailor your study schedule to fit your lifestyle. Our interactive online learning environment means that you can study from wherever suits you, including rural and regional areas, and even from overseas.

You will have opportunities to network with like-minded peers, discuss real-life clinical case scenarios, and gain confidence in applying your knowledge to clinical practice.

4. Start your new career

A degree dedicated to learning about diabetes or metabolic health has the potential to open several career paths within healthcare and/or clinical research. You will be able to leverage your expertise in diabetes management to advance your career in medicine and improve the outcomes of patients with diabetes under your care.

You may even decide to become an Endocrinologist, which, in Australia entails successful completion of Basic Physician Training and Advanced Training in Endocrinology to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

You could also undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and learn the skills to become a high-quality clinical researcher, under the supervision of leading experts in diabetes research.

In a competitive employment market, a postgraduate certificate or degree will signal your knowledge and interest in this rapidly evolving and important area of clinical practice.

9 August 2024