Recognition and accreditation of postgraduate training centers in Endocrinology in Europe

Background The quality of care of patients with endocrine diseases depends on the training of trainees. To ensure this the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and the UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) Section and Board of Endocrinology (SBE) recently published the updated curriculum and formulated recommendations on postgraduate training. Aim To complement this, information on the number of training centers and trainees in Endocrinology in European countries, on the process of accreditation and re-accreditation of training centers, and the organization of training is presented here. Methods Delegates to the General Assembly of the UEMS SBE were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results Delegates from 35 countries provided data. In 3 countries endocrine training occurs in other countries and, in one country, Endocrinology is not a recognized independent specialty. Thirty one delegates reported 767 training centers, 18 reported having rotation centers and 26 reported a total of 4,248 trainees. An accreditation process, which varies across countries, is in place in 27 countries. Re-accreditation is mandatory in 22 countries at intervals ranging from 1 to 7 years. Thirteen countries have a train-the-trainers programme and the trainee-to-trainer ratio varies from 3:1 to 1: 1. Conclusion The accreditation and re-accreditation process of training centers varies across European countries. Information on the number of trainees might provide a basis to estimate whether a sufficient number of endocrinologists is produced in Europe to ensure optimal care of the growing number of patients with endocrine and metabolic diseases.