Endocrine Society

The Endocrine Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding of hormonal communication at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels in order to promote improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disorders. The human body has 11 major endocrine glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, and thymus glands. The endocrine glands and tissues secrete hormones, the substances that regulate the body’s reproduction, growth, and development; its response to the environment; and the provision of energy and nutrients required for cell function. The society, which was established in 1916 and currently consists of approximately 9,000 members in over 70 countries, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the research, study, and clinical practice of endocrinology. The scientists, educators, clinicians, practicing physicians, nurses, and students who make up the organization’s membership represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. Endocrinologists conduct research; provide treatment for a wide range of functions and disorders of the human body, including infertility, metabolic disorders, heart disease, glandular cancers, short stature, genetic dysfunction, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances; and develop new drugs and treatments through biogenetic and synthetic techniques. The Endocrine Society is dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of endocrinology among the general public and practioners of complementary medical disciplines; serving as a primary advocate and integrative force for clinicians and investigators; functioning as the major provider of services and information to the endocrine community and the general public; and promoting the interests of all endocrinologists at the national scientific research and health policy levels of government. The society offers continuing medical education (CME) meetings and courses to keep the scientific and medical communities current concerning the latest research findings and treatments in the field; publishes four medical journals and a variety of additional professional publications; and conducts an annual meeting during which scientific and clinical papers are presented.