(Essential Endocrine Knowledge for General Practitioners & Primary Care Physicians)
๐น Duration: 3 Months
๐น Mode: 100% Online (Video Lectures + Case-Based Learning + Pharmacology Slides + Practice MCQs)
๐น Eligibility: MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, BNYS, BEMS, Physiotherapists, Doctor of Pharmacy
๐ฏ Course Objective:
To enable primary care practitioners to understand, diagnose, and manage common endocrine and metabolic disorders with confidence, including hormone dysfunctions, diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, osteoporosis, adrenal and pituitary diseases.
๐ Syllabus โ 10 Expert-Designed Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Endocrinology & Hormonal Axis
Basics of endocrine system: hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axis
Hormone synthesis, secretion, and feedback mechanisms
Hormonal assays and when to order them
GPโs role in endocrine disorder detection
Module 2: Diabetes Mellitus โ Diagnosis & Modern Management
Type 1 vs Type 2 DM, MODY, LADA
Diagnostic criteria (HbA1c, OGTT, FPG)
Anti-diabetic drugs โ classes, indications, combos
Insulin basics & initiation tips for GPs
Module 3: Thyroid Disorders in OPD Practice
Hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism (Gravesโ, Hashimotoโs)
Thyroid nodules & goiter evaluation
Thyroid function tests โ TSH, T3, T4 interpretation
Drug protocols and follow-up guidelines
Module 4: PCOS, Menstrual Irregularities & Hormonal Imbalance
Rotterdam criteria & diagnosis of PCOS
Hormonal acne, hirsutism, infertility
Endocrine causes of menstrual dysfunction
Management strategies for PCOS, including lifestyle and drugs
Module 5: Calcium, Vitamin D & Parathyroid Disorders
Hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, and their clinical signs
Vitamin D deficiency epidemic: diagnosis and correction
Primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary causes
Role of supplements and monitoring
Module 6: Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome & Endocrine Obesity
Hormonal causes of obesity (Cushingโs, hypothyroid, insulin resistance)
Metabolic syndrome: components, risk stratification
Investigations and treatment overview
Nutritional & pharmacological approach
Module 7: Adrenal Disorders: Cushingโs, Addisonโs, Pheochromocytoma
Clinical clues: moon face, hypotension, hyperpigmentation
ACTH, cortisol, dexamethasone suppression test
Medical management and when to refer
Adrenal incidentalomas approach
Module 8: Pituitary Disorders: Hypopituitarism, Prolactinoma, Acromegaly
Recognizing subtle pituitary dysfunction
Workup for prolactinoma, growth hormone excess
Visual symptoms, MRI indication
Hormonal replacement protocols
Module 9: Endocrine Pharmacology & Case Discussions
Case 1: A patient with fatigue, weight gain, and bradycardia (hypothyroid)
Case 2: A teenage girl with PCOS and acne
Case 3: Diabetic patient on multiple oral drugs
Hormonal drugs, monitoring, and contraindications
Module 10: OPD Protocols, Referral Guidelines & Certification
Practical screening in OPD
Hormonal interpretation cheatsheet
Red flags for referral
Final assessment + downloadable guide + Certificate
โ Certification Outcome:
After completing this course, the learner will:
โ Manage diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, and obesity efficiently
โ Interpret hormone reports and initiate treatments
โ Understand red flags in adrenal and pituitary disease
โ Practice endocrine pharmacology with precision in primary care