A career in endocrinology: where is the pathway? - Society for ...
A career in endocrinology: where is the pathway? - Society for ...
A career in endocrinology: where is the pathway? - Society for ...
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T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S O C I E T Y F O R E N D O C R I N O L O G Y • I S S U E 1 0 1 AUTUMN 2011A <strong>career</strong> <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ology:<strong>where</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>pathway</strong>?PLUS<strong>Society</strong> Grants UpdateThe first 63 days ...The endocr<strong>in</strong>e system:a friend <strong>in</strong> dark places
EDITORIALSeptember <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> new January apparently:someth<strong>in</strong>g to do with it be<strong>in</strong>g a better time of yearto set goals and stick to resolutions. Of course,anyone associated with academia <strong>is</strong> already used toth<strong>is</strong> slightly skewed view of <strong>the</strong> calendar, but as weprepare to welcome <strong>the</strong> latest <strong>in</strong>take ofundergraduates and research students, maybe now <strong>is</strong>also <strong>the</strong> time to consider what might lie ahead <strong>for</strong>those we manage to <strong>in</strong>spire <strong>in</strong>to a <strong>career</strong> <strong>in</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.The <strong>career</strong> structure <strong>for</strong> basic scient<strong>is</strong>ts <strong>is</strong> pretty dire, but Alan McNeilly, currentchair of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s Science Committee (<strong>the</strong> remit of which he outl<strong>in</strong>es on page10) provides some really sound advice on how to maxim<strong>is</strong>e <strong>the</strong> chance of success(page 18). We also hear <strong>the</strong> views and experiences of three scient<strong>is</strong>ts at differentstages on <strong>the</strong> tenure ‘track’ (pages 19–20). It seems that, contrary to <strong>the</strong> popularbelief of many basic scient<strong>is</strong>ts, it’s not all that straight<strong>for</strong>ward <strong>for</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>icalendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts ei<strong>the</strong>r. The <strong>is</strong>sues fac<strong>in</strong>g current tra<strong>in</strong>ees are outl<strong>in</strong>ed by EmmaWilmot on page 20. Challeng<strong>in</strong>g <strong>career</strong> paths aren’t restricted to just UKendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts. Turn to page 17 <strong>for</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g account of a day<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> life of Johanna Miquet, one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s Argent<strong>in</strong>ean members. Perhaps<strong>career</strong> paths and job prospects, particularly <strong>in</strong> light of <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>thcom<strong>in</strong>g changes touniversity and NHS fund<strong>in</strong>g, would make a good topic <strong>for</strong> our proposed newfeature <strong>for</strong> The Endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>t – Letters to <strong>the</strong> Editor; turn to page 3 <strong>for</strong> more<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on how to have your say on th<strong>is</strong>, or any o<strong>the</strong>r po<strong>in</strong>t you want to ra<strong>is</strong>e<strong>for</strong> d<strong>is</strong>cussion.Someone else look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>ward – after first do<strong>in</strong>g a little reflect<strong>in</strong>g – <strong>is</strong> LeonHeward-Mills, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s new Chief Executive. Leon shares some observationsfrom h<strong>is</strong> first 63 days <strong>in</strong> office and outl<strong>in</strong>es h<strong>is</strong> plans <strong>for</strong> review<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’sstrategy (page 5). It’s reassur<strong>in</strong>g to see that ‘clear and relevant’ benefits to <strong>Society</strong>membership will rema<strong>in</strong> a priority. Some of <strong>the</strong> ways <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> currentlysupports its members are highlighted <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>sue; many of <strong>the</strong>se rely on fundsgenerated by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s commercial subsidiary, BioScientifica, so it was goodhear of <strong>the</strong>ir recent success <strong>in</strong> some major conference <strong>in</strong>dustry awards (page 21).Congratulations to all <strong>in</strong>volved.The <strong>Society</strong>’s Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Committee has also been consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> way ahead:specifically <strong>the</strong> implications of <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g changes to <strong>the</strong> comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g ofendocr<strong>in</strong>e cl<strong>in</strong>ical services; <strong>the</strong>ir f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and suggestions <strong>for</strong> how endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>tsand <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> can engage with <strong>the</strong> process are summar<strong>is</strong>ed on page 7.The <strong>Society</strong> offers a wide range of grants and th<strong>is</strong> year’s w<strong>in</strong>ners are detailed onpage 11. There are grants to support Young Investigators as <strong>the</strong>y move towards<strong>in</strong>dependence (e.g. Early Career Grants), schemes to promote collaboration, bothnationally and <strong>in</strong>ternationally, and awards to foster undergraduate <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>d<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>e. See page 12 <strong>for</strong> reports from recipients of <strong>the</strong> UndergraduateAchievement Award and Summer Studentships, and page 16 <strong>for</strong> an excerpt fromth<strong>is</strong> year’s w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Undergraduate Essay, <strong>in</strong> which Frederick Vonberg posits <strong>the</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>e system as an additional hero <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chilean m<strong>in</strong>ers’ cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>.The <strong>Society</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>volvement with public engagement cont<strong>in</strong>ued over <strong>the</strong> summerthrough a number of sponsored events at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival(page 9). If you’re <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g similar, see page 10 <strong>for</strong> grantsavailable from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g support <strong>for</strong> Young Endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts to attendmedia workshops aimed at encourag<strong>in</strong>g young researchers to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>public debates about science (page 15). Whilst we’re on <strong>the</strong> topic ofcommunication, Hotspur makes a welcome return (page 22), with some thoughtson <strong>the</strong> non-verbal k<strong>in</strong>d.MELISSA WESTWOODEditor: Dr Mel<strong>is</strong>sa WestwoodAssociate Editor: Dr Miles LevyCo-ord<strong>in</strong>ation and sub-edit<strong>in</strong>g:Andrew LoweDesign: Mart<strong>in</strong> Harr<strong>is</strong><strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology22 Apex Court, Woodlands,Bradley Stoke, Br<strong>is</strong>tol BS32 4JT, UKFax: 01454-642222Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.orgWeb: www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.orgCompany Limited by GuaranteeReg<strong>is</strong>tered <strong>in</strong> England No. 349408Reg<strong>is</strong>tered Office as aboveReg<strong>is</strong>tered Charity No. 266813©2011 <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyThe views expressed by contributorsare not necessarily those of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>OfficersProf JC Buck<strong>in</strong>gham (President)Prof PM Stewart (General Secretary)Prof GR Williams (Treasurer)Prof M Korbonits (Programme Secretary)Council MembersDr SG Ball, Prof K Chapman,Dr H Chr<strong>is</strong>tian, Prof JR Seckl,Prof RM Sharpe, Prof E Simpson,Prof AP Weetman, Prof A WhiteCommittee ChairsCl<strong>in</strong>ical: Prof JA FranklynF<strong>in</strong>ance: Prof GR WilliamsNom<strong>in</strong>ations: Prof JAH WassNurse: Mrs V KiefferProgramme: Prof M KorbonitsPublic Engagement: Prof AB GrossmanPublications: Prof PM StewartScience: Prof AS McNeillyYE Steer<strong>in</strong>g Group: Dr V Cabrera-SharpStaffChief Executive: Leon Heward-MillsTel: 01454-642216 <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> abovePublications Director: Steve By<strong>for</strong>dTel: 01454-642220 <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> aboveManager, <strong>Society</strong> Services:Rachel EvansProfessional Affairs Officers:Abhi Vora, Debbie Will<strong>is</strong><strong>Society</strong> Services Support Officer: Julie Cragg<strong>Society</strong> Projects Adm<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>trator: Ann LloydTel: 01454-642200 <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> aboveCommercial Director:Nigel GarlandOperations Director:Helen GregsonTel: 01454-642210 <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> abovePublic & Media Relations Officer: Jennie EvansTel: 01454-642230 <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> above2011 Advert<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>gFor more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation, contactadvert<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>g@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.orgThe <strong>Society</strong> welcomes contributions and article suggestions; contact <strong>the</strong> Editorial officeat <strong>in</strong>fo@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org. Deadl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>for</strong> news items <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> W<strong>in</strong>ter 2011 <strong>is</strong>sue:21 October 2011. Deadl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>for</strong> news items <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>g 2012 <strong>is</strong>sue: 21 December 2011.BioScientifica <strong>is</strong> a wholly-owned subsidiaryof <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology2 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
New Councilmember neededProfessor Evan Simpson will retire from Council <strong>in</strong> March 2012, hav<strong>in</strong>g servedh<strong>is</strong> four-year term of office. Full Members are <strong>in</strong>vited to make nom<strong>in</strong>ations<strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong> position. A nom<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>for</strong>m <strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>cluded with th<strong>is</strong> mail<strong>in</strong>g or canbe downloaded from www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/about/committee/council.html.To provide a balance of expert<strong>is</strong>e on Council, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>is</strong> seek<strong>in</strong>g one basicscient<strong>is</strong>t to fill <strong>the</strong> vacancy. The deadl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>for</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>is</strong> 12 December 2011.NEW APPOINTMENTTO SCIENCE COMMITTEEWe are pleased to announce that Professor Julia Buck<strong>in</strong>gham from ImperialCollege London has agreed to take on <strong>the</strong> role of External Relations Adv<strong>is</strong>or to<strong>the</strong> Science Committee from January 2012. The role represents <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>and <strong>the</strong> specialty as a whole to external bodies with regard to scientificprofessional <strong>is</strong>sues.A similar position represent<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> to external bodies with regardto cl<strong>in</strong>ical professional <strong>is</strong>sues <strong>is</strong> held by Professor John Wass via <strong>the</strong> Cl<strong>in</strong>icalCommittee.<strong>Society</strong> BES 2013 –call <strong>for</strong> suggestionsDeadl<strong>in</strong>e: 31 January 2012The <strong>Society</strong>’s Programme Committee <strong>is</strong> keen to receive suggestions <strong>for</strong> scientificsessions at <strong>the</strong> 2013 <strong>Society</strong> BES meet<strong>in</strong>g: v<strong>is</strong>it www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/meet<strong>in</strong>gs.How do I jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>?The <strong>Society</strong> welcomes anyone work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> an endocr<strong>in</strong>e-related field any<strong>where</strong><strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world and at any stage <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>career</strong>. If you would like to takeadvantage of <strong>the</strong> many benefits of membership, <strong>for</strong> example, access to acomprehensive l<strong>is</strong>t of grants, free onl<strong>in</strong>e access to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s journals,reduced reg<strong>is</strong>tration fees at <strong>Society</strong>-organ<strong>is</strong>ed conferences, cl<strong>in</strong>ical days andtra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g courses, just complete <strong>the</strong> application <strong>for</strong>m atwww.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/membership or contact <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> by email<strong>in</strong>gmembers@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.<strong>Society</strong> BES 2012free places –worth up to £750Open<strong>in</strong>g date: 31 October 2011Application deadl<strong>in</strong>e: 5 December 2011Th<strong>is</strong> popular scheme <strong>is</strong> <strong>for</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>ees andnurses who have not yet chosenendocr<strong>in</strong>ology as <strong>the</strong>ir specialty, and<strong>is</strong> open to candidates who are notmembers of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, with <strong>the</strong>exception of Student Members.Candidates need to be nom<strong>in</strong>ated bya Full Member, <strong>for</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r detailssee www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/grants/grant_sfebesFreePlaces.html.Undergraduateessay prizeSubm<strong>is</strong>sion deadl<strong>in</strong>e: 13 February 2012Included <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> mail<strong>in</strong>g, you willf<strong>in</strong>d a flier <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2012 UndergraduateEssay Prize. Please encourage yourstudents to apply and d<strong>is</strong>play <strong>the</strong>flier on your <strong>in</strong>stitution’s noticeboard.For an electronic copy contactgrants@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.The first prize <strong>is</strong> £1000,runner up prizes also available.SOCIETY CALENDAR7–9 November 2011Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Update 2011Hilton Hotel, Sheffield, UK12 December 2011Regional Cl<strong>in</strong>ical CasesThe Rougemont Hotel, Exeter, UK29 February 2012National Cl<strong>in</strong>ical CasesThe Royal <strong>Society</strong> of Medic<strong>in</strong>e, London, UK19–22 March 2012<strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology BES 2012Harrogate International Conference CentreSOCIETY NEWSSOCIETY PRIZE DRAWWe held a prize draw <strong>for</strong> those members whocompleted a direct debit mandate <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>irmembership. The prize was a £50 Amazonvoucher, which was won by M<strong>is</strong>s NatalieBurrows, University of Manchester.With regretWe are sorry to announce <strong>the</strong> death ofSenior Member, Dr Ray Edwards.Letters to <strong>the</strong> EditorSometimes it’s difficult to know what you’re allth<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about. We’d like to open <strong>the</strong> floor to <strong>the</strong>d<strong>is</strong>cussion of contentious or important <strong>is</strong>sues <strong>in</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>ology, or direct feedback on <strong>the</strong>newsletter, via The Endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>t’s Letters to<strong>the</strong> Editor page. Contact <strong>in</strong>fo@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.
SOCIETY NEWSEndocr<strong>in</strong>e effects of<strong>in</strong>haled corticosteroids<strong>in</strong> respiratory d<strong>is</strong>easeProfessor Ashley Grossman (Ox<strong>for</strong>d) and Dr JeremyToml<strong>in</strong>son (Birm<strong>in</strong>gham) have, on behalf of <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong>, produced a position statement that highlights<strong>the</strong> suppressiveeffects of <strong>in</strong>haled corticosteroids on<strong>the</strong> endogenous hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal ax<strong>is</strong>.To read <strong>the</strong> full statement, please v<strong>is</strong>itwww.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/policy.15 glorious yearsIn September, Ailsa Bailey and Chr<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>e (Chr<strong>is</strong>) Dav<strong>is</strong>celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir fifteenth anniversary with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>.Ailsa, as Production Manager <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Publicationsdepartment, has had <strong>the</strong> unenviable task of keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>plat<strong>for</strong>ms and systems used <strong>in</strong> produc<strong>in</strong>g our books,journals and newsletters up-to-date and competitive.Many of you will know Chr<strong>is</strong> <strong>for</strong>, amongst o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs,her sterl<strong>in</strong>g work <strong>in</strong> handl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> process <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>award<strong>in</strong>g conferencegrants. What you maynot know <strong>is</strong> that Chr<strong>is</strong> hashad only one day ofabsence – no meanachievement! Our thanksgo to Ailsa and Chr<strong>is</strong> <strong>for</strong>all <strong>the</strong>ir hard work over<strong>the</strong> past 15 years.AilsaChr<strong>is</strong>CONGRATULATIONSPersonal chairsCongratulations are due to Professor Waljit Dhillo, whohas been awarded a personal chair <strong>in</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology &Metabol<strong>is</strong>m at Imperial College London, and ProfessorSadaf Farooqi who has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted a personalchair <strong>in</strong> Cambridge.Prizes and awardsWe also congratulate: Dr Isabel Braidman, who hasbeen awarded a National Teach<strong>in</strong>g Fellowship by <strong>the</strong>Higher Education Authority, which rewards excellence<strong>in</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g and learn<strong>in</strong>g at higher education <strong>in</strong>stitutes;Professors Kr<strong>is</strong>hna Chatterjee and Steve O’Rahilly, bothamongst <strong>the</strong> first recipients of <strong>the</strong> Wellcome Trust’sInvestigator Awards, which support exceptionalresearchers; Professor Waljit Dhillo, who has beenselected as <strong>the</strong> Royal College of Physicians’Goulstonian Lecturer. He will give h<strong>is</strong> lecture entitled‘The critical role of k<strong>is</strong>spept<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> human fertility’ onMonday 31 October at <strong>the</strong> Royal College of Physicians;Professor Jonathan Seckl, who has been selected toreceive <strong>the</strong> 2012 European <strong>Society</strong> of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyGeoffrey Harr<strong>is</strong> Prize; Professor John Wass, who hasbeen awarded <strong>the</strong> US Endocr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Society</strong>’sD<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gu<strong>is</strong>hed Physicians’ Award, th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> first time<strong>the</strong> award has been bestowed upon anendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>t outside <strong>the</strong> USA; and Professor BobWebb, who has been awarded <strong>the</strong> Marshall Medal.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> premier award offered by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong>Reproduction and Fertility.29 February 2012NATIONAL CLINICAL CASESThe Royal <strong>Society</strong> of Medic<strong>in</strong>e, London, UK19–22 March 2012SOCIETY FOR ENDOCRINOLOGY BES 2012Harrogate International Conference Centre7–9 November 2011CLINICAL UPDATE 2011Hilton Hotel, Sheffield, UK12 December 2011REGIONAL CLINICAL CASESThe Rougemont Hotel, Exeter, UK10 July 2012REGIONAL CLINICAL CASESTBC, Ox<strong>for</strong>d, UK5–7 November 2012CLINICAL UPDATE 2012Strat<strong>for</strong>d-upon-Avon, UKFor fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation or to reg<strong>is</strong>ter your <strong>in</strong>terest, please contact us at:Tel +44 (0) 1454 642210; Email conferences@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.orgwww.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/meet<strong>in</strong>gs4 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
The first 63 daysLeon Heward-Mills jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> as Chief Executive <strong>in</strong> June.Here, Leon outl<strong>in</strong>es h<strong>is</strong> experiences at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> so far and h<strong>is</strong> plans <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.Un<strong>for</strong>tunately <strong>the</strong> usual 100day retrospective does notquite apply <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> case; <strong>the</strong>vagaries of publication deadl<strong>in</strong>e dates mean that I haveto <strong>for</strong>ego <strong>the</strong> h<strong>in</strong>dsight of an additional 37 days’experience, so <strong>in</strong>stead I am reflect<strong>in</strong>g on my first 63days as Chief Executive of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong>Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.I was Head of Publ<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> Institution of CivilEng<strong>in</strong>eers and have spent <strong>the</strong> last 15 years work<strong>in</strong>g closelywith eng<strong>in</strong>eers. My heroes have been Brunel, Tel<strong>for</strong>d,Bazalgette and Arup. I had <strong>the</strong> pleasure of work<strong>in</strong>g withsome of <strong>the</strong> brightest eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>ds of th<strong>is</strong>generation, publ<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g world class research and projectpapers on some of <strong>the</strong> iconic projects of th<strong>is</strong> and <strong>the</strong> lastcentury, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Channel Tunnel, <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<strong>for</strong> London 2012 and perhaps less well known, some of<strong>the</strong> extraord<strong>in</strong>ary projects to deliver susta<strong>in</strong>able watersupplies and critical <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g world.And so, as I immerse myself <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> world ofendocr<strong>in</strong>ology, it <strong>is</strong> fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g to compare <strong>the</strong> similaritiesand differences between <strong>the</strong> two professions. Yes <strong>in</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>ology we have our em<strong>in</strong>ent cl<strong>in</strong>icians andscient<strong>is</strong>ts, but what has also struck me (ano<strong>the</strong>r parallelwith <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>eers) has been <strong>the</strong> passion and commitmentthat ex<strong>is</strong>ts across our <strong>Society</strong> at every level. I was <strong>for</strong>tunateto attend <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES conference <strong>in</strong> April and get aflavour of <strong>the</strong> breadth of expert<strong>is</strong>e, <strong>the</strong> enthusiasm toadvance our d<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>e and to demonstrate real publicbenefit. Over <strong>the</strong> past 63 days I have worked with many of<strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s technical and expert committees. Thecommitment to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s aims from all members andstaff has been an <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g and welcome <strong>in</strong>troduction.Of course <strong>the</strong> current state of fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> science <strong>for</strong> basicresearch and <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> NHS <strong>for</strong> deliver<strong>in</strong>g andimprov<strong>in</strong>g patient care rema<strong>in</strong>s a major <strong>is</strong>sue <strong>for</strong> manymembers. My commitment as Chief Executive of <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong> <strong>is</strong> to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to deliver excellent services, but toensure that <strong>the</strong> benefits of membership rema<strong>in</strong> clear andrelevant, so that we keep you our current members, andattract and reta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> best new m<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> d<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>e.In June <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> was active at <strong>the</strong> Cheltenham ScienceFestival (see page 9); over 400 members of <strong>the</strong> generalpublic enjoyed two lively <strong>Society</strong> sponsored d<strong>is</strong>cussionsand debates on <strong>the</strong> science of hunger and <strong>the</strong>development of gender, demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g to me both <strong>the</strong>breadth and public <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> work that we do.The major task <strong>in</strong> my <strong>in</strong>-tray <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> organ<strong>is</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong>’s five year strategic review, an opportunity <strong>for</strong> us toreview our priorities and set our strategic direction. Awork<strong>in</strong>g party compr<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>g council members and o<strong>the</strong>rswill meet <strong>in</strong> October to consider several broad <strong>the</strong>mes<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> bas<strong>is</strong> of <strong>the</strong> review. The <strong>the</strong>mes will <strong>in</strong>clude:A review of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s purposeMember engagement and professional supportOur public voice and <strong>in</strong>fluenceEducation and <strong>the</strong> transfer of knowledgeCustomer and member focusA review of our commercial activitiesThe development of our staffThe October meet<strong>in</strong>g will not be <strong>the</strong> only chance to<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong> strategic review. I hope also to use th<strong>is</strong> as anopportunity to develop high level <strong>the</strong>mes and we will bework<strong>in</strong>g with our committees and <strong>the</strong> broadermembership to develop <strong>the</strong>se ideas and provide aframework and action plan to help us priorit<strong>is</strong>e whatmatters most and deliver aga<strong>in</strong>st it. Please look out <strong>for</strong>fur<strong>the</strong>r details on th<strong>is</strong> soon.As well as Chief Executive <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, I am alsoManag<strong>in</strong>g Director of BioScientifica, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong>Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology’s wholly owned commercial subsidiary thatfunds many of our activities by generat<strong>in</strong>g profit to gift aidback to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>. We have a committed and dedicatedteam <strong>in</strong> Br<strong>is</strong>tol and I am look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>ward to lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>mas we deliver <strong>the</strong> surplus that allows <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> to fulfil itscore aims. It <strong>is</strong> an excit<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>for</strong> BioScientifica – we havea strong publ<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g portfolio <strong>in</strong> addition to our secretariatand events services and we are well placed to develop<strong>the</strong>se activities fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g years.F<strong>in</strong>ally, a request: please let me know what you want ofyour <strong>Society</strong>. I have only had 63 days and I need to ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong> views of as many of our members as possible, nurses,cl<strong>in</strong>icians and basic scient<strong>is</strong>ts. Let me know what we dowell and what we need to do better. I’m committed towork<strong>in</strong>g with you to cont<strong>in</strong>ually improve <strong>the</strong> service weprovide and to ensure that our <strong>Society</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ues to grow,rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g relevant, <strong>in</strong>fluential and agile.Please send any feedback you haveto members@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.orgLEON HEWARD-MILLSSOCIETY NEWST H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 15
SOCIETY JOURNALS JOIN THE WEB 2.0 REVOLUTIONSOCIETY NEWSIt’s been nearly seven years s<strong>in</strong>ce<strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> first moved its journals to<strong>the</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>nian onl<strong>in</strong>e host, HighWirePress. At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong>re was muchexcitement about <strong>the</strong> new featuresavailable to readers, especially <strong>the</strong>HTML full text of every article, <strong>the</strong>opportunity to browse articlescategorized by most cited or mostread, and <strong>the</strong> possibility of read<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> full text of any article hosted by HighWire if yourchosen article <strong>in</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s journals cited it.Over <strong>the</strong> years we’ve added o<strong>the</strong>r features <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gsupplementary data (now considered to be a mixedbless<strong>in</strong>g!), PowerPo<strong>in</strong>t versions of figures and <strong>the</strong>fantastic retrodigitized archive.However, <strong>the</strong> standard design available to us <strong>in</strong> 2004 lookedout of date <strong>the</strong>n and has been <strong>in</strong> desperate need of anoverhaul ever s<strong>in</strong>ce. In 2008 HighWire announced that it wasupdat<strong>in</strong>g its plat<strong>for</strong>m to br<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong>to l<strong>in</strong>e with Web 2.0technology. Publ<strong>is</strong>her content would need to be ‘migrated’to th<strong>is</strong> new plat<strong>for</strong>m and, as part of th<strong>is</strong> migration, HighWirewould be giv<strong>in</strong>g its publ<strong>is</strong>hers <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>for</strong> a freewebsite redesign, provided it was based on one of <strong>the</strong>irvastly improved standard designs. We jumped at <strong>the</strong> chanceand, thanks to <strong>the</strong> ef<strong>for</strong>ts of our excellent designer, havecome up with an easy-on-<strong>the</strong>-eye design that neatly ties ourfamily of journals toge<strong>the</strong>r.<strong>the</strong>nnowTh<strong>is</strong> new design, comb<strong>in</strong>ed with <strong>the</strong> new plat<strong>for</strong>m, meansthat our sites are vastly more user-friendly and offer greatfeatures such as pop-up abstracts from <strong>the</strong> tables ofcontents, a ‘figures only’ view, pop-up references, andimproved navigability around <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> sites todedicated areas <strong>for</strong> readers, authors and librarians. For <strong>the</strong>techies among you, <strong>the</strong> new plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>is</strong> a fully XML-basedenvironment, <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g standards such as <strong>the</strong> AtomPubl<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g Protocol (backed by Google and Microsoft),and powerful tools such as <strong>the</strong> MarkLogic Server. In timeth<strong>is</strong> will allow us to repurpose our journal content <strong>in</strong> anynumber of ways, perhaps by creat<strong>in</strong>g collections ofcontent and re-us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se collections <strong>in</strong> feeds, widgets,blogs and network<strong>in</strong>g sites.As ever, we’re always keen to have your feedback on <strong>the</strong>journal websites and any ideas you may have <strong>for</strong> newfeatures: contact <strong>in</strong>fo@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.AILSA BAILEYumbrella page pop-up abstract pop-up referenceView <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s journals onl<strong>in</strong>e at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology-journals.orgLatest impact factorsAn impact factor <strong>is</strong> one measure of reflect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> average number of citations to publ<strong>is</strong>hed articles.The new (2010) impact factors <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s journals have now been announced: all impact factors have<strong>in</strong>creased and are also all now above <strong>the</strong> usual benchmark figure of 3.Journal of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology’s impact factor has <strong>in</strong>creasedabove 3, to 3.099, and <strong>the</strong> underly<strong>in</strong>g five-year figure <strong>is</strong>3.169. A number of new <strong>in</strong>itiatives, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g RapidCommunications and <strong>the</strong>med review articles shouldenhance <strong>the</strong> journal’s stand<strong>in</strong>g even fur<strong>the</strong>r.Journal of Molecular Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology has <strong>in</strong>creased itsimpact factor th<strong>is</strong> year to 3.628, due to an impressivereview article comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g programme over <strong>the</strong> pastfew years.Endocr<strong>in</strong>e-Related Cancer cont<strong>in</strong>ues to give <strong>the</strong>strongest show<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s journals at 4.432,and a comb<strong>in</strong>ed strict acceptance policy and activecomm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g should stand <strong>the</strong> journal <strong>in</strong> good stead<strong>for</strong> future impact factors. Its five-year figure rema<strong>in</strong>srobust at 5.443.Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology’s impact factor has also <strong>in</strong>creasedto a robust 3.323, with a very strong underly<strong>in</strong>g fiveyearfigure of 3.607.6 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g of cl<strong>in</strong>ical services –some considerations <strong>for</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyDr Garry Tan (Derby) and Professor John Wass (Ox<strong>for</strong>d), both members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Committee, toge<strong>the</strong>r with DrMiles Levy and Dr Helena Gleeson (both based <strong>in</strong> Leicester) have recently produced a document on <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g changes to<strong>the</strong> comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g of endocr<strong>in</strong>e cl<strong>in</strong>ical services <strong>for</strong> members to consider. A summar<strong>is</strong>ed version of <strong>the</strong> full document appearshere. Read <strong>the</strong> full version, complete with useful l<strong>in</strong>ks, via <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Portal at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/cl<strong>in</strong>ical.In July 2010, <strong>the</strong> coalition government produced aWhite Paper, ‘Liberat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> NHS’; th<strong>is</strong> was lateramended follow<strong>in</strong>g a review by <strong>the</strong> NHS Future Forum.One of <strong>the</strong> key areas focuses on <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which cl<strong>in</strong>icalservices will be comm<strong>is</strong>sioned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.How can endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts better engage with<strong>the</strong>se impend<strong>in</strong>g changes?1. Ensure that endocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>is</strong> appropriately presentedto your new local Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g Board2. Familiar<strong>is</strong>e yourself with data on localprevalence/<strong>in</strong>cidence of endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>orders and yourlocal activity <strong>in</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m – <strong>the</strong>se will be usedby comm<strong>is</strong>sioners3. Develop and public<strong>is</strong>e your local guidel<strong>in</strong>es on <strong>in</strong>itial<strong>in</strong>vestigations of endocr<strong>in</strong>e patients, and when and<strong>where</strong> <strong>the</strong>y should be referred4. Develop care <strong>pathway</strong>s to implement <strong>the</strong> localguidel<strong>in</strong>es, m<strong>in</strong>imum standards of care and outcomemeasures. Your local chemical pathology laboratorycan help support your care <strong>pathway</strong>s5. Build good work<strong>in</strong>g relationships with your local GPcomm<strong>is</strong>sionersVarious developments <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> organ<strong>is</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> delivery ofendocr<strong>in</strong>ology services are highlighted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> web articlealong with <strong>the</strong>ir potential pitfalls and benefits you mayw<strong>is</strong>h to consider.What <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology do<strong>in</strong>g?The <strong>Society</strong> <strong>is</strong> committed to ensur<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> specialty <strong>is</strong>appropriately represented <strong>in</strong> national d<strong>is</strong>cussions relatedto <strong>the</strong> implementation of any new procedures <strong>for</strong>comm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g of services. In order to better <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong>sewider d<strong>is</strong>cussions and support endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts at a locallevel, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> plans to:1. Ga<strong>the</strong>r relevant data, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g accurate new:followuppatient appo<strong>in</strong>tment ratios, <strong>in</strong>cidence/prevalenceof endocr<strong>in</strong>e conditions etc, from a variety of sources2. Use th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation to set m<strong>in</strong>imum recommendedstandards of care and related outcome measures tohelp with benchmark<strong>in</strong>g3. Provide <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation <strong>in</strong> such a way as to supportendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts with operational<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>g andcomm<strong>is</strong>sion<strong>in</strong>g services at a local levelWe would welcome your comments, please <strong>for</strong>ward <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> first <strong>in</strong>stance to Abhi Vora (abhi.vora@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org).SOCIETY NEWS<strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology Cl<strong>in</strong>ical GuidanceMany endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>eases are rare d<strong>is</strong>eases; consequentlyguidel<strong>in</strong>es on best practice are not always available due toa lack of evidence-based medic<strong>in</strong>e. In order to address th<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>sue, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology has begun aprogramme to produce cl<strong>in</strong>ical practice guidel<strong>in</strong>es orguidance <strong>for</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>eases <strong>where</strong> none <strong>is</strong> currentlyavailable, and a cl<strong>in</strong>ical need has been identified.The aim of <strong>the</strong> guidance <strong>is</strong> to support cl<strong>in</strong>ical professionals<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> diagnos<strong>is</strong> and treatment of endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>ease tohelp improve patient care. The guidance <strong>is</strong> written on <strong>the</strong>bas<strong>is</strong> of <strong>the</strong> evidence available and extensive professionalexperience. Members of <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g party are selectedfrom a range of stakeholders appropriate to eachcondition to ensure representation from relevantspecialities, professional bodies, users of <strong>the</strong> guidance andpatient representatives. Where <strong>the</strong> condition <strong>in</strong>volves amulti-d<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>ary approach to treatment, <strong>the</strong> guidanceauthorship reflects th<strong>is</strong>.Both sets of guidel<strong>in</strong>es can be downloaded from <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong>’s website at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/cl<strong>in</strong>ical/cl<strong>in</strong>icians/prof_Guidel<strong>in</strong>es.htmlIn<strong>for</strong>mation aimed at <strong>the</strong> general public and patients on<strong>the</strong> conditions covered by <strong>the</strong> guidel<strong>in</strong>es <strong>is</strong> provided on<strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s public website, You & Your Hormones,www.yourhormones.<strong>in</strong>foFuture guidance topics will <strong>in</strong>clude:Multiple endocr<strong>in</strong>e neoplasiaAdult congenital adrenal hyperplasiaTurner’s syndromeThe endocr<strong>in</strong>e consequences of cancer <strong>the</strong>rapyIf you have suggestions <strong>for</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r endocr<strong>in</strong>e-relatedguidance, please contact Debbie Will<strong>is</strong>debbie.will<strong>is</strong>@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.DEBBIE WILLISThe guidance <strong>is</strong> subject to wide external consultation andpeer review be<strong>for</strong>e publication <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s officialcl<strong>in</strong>ical journal, Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology. Guidance onpituitary apoplexy 1 was publ<strong>is</strong>hed <strong>in</strong> January and guidanceon <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial approach to an <strong>in</strong>fant with a suspectedReferences1) Rajasekaran S, Vanderpump M, Baldeweg S, et al. 2011 UK guidel<strong>in</strong>es<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> management of pituitary apoplexy. Cl<strong>in</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ol 74 9–20.2) Ahmed SF, Achermann JC, Arlt W, et al. 2011 UK guidance on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itialevaluation of an <strong>in</strong>fant or an adolescent with a suspected d<strong>is</strong>order of sexdevelopment. Cl<strong>in</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ol 75 12–26.d<strong>is</strong>order of sex development was publ<strong>is</strong>hed <strong>in</strong> July. 2 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1 7
SOCIETY NEWSYou & Your HormonesThe <strong>Society</strong>’s brand new public website You & YourHormones <strong>is</strong> now up and runn<strong>in</strong>g and provides accurateand reliable <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation on hormones and endocr<strong>in</strong>econditions.Please help us to promote You & Your Hormones by spread<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> word to colleagues and patients and encourag<strong>in</strong>g yourworkplace to l<strong>in</strong>k to www.yourhormones.<strong>in</strong>fo.If you would like to get <strong>in</strong>volved by writ<strong>in</strong>g or review<strong>in</strong>garticles <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> website, please contact us atpublic@endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org.Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyEditorial Board: a call <strong>for</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ical tra<strong>in</strong>ee membersThe Editors of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s official cl<strong>in</strong>ical journalCl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology are seek<strong>in</strong>g two tra<strong>in</strong>ee membersto jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Editorial board. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a new venture andreflects our desire to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> relevance of <strong>the</strong>journal <strong>for</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>icians at all levels of experience. ‘Review’and ‘Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Question’ articles are already provid<strong>in</strong>gimportant educational materials <strong>for</strong> journal clubsaround <strong>the</strong> UK. We are particularly <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>hear<strong>in</strong>g new ideas from our tra<strong>in</strong>ee readers.The Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology Editorial board holds twomeet<strong>in</strong>gs annually, one <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> autumn and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rdur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES conference. The term of officewould be <strong>for</strong> two years <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first <strong>in</strong>stance. Reasonabletravel and subs<strong>is</strong>tence expenses <strong>for</strong> board meet<strong>in</strong>gs will bereimbursed.If you w<strong>is</strong>h to be considered, please contact Professor JohnBevan (Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology Senior Editor) atjohnbevan@nhs.net. You should attach a m<strong>in</strong>i-CV (nomore than one A4 side) <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g your present post, stageof tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, cl<strong>in</strong>ical <strong>in</strong>terests, research experience andprevious publications (select up to three). Please describe<strong>the</strong> skills and contributions you feel you would br<strong>in</strong>g to<strong>the</strong> Editorial board.The deadl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>for</strong> applications <strong>is</strong> 23 November 2011.Edited by: J S Bevan, W F Young and S J Juddwww.cl<strong>in</strong>endo.comWhy choose Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology to submit your paper? Subm<strong>is</strong>sion to first dec<strong>is</strong>ion <strong>in</strong> an average of just 14 days Accepted Articles function – have your peer-reviewed,accepted article publ<strong>is</strong>hed onl<strong>in</strong>e as soon as it’s ready,prior to <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> an <strong>is</strong>sue and be<strong>for</strong>e copy-edit<strong>in</strong>g Quick and easy onl<strong>in</strong>e subm<strong>is</strong>sion process through ScholarOne Manuscripts 2010 impact factor: 3.323 with over 10,000 total citations <strong>in</strong> 2010 11-33575Submit your paper todayhttp://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cen8 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
HUNGRY FOR SCIENCE, BOYS AND GIRLS?In June 2011 <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology, <strong>in</strong> association with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Biology, sponsored two eventsat The Times Cheltenham Science Festival.The Times Cheltenham Science Festival <strong>is</strong> an<strong>in</strong>ternationally renowned showcase of activitiescentred on public engagement with science. For <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong>’s first event ‘Hungry?’ we stepped out of <strong>the</strong>sun and <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> cool shade, pick<strong>in</strong>g our seats amongst<strong>the</strong> 270 people present.Th<strong>is</strong> first event dealt with appetite and <strong>the</strong> variedapproaches that scient<strong>is</strong>ts and doctors are tak<strong>in</strong>g to<strong>in</strong>vestigate why we eat and why we ga<strong>in</strong> or lose weight.Open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> event, Professor Sadaf Farooqi (Cambridge)outl<strong>in</strong>ed her work on <strong>the</strong> genetic bas<strong>is</strong> of appetite,focuss<strong>in</strong>g on what we have learned from her group’sstudies <strong>in</strong>to lept<strong>in</strong> deficiency. Next up, Dr Kev<strong>in</strong> Murphy(London) described research <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> short-term control ofappetite by gut hormones, and <strong>the</strong> potential developmentof a gut hormone analogue which could be used tochemically control appetite. Lastly, Professor Jane Wardle(London) addressed <strong>the</strong> psychological aspects of appetite,cover<strong>in</strong>g reward, behavioural cues and programm<strong>in</strong>gdur<strong>in</strong>g early life.Our second event, ‘Gender: more than X vs. Y’, sought tochallenge <strong>the</strong> traditional male/female concept of genderand drew a similar sized crowd. Dr Rob<strong>in</strong> Lovell-Badge(London) opened proceed<strong>in</strong>gs by d<strong>is</strong>cuss<strong>in</strong>g genderdeterm<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g embryo, <strong>in</strong> particular <strong>the</strong>role of <strong>the</strong> SRY gene. After th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction, ProfessorIeuan Hughes (Cambridge) addressed d<strong>is</strong>orders of sexdevelopment – <strong>where</strong> parents and doctors are presentedwith a newborn child whose sex <strong>is</strong> difficult to determ<strong>in</strong>eimmediately – and d<strong>is</strong>cussed <strong>the</strong> medical and ethicalconsiderations th<strong>is</strong> presents. Professor Mel<strong>is</strong>sa H<strong>in</strong>es(Cambridge) brought th<strong>in</strong>gs to a close by outl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g herwork <strong>in</strong> gendered behaviour, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a startl<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gthat monkeys can d<strong>is</strong>play sex-typed choices of toys (e.g.male monkeys tend to pick up cars, females dolls).Among science festivals, Cheltenham stands out <strong>for</strong> itsaudience participation: after each event <strong>the</strong> audience was<strong>in</strong>vited to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> speakers <strong>for</strong> a more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mal d<strong>is</strong>cussionProf Sadaf Farooqi, Dr Kev<strong>in</strong> Murphy and Prof Jane Wardleanswer<strong>in</strong>g questions.<strong>in</strong> a breakout area. Topics brought up by <strong>the</strong> audienceranged from <strong>the</strong> humorous to <strong>the</strong> personal; <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g faddiets, anorexia and bulimia, food policy, androgen excess,and <strong>the</strong> qualities that sex-type a toy, all clearly show<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> public’s <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>, and enthusiasm <strong>for</strong>, hormones andscience at large.TOBY STEADThe annual Times Cheltenham Science Festivalbr<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> biggest names <strong>in</strong> publicengagement to celebrate science. F<strong>in</strong>d out moreat www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science.To get your great idea off <strong>the</strong> ground, f<strong>in</strong>d out how toapply <strong>for</strong> up to £1000 with our new Public EngagementGrant scheme: v<strong>is</strong>it www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/grants. %) ,*!/ .-2222).%*!%"-%* $"(% '-%.-,*."%)-2"1 ,"-%"."-SOCIETY NEWS 000-.,." $ */& %)#*-.,." $ */& 222*,(*)"- " "+.*,-)$%%.*,-"-%.1 ,&",-Dr Rob<strong>in</strong> Lovell-Badge speak<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong>‘Gender: more than X vs. Y’ eventT H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 19
SOCIETY GRANTS UPDATEGrants and awards showcase 2011Outgo<strong>in</strong>g Grants Panel Chair, Alan McNeilly, reports on h<strong>is</strong> time <strong>in</strong> office.I have had <strong>the</strong> privilege of chair<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ScienceCommittee <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> past 4 years and will be hand<strong>in</strong>g over<strong>the</strong> re<strong>in</strong>s to Karen Chapman <strong>in</strong> January. It has been apleasure to work with <strong>the</strong> committee and especially <strong>the</strong>staff at <strong>the</strong> Br<strong>is</strong>tol office, Rachel Evans and Ann Lloyd.Most of you will not know what <strong>the</strong> Science Committeedoes. We are responsible <strong>for</strong> organ<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>g symposia onscientific topics <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES meet<strong>in</strong>g each year;th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>the</strong> entire process from <strong>in</strong>itial suggestionsof topics through to <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> speakers. We also, ifaccepted by <strong>the</strong> Programme Committee, help to chair<strong>the</strong> sessions at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES meet<strong>in</strong>g. There are livelyd<strong>is</strong>cussions regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se topics, as we are alwaystry<strong>in</strong>g to provide up-to-<strong>the</strong>-m<strong>in</strong>ute symposia that will beimportant to you, <strong>the</strong> members.While th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘public’ face of <strong>the</strong> committee, most ofour time <strong>is</strong> taken up with referee<strong>in</strong>g grants <strong>for</strong> members.These <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> grants <strong>for</strong> Lab V<strong>is</strong>its, SponsoredSem<strong>in</strong>ars and most importantly <strong>the</strong> Early Career grants <strong>for</strong>which we have received 60 applications <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past 12months alone (regrettably, we may only award 19 <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong>time period). The Early Career grants from our juniormembers are particularly sat<strong>is</strong>fy<strong>in</strong>g to assess, as <strong>the</strong>y arealmost always of <strong>the</strong> highest quality. It <strong>is</strong> very pleas<strong>in</strong>g tosee that a number of recipients have used <strong>the</strong>se grants asa stepp<strong>in</strong>g-stone to <strong>the</strong>ir future <strong>career</strong>s <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyor science <strong>in</strong> general. The committee also looks after <strong>the</strong>education side of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, which <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>the</strong>undergraduate and postgraduate essay prizes. We arealways look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> ways to improve <strong>the</strong> support <strong>for</strong> you asmembers at all stages of your <strong>career</strong>s, and I would urgeyou to consider how th<strong>is</strong> can be achieved, and to support<strong>the</strong> Science Committee <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir endeavours.F<strong>in</strong>ally, I would like to highlight <strong>the</strong> Autumn Endocr<strong>in</strong>eRetreats, which were establ<strong>is</strong>hed by Rob Fowkes someyears ago and are now an annual event. Hav<strong>in</strong>g up to 20young, highly motivated endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts, toge<strong>the</strong>r withseveral senior faculty <strong>for</strong> a long weekend has providedsome of <strong>the</strong> most stimulat<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>is</strong>cussions we have had ongeneral aspects of endocr<strong>in</strong>ology, <strong>career</strong> development andhow to write grants. Each year <strong>the</strong> attendees seem to ga<strong>in</strong>a great deal from attend<strong>in</strong>g and it <strong>is</strong> gratify<strong>in</strong>g that somany cont<strong>in</strong>ue as active members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>. I wouldlike to reiterate my thanks to all <strong>the</strong> members of <strong>the</strong>committee and staff at Br<strong>is</strong>tol <strong>for</strong> all <strong>the</strong>ir support and w<strong>is</strong>h<strong>the</strong>m well <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>the</strong> committee.ALAN MCNEILLY, SCIENCE COMMITTEE CHAIR, GRANTS PANEL CHAIRFor <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about all <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s grants see<strong>the</strong> website at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/grants.NEWPublic EngagementGrantsUp to £1000 availableIn August, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> launched its new PublicEngagement Grant scheme, designed to provide fund<strong>in</strong>g<strong>for</strong> outreach activities to schools and <strong>the</strong> general public.If you’ve got a great idea that will capture <strong>the</strong> public’simag<strong>in</strong>ation and reveal just what it <strong>is</strong> that drives you as ascient<strong>is</strong>t, from host<strong>in</strong>g an event at a science festival tobr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a class of children <strong>in</strong>to your lab, f<strong>in</strong>d out how tomake it a reality at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/grants.A limited number of <strong>the</strong>se grants will be awarded tomembers of all membership classes, exclud<strong>in</strong>g StudentMembers, with rounds runn<strong>in</strong>g 1 August–31 July each year.CORPORATE SUPPORTWe take th<strong>is</strong> opportunity to thank all our CorporateSupporters <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir generous ass<strong>is</strong>tance, whichenables <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> to offer many of <strong>the</strong> grants tofund endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts at all stages of <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>career</strong>s.For more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s corporatesupport, see www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/corporate.Money well spentDespite challeng<strong>in</strong>g trad<strong>in</strong>g conditions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past fewyears, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> and BioScientifica have workedhard to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> amount available <strong>for</strong> all prizes,grants and awards. Future trad<strong>in</strong>g conditions prom<strong>is</strong>eto be more challeng<strong>in</strong>g still, but <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>is</strong>committed to support<strong>in</strong>g its grants and awardsactivities as much as possible. Here <strong>is</strong> what we haveawarded over <strong>the</strong> past three years:2010/2011 – £473 3462009/2010 – £463 3202008/2009 – £361 820<strong>Society</strong> passes AMRCpeer review auditWe are pleased to announce <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> has passed <strong>the</strong>Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) peerreview audit, demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g that we work to <strong>the</strong> higheststandards of accountability and probity <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> allocation ofgrants and awards. The AMRC carries out an audit ofmember organ<strong>is</strong>ations every five years.Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation can befound at www.amrc.org.uk.10 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Award w<strong>in</strong>nersSummer Studentships 2011Departments awarded grants <strong>in</strong> May 2011:Barts and <strong>the</strong> London School of Medic<strong>in</strong>e and Dent<strong>is</strong>try:Centre <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology, William Harvey InstituteBirm<strong>in</strong>gham University: Centre <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology,Diabetes & Metabol<strong>is</strong>m; Institute of Biomedical Research;and School of Cl<strong>in</strong>ical & Experimental Medic<strong>in</strong>eBr<strong>is</strong>tol University: Henry Wellcome Laboratories <strong>for</strong>Integrative Neuroscience & Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology; andSchool of Cl<strong>in</strong>ical SciencesCardiff University: Centre <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>e & DiabetesSciences; and School of BiosciencesUniversity of Dundee: Biomedical Research InstituteDurham University: Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology & Ecology Laboratories,Wolfson Research InstituteEd<strong>in</strong>burgh University: Centre <strong>for</strong> Cardiovascular Science;and Queen’s Medical Research InstituteGlasgow University: BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre;and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & ComparativeMedic<strong>in</strong>eImperial College London: Department of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology;Div<strong>is</strong>ion of Experimental Medic<strong>in</strong>e; Div<strong>is</strong>ion of InvestigativeScience; Institute of Reproductive & DevelopmentalBiology; and Wolfson Neuroscience LaboratoriesK<strong>in</strong>g’s College London: Diabetes Research Group, Div<strong>is</strong>ionof Diabetes & Nutritional SciencesLeicester Royal Infirmary: Department of Cancer Studies &Molecular Medic<strong>in</strong>eNewcastle University: Institute of Cellular Medic<strong>in</strong>eNott<strong>in</strong>gham University: School of Veter<strong>in</strong>ary Medic<strong>in</strong>e &ScienceQueen Margaret University, Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh: Department ofDietetics, Nutrition & Biological SciencesSt George’s University of London: Department of Cl<strong>in</strong>icalDevelopmental Sciences; and Reproductive &Developmental Biology GroupUlster University: School of Biomedical SciencesWestm<strong>in</strong>ster University London: School of Life SciencesCl<strong>in</strong>ical Department V<strong>is</strong>it Grant 2011Cr<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>i Capat<strong>in</strong>a (University of Medic<strong>in</strong>e and Pharmacy,Bucharest) v<strong>is</strong>ited <strong>the</strong> Ox<strong>for</strong>d Centre of Diabetes,Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology and Metabol<strong>is</strong>m to experienceendocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>in</strong> a world-class referral centre, improvecl<strong>in</strong>ical and research expert<strong>is</strong>e, and establ<strong>is</strong>h protocols <strong>for</strong>collaborative studies <strong>in</strong> pituitary pathologyEarly Career Grants 2011Recipients of awards made after <strong>the</strong> May 2011 deadl<strong>in</strong>e:Saira Hameed (Imperial College London) ‘New nongenomiceffects of thyroid mediated by avβ3 <strong>in</strong>tegr<strong>in</strong>’Jeshmi Jeyabalan (Royal Veter<strong>in</strong>ary College London)‘Investigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mediation of AMPK <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> skeletal action of<strong>the</strong> anti-diabetic drugs met<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong> and rosiglitazone’Dawn Liv<strong>in</strong>gstone (University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh) ‘The contributionof <strong>the</strong> liver to <strong>the</strong> metabolic d<strong>is</strong>turbances <strong>in</strong> 5α null mice’Al<strong>is</strong>on McNeilly (University of Dundee) ‘An <strong>in</strong>vestigation<strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> relationship between endocr<strong>in</strong>e and cognitivedysfunction <strong>in</strong> response to high fat diets’Johanna Miquet (University of Buenos Aires) ‘Growth hormoneexcess, impaired <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> signall<strong>in</strong>g and cardiac pathology’Samantha Mirczuk (Royal Veter<strong>in</strong>ary College London)‘Generation of a conditional Nppc-null mouse to allowpituitary-specific deletion of <strong>the</strong> Nppc gene’Mark Nixon (University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh)‘Character<strong>is</strong>ation of glucocorticoid receptor activationby 5α-reduced glucocorticoids’Victoria Parker (University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh)‘Stress-<strong>in</strong>duced cytok<strong>in</strong>e impact on neuroendocr<strong>in</strong>e control ofprolact<strong>in</strong> secretion <strong>in</strong> early pregnancy’Michelle Sleeth (Imperial College London) ‘Colonic longcha<strong>in</strong> fatty acids and <strong>the</strong> release of GLP-1 and PYY’Andrew Young (University of Exeter) ‘A casual role <strong>for</strong>prolact<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regulation of cooperative care?’Mohammed Zariwala (University of Westm<strong>in</strong>ster)‘The role of macronutrients on <strong>the</strong> expression of dipeptidylpeptidase-IV <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>test<strong>in</strong>al epi<strong>the</strong>lial cells’Lei Zhang (University of Cardiff) ‘Identification of targets <strong>for</strong>non-immunosuppressive <strong>the</strong>rapy of Graves’ orbitopathy’Undergraduate Achievement Awards 2011Awards to departments of £300 per annum <strong>for</strong> 3 years,made after <strong>the</strong> July 2011 deadl<strong>in</strong>e:Hull York Medical School, Department of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologyImperial College School of Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Department ofInvestigative SciencesRoyal Victoria Hospital Belfast, Regional Centre <strong>for</strong>Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology and DiabetesUniversity of Cambridge, Institute of Metabolic ScienceLaboratory V<strong>is</strong>it Grants 2011Jyoth<strong>is</strong> George (Queen’s Medical Research Institute,Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh) v<strong>is</strong>ited Centre <strong>for</strong> Translational ScienceActivities, Mayo Cl<strong>in</strong>ic, Rochester, MN, USA‘Deconvolution techniques <strong>for</strong> analys<strong>in</strong>g pulsatile lute<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>ghormone secretion’Rowan Hardy (University of Birm<strong>in</strong>gham) v<strong>is</strong>ited AnzacResearch Institute, University of Sydney‘Wnt signall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>flammatory arthrit<strong>is</strong> and <strong>in</strong>flammationrelated bone loss: <strong>the</strong> role of local glucocorticoid syn<strong>the</strong>s<strong>is</strong>’Ana Wojcicka (Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education,Warsaw) v<strong>is</strong>ited Department of Medic<strong>in</strong>e, ImperialCollege London‘Effect of triiodothyron<strong>in</strong>e and thyroid hormone receptors onexpression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) <strong>in</strong> mice’Sponsored Poster Grant 2011Thomas Barber (University of Warwick). Poster sessionat <strong>the</strong> 1st Warwick Conference on Advances <strong>in</strong> HumanMetabol<strong>is</strong>m Research, to be held 11 November 2011Sponsored Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Grants 2011Fa<strong>is</strong>al Ahmed (Royal Hospital <strong>for</strong> Sick Children,Glasgow) ‘Complex bone d<strong>is</strong>orders <strong>in</strong> children and youngpeople – education day’Simon Aylw<strong>in</strong> (K<strong>in</strong>g’s College London)‘Sponsored case presentations with sem<strong>in</strong>ar lecturesaddress<strong>in</strong>g current <strong>is</strong>sues <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e practice’Karen Chapman (University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh)‘Lept<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> regulation of body weight’Waljit Dhillo (Imperial College London)‘Multid<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>ary endocr<strong>in</strong>e symposium: educat<strong>in</strong>g cl<strong>in</strong>icaltra<strong>in</strong>ees, nurses and young researchers’Kev<strong>in</strong> Murphy (Imperial College London)‘MedEx – a week long course giv<strong>in</strong>g year 12 pupils ahands-on experience of life as a medical student’Robert Semple (University of Cambridge)‘The UK adipose t<strong>is</strong>sue d<strong>is</strong>cussion group meet<strong>in</strong>g’Raj Thakker (Ox<strong>for</strong>d Centre <strong>for</strong> Diabetes,Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology and Metabol<strong>is</strong>m)‘A celebration of endocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>in</strong> Ox<strong>for</strong>d’SOCIETY GRANTS UPDATET H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 111
GRANT REPORTSSOCIETY GRANTS UPDATEUndergraduate AchievementAward Report 2007–2009:University of Nott<strong>in</strong>ghamThe award was given to <strong>the</strong> student that scored <strong>the</strong> highestexam<strong>in</strong>ation mark <strong>in</strong> our 2nd year Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology module.The mandatory module <strong>is</strong> 4 weeks long and carries a creditrat<strong>in</strong>g of 15 toward an overall of 120 that must be atta<strong>in</strong>edthat year, as part of <strong>the</strong> Bachelor of Veter<strong>in</strong>ary Medic<strong>in</strong>e andBachelor of Veter<strong>in</strong>ary Science degree programmes,ultimately lead<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> professional MRCVS qualificationafter 5 years of study. Over <strong>the</strong> last 3 years we have had95–100 students tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> course. The three w<strong>in</strong>ners of <strong>the</strong>prize were: Lorna Roberts (2007, graduated MRCVS 2011with Honours); Joanne H<strong>in</strong>sley (2008, now <strong>in</strong> 5th yearcl<strong>in</strong>ical rotations); Ruth Webb (2009, now <strong>in</strong> her 4th year).For Ruth Webb, <strong>the</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology module clearly didn’tput her off hormones: <strong>for</strong> her 3rd year <strong>in</strong>tercalatedresearch project – 10 weeks <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> laboratory with a10 000 word d<strong>is</strong>sertation – she chose to <strong>in</strong>vestigate ‘The<strong>in</strong>fluence of environmental chemicals on steroidogenes<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>sheep ovary’. She <strong>is</strong> now try<strong>in</strong>g to decide whe<strong>the</strong>rto become a Special<strong>is</strong>t <strong>in</strong> Internal Medic<strong>in</strong>e, or to focuson exotics through <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical Extra-Mural Studies program.Our students really enjoy<strong>the</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologymodule and <strong>the</strong>feedback we get <strong>is</strong> oftensome of <strong>the</strong> mostpositive <strong>for</strong> any of <strong>the</strong>2nd year taught courses.Some examples are: ‘Iliked <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical contentand <strong>the</strong> context helpedme learn <strong>the</strong> physiology’; ‘really enjoyed <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical aspectsof th<strong>is</strong> course, it was very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g’; and ‘<strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical-basedmaterial was great as it helps to consolidate <strong>the</strong> physiology’.At Nott<strong>in</strong>gham, endocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>is</strong> alive and well!… Wow! Thank you. I was not expect<strong>in</strong>g thatat all – just off <strong>the</strong> phone to my mum and she<strong>is</strong> really proud! …… I can't express how delighted I am with hav<strong>in</strong>g beenselected <strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong> award! I fully enjoyed every m<strong>in</strong>ute ofmy project, and <strong>the</strong> opportunity to work on th<strong>is</strong> with<strong>in</strong>credible people <strong>in</strong> such a wonderful environment …COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM RECIPIENTS OFAN UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDDAVID GARDNER, UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAMSummer Studentship 2008After <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology funded a placementwith Prof Ghatei (Imperial College London) <strong>in</strong> 2008, I was ableto successfully apply <strong>for</strong> a placement with <strong>the</strong> London ResearchInstitute <strong>in</strong> Dr Downward's laboratory <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> summer of 2009.I'm sure <strong>the</strong> experience of that first placement was one of <strong>the</strong>ma<strong>in</strong> reasons I got th<strong>is</strong> second placement, so I'm very grateful.After <strong>the</strong> second placement, I f<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>hed my f<strong>in</strong>al year at ImperialCollege London and secured a first-class degree grade. I leftImperial to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Institute of Cancer Research <strong>in</strong> Chelsea as aPhD student <strong>in</strong> Prof Isacke's laboratory.Thanks aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> opportunity you guys gave me back<strong>in</strong> 2008. I'm sure hav<strong>in</strong>g a summer placement betweenmy first and second years helped me a lot <strong>in</strong> gett<strong>in</strong>g myPhD studentship.MATTHEW ASHENDON, INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH, LONDONEarly Career Grant 2009As a recent appo<strong>in</strong>tment at <strong>the</strong> University of Westm<strong>in</strong>ster(School of Life Sciences), <strong>the</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g made available from <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology has allowed me to fur<strong>the</strong>r developmy research <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> effects of novel exerc<strong>is</strong>e regimes onadenos<strong>in</strong>e monophosphate-activated prote<strong>in</strong> k<strong>in</strong>ase (AMPK)activation and its role <strong>in</strong> glucose d<strong>is</strong>posal and <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> sensitivity.In do<strong>in</strong>g so, I have developed analytical skills that may nothave been possible without th<strong>is</strong> support. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong>fund<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology was comb<strong>in</strong>edwith <strong>in</strong>ternal fund<strong>in</strong>g to establ<strong>is</strong>h collaborative researchprojects with <strong>the</strong> University of Auckland (New Zealand) andCharles Stuart University (Australia). The data stream<strong>in</strong>g fromth<strong>is</strong> work has led to grant applications via Diabetes Researchand Wellness Foundation, The Royal <strong>Society</strong> and Diabetes UK.A proportion of <strong>the</strong> prelim<strong>in</strong>ary data has also been used tomake a recent fund<strong>in</strong>g application to <strong>the</strong> Medical ResearchCouncil (MRC) New Investigator Research Grant.RICHARD MACKENZIE, UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTERConference Grant 2011:ENDO 2011 – Boston, MA, USAIn June, I was <strong>for</strong>tunate to attend <strong>the</strong> American Endocr<strong>in</strong>e<strong>Society</strong> conference <strong>in</strong> Boston. Th<strong>in</strong>k of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES, onsteroids, and you will have some idea of <strong>the</strong> scale of <strong>the</strong>event. There were 7 800 delegates <strong>in</strong> a conference centreso big it could take you up to 20 m<strong>in</strong>utes to walk betweenrooms. Every day <strong>the</strong>re were different posters, with a totalof 2600 posters presented over <strong>the</strong> three days.Conference sessions started as early as 6am and cont<strong>in</strong>ueduntil 9.30pm. I found <strong>the</strong> ‘Case Management <strong>for</strong>ums’ and‘Meet <strong>the</strong> Professor Sessions’ most relevant. These wereusually repeated throughout <strong>the</strong> programme, so withcareful plann<strong>in</strong>g it was possible to fit <strong>in</strong> a few hourssightsee<strong>in</strong>g each day. Boston <strong>is</strong> a lovely city, on <strong>the</strong> coast,and suitable <strong>for</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g. On Saturday afternoon a gap <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> talks I wanted to attend gave me <strong>the</strong> opportunity tov<strong>is</strong>it Harvard University and have a tour with a student.I would recommend that every endocr<strong>in</strong>e nurse shouldattend ENDO at least once <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>career</strong>. I startedplann<strong>in</strong>g a year be<strong>for</strong>e I wanted to go and was <strong>for</strong>tunateto be awarded a <strong>Society</strong> Conference Grant, with a littlehelp from several pharmaceutical companies to top up <strong>the</strong>fund. It <strong>is</strong> expensive to attend an <strong>in</strong>ternational conference,but <strong>the</strong> benefits of network<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> wider endocr<strong>in</strong>ecommunity are extensive.JEAN MUNDAY, ENDOCRINE NURSE SPECIALIST,PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALS NHS TRUST… <strong>the</strong> student <strong>is</strong> really excited about be<strong>in</strong>g able to spend some time <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> lab, and it will be good to give him a chance to grasp some relevantphysiological techniques, which will hopefully ass<strong>is</strong>t him when apply<strong>in</strong>g<strong>for</strong> research posts after graduat<strong>in</strong>g …… <strong>the</strong> student went on to a PhD <strong>in</strong> my lab, has received highlycompetitive external fund<strong>in</strong>g support, and has just publ<strong>is</strong>hed h<strong>is</strong> firstmanuscript <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ology. He <strong>is</strong> a top student, and a great success story!COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM SUMMER STUDENTSHIP SUPERVISORS12 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Nurses’ NewsHow quickly th<strong>is</strong> year has gone. It seems like onlyyesterday we were arrang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s BESmeet<strong>in</strong>g and Endocr<strong>in</strong>e Nurse Update was far ahead.I would like to take <strong>the</strong> opportunity to reply to a few po<strong>in</strong>tsfrom <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES evaluation. The first was <strong>the</strong> lack of anurses’ tea: th<strong>is</strong> has been poorly attended <strong>in</strong> years past,did not allow nurses time to network, and we are oftentold that nurses feel slightly marg<strong>in</strong>al<strong>is</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>; aseparate tea won’t make nurses feel more <strong>in</strong>cluded.The second po<strong>in</strong>t was nurses’ session schedul<strong>in</strong>g: th<strong>is</strong>often clashes with o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g cl<strong>in</strong>ical talks. TheProgramme Committee has <strong>the</strong> mammoth task ofschedul<strong>in</strong>g three parallel sessions and nurses have littlesay <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> process. To arrange <strong>the</strong>m alongside basicscience sessions would be impossible unless <strong>the</strong> nurses’sessions were split over two days. As many of you havelimited study leave, and can often only spare one day, itwas agreed to leave <strong>the</strong> nurses’ sessions as scheduled.Th<strong>is</strong> edition <strong>in</strong>cludes reports on new <strong>in</strong>itiatives <strong>in</strong> Norfolkand Brad<strong>for</strong>d. It <strong>is</strong> great to see how <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>itiatives areimprov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> patient’s experience and <strong>the</strong> overall qualityof <strong>the</strong> service. Please let us know if you have developedsometh<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your department – we are always look<strong>in</strong>g<strong>for</strong> reports <strong>for</strong> The Endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>t. It <strong>is</strong> good to share.NIKKI KIEFFER, CHAIR, NURSE COMMITTEEPrecl<strong>in</strong>ic tests <strong>in</strong> NorwichOur lead endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>t, Dr Frankie Swords, suggestedthat we <strong>in</strong>troduce precl<strong>in</strong>ic blood tests. Th<strong>is</strong> means newreferrals have tests per<strong>for</strong>med be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir appo<strong>in</strong>tment.Aside from putt<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>is</strong> procedure <strong>in</strong>to practice, weneeded to decide which common endocr<strong>in</strong>e conditionsneeded <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>vestigations: toge<strong>the</strong>r with ourbiochem<strong>is</strong>ts we came up with a l<strong>is</strong>t, and appropriate bloodand ur<strong>in</strong>e tests <strong>for</strong> each condition were <strong>the</strong>n selected.The system has now been <strong>in</strong> action successfully <strong>for</strong> a year.When a hyperthyroid patient <strong>is</strong> referred to us, <strong>the</strong>appropriate blood test <strong>for</strong>ms can be ordered on ourcomputer system and sent to <strong>the</strong> patient with a conditionspecificcover<strong>in</strong>g letter expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g what <strong>the</strong>y need to dobe<strong>for</strong>e cl<strong>in</strong>ic.So <strong>where</strong> do endocr<strong>in</strong>e nurses fit <strong>in</strong>to th<strong>is</strong>? Consider a morecomplex situation, such as an <strong>in</strong>cidental adrenal tumour.We arrange an appo<strong>in</strong>tment and order precl<strong>in</strong>ic tests <strong>for</strong>Conn’s, Cush<strong>in</strong>g’s and phaeochromocytoma. Th<strong>is</strong>generates several blood and ur<strong>in</strong>e request <strong>for</strong>ms. When <strong>the</strong>patient attends cl<strong>in</strong>ic we are <strong>the</strong>n able to talk <strong>the</strong>m througheach test: we all know that many patients asked to per<strong>for</strong>ma 24-hour ur<strong>in</strong>e collection do not do so accurately; anendocr<strong>in</strong>e nurse can expla<strong>in</strong> what <strong>is</strong> needed and why, on aone-to-one bas<strong>is</strong>. We can also give <strong>the</strong> patient a brief ideaof why <strong>the</strong>y have been referred to us. Th<strong>is</strong> sometimesrequires a little diplomacy to prevent unnecessary anxiety.Precl<strong>in</strong>ic blood tests also provide <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>patient to meet <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ic staff; some patients will be v<strong>is</strong>it<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ic <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong>ir life. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a vital first encounterwith <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e nurse who will be <strong>the</strong>re to support,educate and clarify often complex medical <strong>is</strong>sues <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>m.Anecdotal feedback has been very positive, and we feel itimproves our overall quality of service by shorten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>time from referral to diagnos<strong>is</strong> and treatment. In manycases, it also leads to fewer outpatient appo<strong>in</strong>tments, aspatients can often be d<strong>is</strong>charged after one v<strong>is</strong>it, <strong>the</strong>rebyreduc<strong>in</strong>g cost. It’s really made a difference.SONDRA GORICK, NORFOLK AND NORWICH UNIVERSITY HOSPITALAdrenal <strong>in</strong>cidentalomas<strong>in</strong> Brad<strong>for</strong>dSteve Peacey and Lou<strong>is</strong>e Osborne carried out anaudit to identify how many adrenal <strong>in</strong>cidentalomasreported by Radiology were referred to <strong>the</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>ology team. Over a 1 year period only 1 of 69patients with a benign-appear<strong>in</strong>g adrenal adenomawere referred to <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ology department. Toensure <strong>the</strong>se patients were assessed <strong>for</strong> hormonalactivity, it was agreed with Radiology that anaddendum would be added to reports, to rem<strong>in</strong>dcolleagues and GPs to consider endocr<strong>in</strong>e referral. Th<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> important because a proportion of benign adenomasmay have some endocr<strong>in</strong>e function.Th<strong>is</strong> led us to develop a new service <strong>in</strong> Brad<strong>for</strong>d us<strong>in</strong>g adef<strong>in</strong>ed endocr<strong>in</strong>e nurse protocol. Adrenal <strong>in</strong>cidentalomareferrals are reviewed to ensure <strong>the</strong>y have a benignappear<strong>in</strong>gadrenal lump and are passed to endocr<strong>in</strong>especial<strong>is</strong>t nurses. The endocr<strong>in</strong>e nurses replace anymedication that may <strong>in</strong>terfere with <strong>the</strong> test, us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>protocol and our non-medical prescrib<strong>in</strong>g qualifications toidentify a suitable alternative treatment.On adm<strong>is</strong>sion, 30 m<strong>in</strong>ute recumbent ren<strong>in</strong>, aldosterone,urea and electrolyte tests are per<strong>for</strong>med. Two 24-hourur<strong>in</strong>ary metanephr<strong>in</strong>e collections, or plasmametanephr<strong>in</strong>es, and a 1mg overnight dexamethasonesuppression test are <strong>the</strong>n arranged. Testosterone,oestradiol, DHEA and androstendione are also checked ifappropriate. All bottles, <strong>for</strong>ms, medication, <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mationleaflets and contact details are given to <strong>the</strong> patient orcarer. We expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> detail about any potential future<strong>in</strong>vestigations or treatments that may be requireddependent upon <strong>the</strong> results.The benefit to patients <strong>is</strong> clear: an efficient outpatientconsultation, with results ready <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> new patientappo<strong>in</strong>tment one month later. The protocol fulfils <strong>the</strong> 18week criteria and generates day case adm<strong>is</strong>sion <strong>in</strong>come <strong>for</strong><strong>the</strong> trust. We are audit<strong>in</strong>g our results to assess <strong>the</strong>effectiveness of <strong>the</strong> protocol.DIANNE WRIGHT,BRADFORD TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUSTNURSES’ NEWST H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 113
GENERAL NEWSEURO-WABB:an EU rare d<strong>is</strong>eases reg<strong>is</strong>tryA new project to develop a Europe-wide reg<strong>is</strong>try ofthree rare and highly complex diabetes syndromesWolfram, Alström, Bardet Biedl (WABB) and o<strong>the</strong>rrare diabetes syndromes each affect less than1:300 000 people, <strong>in</strong>clude several hormone systemcomplications, are poorly recognized, and oftendiagnosed late. Funded by <strong>the</strong> EU DirectorateGeneral <strong>for</strong> Health and Consumers (DG Sanco), <strong>the</strong>EURO-WABB project was launched 1 January 2011 andwill run <strong>for</strong> three years. Through EURO-WABB, wehope to provide faster diagnos<strong>is</strong>, more research, andsupport better medical care <strong>for</strong> patients with WABBsyndromes across Europe. Funded project partners<strong>in</strong>clude cl<strong>in</strong>icians, scient<strong>is</strong>ts and patient groups withrepresentation from 6 EU countries.WABB syndromes are rare, with patientsd<strong>is</strong>tributed throughout <strong>the</strong> EU. There are as yetno orphan drug treatments available and noaccess to well characterized patient cohorts. Incommon with many rare d<strong>is</strong>eases, <strong>the</strong> lack ofspecific health policies <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>se d<strong>is</strong>eases and <strong>the</strong>scarcity of expert<strong>is</strong>e often translate <strong>in</strong>to delayeddiagnos<strong>is</strong> and difficult access to care.Current activities <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> determ<strong>in</strong>ation of ‘core’ and‘extended’ data sets to <strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong> bas<strong>is</strong> of <strong>the</strong> reg<strong>is</strong>trydatabase, and <strong>the</strong> subm<strong>is</strong>sion of applications to ethics and<strong>in</strong>stitutional review boards. Work <strong>is</strong> also be<strong>in</strong>g undertakento identify and catalogue known mutations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> WABBgenes. The catalogue will be publ<strong>is</strong>hed and accessiblefrom <strong>the</strong> EURO-WABB website us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Leiden Open(source) Variation Database (LOVD) software. Theseactivities will mean that we are now able to recruit ourfirst participants.Recruitment will be diagnos<strong>is</strong>-driven and any <strong>in</strong>dividual<strong>where</strong> a local physician makes a diagnos<strong>is</strong> of a WABBd<strong>is</strong>ease <strong>is</strong> eligible to be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> reg<strong>is</strong>try. Patientswith o<strong>the</strong>r rare diabetes syndromes such as Wolcott-Rall<strong>is</strong>on and Thiam<strong>in</strong>e-responsive megaloblastic anaemiawill also be eligible to take part. Physicians who aren’t ableto access molecular genetic diagnostic test<strong>in</strong>g via <strong>the</strong>irnational healthcare systems will be able to do so viaparticipation <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> project.The project website, www.euro-wabb.org, provides more<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about <strong>the</strong> project plan, <strong>the</strong> associate partnersand <strong>in</strong>cludes regular progress updates. As <strong>the</strong> projectdevelops, we hope that <strong>the</strong> website will become avaluable resource <strong>for</strong> families and healthcare professionals.Patients, cl<strong>in</strong>icians and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders can reg<strong>is</strong>ter<strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>terest via <strong>the</strong> EURO-WABB website. Feedback andqueries can be sent via email to <strong>the</strong> Project Manager, MsAmy Farmer, euro-wabb@bch.nhs.uk.14 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1ENDO ESE INTERNATIONALSCHOLARS PROGRAMMETo promote <strong>the</strong> <strong>career</strong> development of tra<strong>in</strong>eeendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts from around <strong>the</strong> globe by identify<strong>in</strong>gtalented <strong>in</strong>vestigators and offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m an exceptionaltra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g experience, <strong>the</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Society</strong> and <strong>the</strong>European <strong>Society</strong> of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology have launched anInternational Scholars Programme. Applications are<strong>in</strong>vited from candidates who w<strong>is</strong>h to ga<strong>in</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> aperiod of 2–3 years <strong>in</strong> a world-class laboratory. Idealcandidates are post-doctoral endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts who havecompleted at least two but no more than five years ofresearch tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Full details can be found atwww.euro-endo.org/education/iesp.aspx. The deadl<strong>in</strong>e<strong>for</strong> applications <strong>is</strong> 31 December 2011.Kallmann SyndromeOrgan<strong>is</strong>ation now onFacebookThe Kallmann Syndrome Organ<strong>is</strong>ation <strong>is</strong> a small patientsupport group <strong>for</strong> patients with Kallmann syndrome (KS)or hypogonadotrophic hypogonad<strong>is</strong>m (HH). As <strong>the</strong>condition <strong>is</strong> rare and of a personal nature, <strong>the</strong> benefit ofbe<strong>in</strong>g able to talk to fellow patients and <strong>the</strong> opportunityto meet up with <strong>the</strong>m cannot be underestimated. Withth<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> Kallmann Syndrome Organ<strong>is</strong>ation hasrecently set up two new groups on Facebook. The firstgroup, ‘Kallmann’s syndromers’, <strong>is</strong> open to any and allwho w<strong>is</strong>h to jo<strong>in</strong>. S<strong>in</strong>ce some patients would ra<strong>the</strong>r not letall <strong>the</strong>ir friends see <strong>the</strong>y have jo<strong>in</strong>ed a patient supportgroup, you may also jo<strong>in</strong> a private group. Membership toth<strong>is</strong> private group <strong>is</strong> adm<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>trated by Neil Smith(neilsmith38@hotmail.com). To f<strong>in</strong>d out more about <strong>the</strong>Kallmann Syndrome Organ<strong>is</strong>ation and <strong>the</strong> Facebookgroups, v<strong>is</strong>it www.kallmanns.org.Liv<strong>in</strong>g withHypoparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m projectIn June <strong>the</strong> patient group Hypoparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m UK (HPTHUK) launched <strong>the</strong>ir ‘Liv<strong>in</strong>g with Hypoparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m’project, which aims to highlight <strong>the</strong> patient experience <strong>in</strong>be<strong>in</strong>g diagnosed and liv<strong>in</strong>g with th<strong>is</strong> long-term condition.The first stage of <strong>the</strong> project will focus on post-surgicalhypoparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m. HPTH UK has launched a newsection on <strong>the</strong>ir website, <strong>where</strong> patients with permanenthypoparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m follow<strong>in</strong>g thyroid (or parathyroid)surgery describe <strong>the</strong>ir d<strong>is</strong>order and how it has affected <strong>the</strong>irlives. To f<strong>in</strong>d out more, v<strong>is</strong>it www.hpth.org.uk.
<strong>Society</strong> stands up <strong>for</strong> scienceThe <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology awarded five Young Endocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts a place on <strong>the</strong> Sense About Science ‘Stand<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>for</strong>Science’ media workshop, which took place on 17 July 2011.Sense About Science <strong>is</strong> a charitable organ<strong>is</strong>ationthat promotes an evidence-based approach todec<strong>is</strong>ion-mak<strong>in</strong>g and addresses m<strong>is</strong>conceptions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>public debate of science. Their network of early <strong>career</strong>researchers, Voice of Young Science (VoYS),encourages young researchers to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> publicdebates about science. I attended <strong>the</strong> latest VoYS‘Stand<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>for</strong> Science’ media workshop, held at <strong>the</strong>L<strong>in</strong>nean <strong>Society</strong>, London.Don’t quote me!The workshop opened with some personal accounts ofdeal<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> media from some media-savvy scient<strong>is</strong>ts:Dr Rob<strong>in</strong> Lovell-Badge (Medical Research Council),Dr Alan Dangour (London School of Hygiene and TropicalMedic<strong>in</strong>e), and Dr Deirdre Holl<strong>in</strong>gsworth (ImperialCollege London). From <strong>the</strong>ir experience <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>the</strong> media with relation to <strong>the</strong>ir own research andprovid<strong>in</strong>g comment on science news stories, <strong>the</strong> panelhighlighted some pros and cons of talk<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> media,and gave us <strong>the</strong>ir ‘top tips’: be prepared – write down <strong>the</strong>key po<strong>in</strong>ts you w<strong>is</strong>h to make; stand up <strong>for</strong> your research –back your own evidence; and be wary of <strong>the</strong> ‘throw-awaycomment’ – anyth<strong>in</strong>g can be quoted out of context. Theoverrid<strong>in</strong>g feel<strong>in</strong>g was that scient<strong>is</strong>ts have a duty tocommunicate with <strong>the</strong> public, especially given <strong>the</strong> extentto which research <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK <strong>is</strong> publicly funded.The o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> fenceThe afternoon sessions af<strong>for</strong>ded a view from sciencereport<strong>in</strong>g, with a panel of science journal<strong>is</strong>ts <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gTom Feilden of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, RichardVan Noorden of Nature and freelance science journal<strong>is</strong>tClaire Coleman. The panel provided a fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sight<strong>in</strong>to how a science story <strong>is</strong> chosen, <strong>the</strong> rapid turnover ofstories and deadl<strong>in</strong>e pressures journal<strong>is</strong>ts face from <strong>the</strong>ireditors. A lively debate ensued surround<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mediacoverage of some <strong>in</strong>famous stories such as <strong>the</strong> MMRvacc<strong>in</strong>ation, bird-flu and global warm<strong>in</strong>g. The panelstressed <strong>the</strong> importance of scient<strong>is</strong>ts gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir voicesheard <strong>in</strong> public debates.Muffl<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mationIn <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al session, Simon Levey, a press officer fromImperial College London, Julia Wilson from Sense AboutScience, and Tamlyn Peel from <strong>the</strong> Voice of Young Sciencenetwork, shared tips on how to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> publicdebates about science, and tackle irresponsible claims.These ranged from start<strong>in</strong>g small by blogg<strong>in</strong>g or sett<strong>in</strong>gup a Twitter account, to work<strong>in</strong>g with your press office.The session re<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>ced <strong>the</strong> overrid<strong>in</strong>g message of <strong>the</strong> dayto young scient<strong>is</strong>ts – don’t wait until <strong>the</strong> end of your<strong>career</strong>, go out and get your voices heard now!THOMAS FOXThe next Stand<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>for</strong> Science media workshop willbe held at <strong>the</strong> University of Glasgow, 18 November2011. For more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation, contact Julia Wilsonjwilson@senseaboutscience.org. The <strong>Society</strong> will beoffer<strong>in</strong>g more places and travel grants to attend <strong>the</strong>London workshop on behalf of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> next year –keep an eye out <strong>for</strong> announcements.GENERAL NEWSTHE NATIONAL TURNER SYNDROME REGISTERCan you help to improve <strong>the</strong> follow-up care ofpatients with Turner syndrome?The aim of <strong>the</strong> Turner Reg<strong>is</strong>ter <strong>is</strong> to monitor <strong>the</strong> prov<strong>is</strong>ion ofcl<strong>in</strong>ical care provided to young women with Turner syndrome(TS) aged 16 years and above dur<strong>in</strong>g adult life. We are ask<strong>in</strong>gyoung women to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> reg<strong>is</strong>ter, and to complete a simplequestionnaire once a year.Patients who are attend<strong>in</strong>g adult cl<strong>in</strong>icsmay reg<strong>is</strong>ter <strong>the</strong>mselves. A poster <strong>is</strong>availible to advert<strong>is</strong>e <strong>the</strong> reg<strong>is</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> yourcl<strong>in</strong>ic, please contact: Tel 01223 769386;Email as336@medschl.cam.ac.ukThe study has REC approval: South West Research EthicsCommittee, reference 03/6/075The study <strong>is</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g coord<strong>in</strong>ated by <strong>the</strong> Brit<strong>is</strong>h <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong>Paediatric Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology and Diabetes (BSPED) Cl<strong>in</strong>icalTrials Group. Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Investigator: Professor David Dunger(Cambridge University)Brit<strong>is</strong>h <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> PaediatricEndocr<strong>in</strong>ology & DiabetesT H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 115
FEATURESTHE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:A FRIEND IN DARK PLACES?We are delighted to announce that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> received 55 entrants <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> undergraduate essay competition <strong>in</strong> 2011.Each subm<strong>is</strong>sion was marked and ranked by a d<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gu<strong>is</strong>hed panel, and <strong>the</strong> process was overseen by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s Educationrepresentative to Council. The high standard of entries impressed once aga<strong>in</strong>, but ultimately <strong>the</strong>re could be only one w<strong>in</strong>ner:th<strong>is</strong> year <strong>the</strong> top prize of £1000 was awarded to Frederick Vonberg (University College London). A summar<strong>is</strong>ed versionappears here. Read <strong>the</strong> full referenced version at www.endocr<strong>in</strong>ology.org/grantsFor 69 days, 33 men were trapped more than twothousand feet underground <strong>in</strong> a collapsed m<strong>in</strong>e nearCopiapó, Chile. A huge and successful rescue ef<strong>for</strong>t waslaunched, and both <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers and rescuers wererightly pra<strong>is</strong>ed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir tenacity and endurance.I would like, however, to consider <strong>the</strong> contribution ofan unsung hero: <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e system.Be<strong>in</strong>g trapped <strong>in</strong> a hot, dark, conf<strong>in</strong>edspace with very limited supplies <strong>is</strong> anextremely stressful situation, bothphysiologically and psychologically.There are various endocr<strong>in</strong>e mechan<strong>is</strong>msthat respond to stress <strong>in</strong> an attempt tolimit <strong>the</strong> damage. One of <strong>the</strong> bestcharacter<strong>is</strong>ed of <strong>the</strong>se <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> release ofcort<strong>is</strong>ol. Stimuli such as trauma,decreased oxygen, pa<strong>in</strong>, fright andstarvation, all of which were features of<strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers’ experience at various po<strong>in</strong>ts,lead to an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> secretion ofcort<strong>is</strong>ol from <strong>the</strong> adrenal cortex. Bystimulat<strong>in</strong>g gluconeogenes<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> liver,catabol<strong>is</strong>m of triacylglycerol <strong>in</strong> adipose t<strong>is</strong>sue, and prote<strong>in</strong>catabol<strong>is</strong>m, <strong>the</strong> cort<strong>is</strong>ol helps to maxim<strong>is</strong>e energy supplyto <strong>the</strong> body’s cells and ensure that fuel <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> bra<strong>in</strong> <strong>is</strong>priorit<strong>is</strong>ed.Cort<strong>is</strong>ol was not <strong>the</strong> only hormone active <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>e. Thetemperature was high (30°C) and <strong>the</strong> water supply waslimited. The m<strong>in</strong>ers’ restricted fluid <strong>in</strong>take would have ledto <strong>the</strong> release of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) from <strong>the</strong>posterior pituitary and aldosterone from <strong>the</strong> adrenals. Bothhormones prevent water loss and, <strong>in</strong> addition, ADH<strong>in</strong>duces vasoconstriction to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> adequate t<strong>is</strong>sueperfusion despite a decreased circulat<strong>in</strong>g volume.However, <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e response may not have beenentirely beneficial. Chronically elevated cort<strong>is</strong>ol, comb<strong>in</strong>edwith extended <strong>in</strong>activity <strong>in</strong> cramped conditions wouldresult <strong>in</strong> muscle atrophy and osteoporos<strong>is</strong>: exerc<strong>is</strong>e advicefrom NASA was sought.Cort<strong>is</strong>ol’s suppressive effect on <strong>the</strong> immune system was alsoa r<strong>is</strong>k, as conditions were ideal <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> spread of <strong>in</strong>fection.One of <strong>the</strong> men suffered pneumonia, several had severedental problems and many suffered sk<strong>in</strong> compla<strong>in</strong>ts. It <strong>is</strong>conceivable that elevated cort<strong>is</strong>ol made <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>fectionsworse, as has been demonstrated <strong>in</strong> people with depression,which <strong>is</strong> also character<strong>is</strong>ed by high cort<strong>is</strong>ol.The most dangerous aspect to elevated cort<strong>is</strong>ol <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<strong>in</strong>ers was, however, <strong>the</strong> effects it can have on mood. Themorale of <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers was apparently remarkable, butchronically elevated cort<strong>is</strong>ol can lead to depression andirritability. Given <strong>the</strong> very real importance of ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>ggood spirits, <strong>the</strong> effects on mood may have been <strong>the</strong> mostserious endocr<strong>in</strong>e-mediated threat to <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers.As well as be<strong>in</strong>g a very stressful place, <strong>the</strong> collapsed m<strong>in</strong>ewas also very dark. The body requires energy from <strong>the</strong> UVcomponent of sunlight to convert cholesterol <strong>in</strong>to vitam<strong>in</strong>D. Vitam<strong>in</strong> D <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>n converted <strong>in</strong>to active 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol which ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s calcium andphosphate levels. In <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>re was no sunlight at all– to receive a dose of UV radiation equivalent to onem<strong>in</strong>ute of sunlight, <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers would have had to situnder a fluorescent lamp <strong>for</strong> eight hours. Vitam<strong>in</strong> Ddeficiency, <strong>in</strong> turn, <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>the</strong> r<strong>is</strong>k of osteomalacia.Low calcium can have o<strong>the</strong>r, potentially lethal, effects too –<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cell hyperexcitability and muscle spasm. Luckily<strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e system can counter th<strong>is</strong> by releas<strong>in</strong>gparathyroid hormone, return<strong>in</strong>g serum calcium back toacceptable levels. Th<strong>is</strong> solution, however, acts as both friendand foe: <strong>the</strong> calcium <strong>is</strong> derived from enhanced boneosteoclastic activity, compound<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> bone weaken<strong>in</strong>geffect of elevated cort<strong>is</strong>ol and vitam<strong>in</strong> D deficiency.So, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end, were <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers helped or h<strong>in</strong>dered by<strong>the</strong>ir endocr<strong>in</strong>e systems? Th<strong>is</strong> essay has tried to show how<strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers would almost certa<strong>in</strong>ly have died were it not<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir endocr<strong>in</strong>e systems. It <strong>is</strong> also true that someendocr<strong>in</strong>ological effects were not beneficial and may evenhave endangered <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers. Is th<strong>is</strong> surpr<strong>is</strong><strong>in</strong>g? While <strong>the</strong>fantastically complex endocr<strong>in</strong>e system has evolved <strong>in</strong>response to various environmental pressures, it <strong>is</strong> unlikelythat <strong>the</strong>se <strong>in</strong>cluded subterranean <strong>in</strong>carceration! We shouldalso bear <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d what Shakespeare’s O<strong>the</strong>llo would havecalled ‘<strong>the</strong> ocular proof’: despite <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e system’sshortcom<strong>in</strong>gs, all <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers came out alive andremarkably healthy. Thus, as <strong>the</strong> Chilean governmentrallied to save <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ers, <strong>the</strong>ir co-ord<strong>in</strong>ated ef<strong>for</strong>ts werebe<strong>in</strong>g mirrored on a much smaller but equally importantscale 2000 feet below <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e system ofeach m<strong>in</strong>er.FREDERICK VONBERGThe <strong>Society</strong> awarded six prizes of £250 to runners-upCameron Green (London), Chr<strong>is</strong> Hogan (London),Sharif Ismail (London), Catriona Kemeny (London),Chr<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>a Krivcevska (London) and Lou<strong>is</strong>e Murch<strong>is</strong>on(Glasgow). Essays by Derek Ho (London), AndrewLawson (Cambridge), Sean Noronha (Ox<strong>for</strong>d) andIbrahim Sheriff (London) were highly commended.16 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
The University of Buenos AiresFounded <strong>in</strong> 1821, <strong>the</strong> university <strong>is</strong> composed of 13faculties, 6 hospitals, 10 museums and 4 associated highschools. With around 6650 teachers and over 100800students, it <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest university <strong>in</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>a and alead<strong>in</strong>g educational <strong>in</strong>stitution <strong>in</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong> America. As <strong>the</strong>university <strong>is</strong> free, even <strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign students, many come tostudy here from all over <strong>the</strong> region.The university has a long tradition <strong>in</strong> science: around 6000researchers and scholars are based here, work<strong>in</strong>g on over1500 current research projects. I work <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Institute ofBiological Chem<strong>is</strong>try and Physic-Chem<strong>is</strong>try (IQUIFIB),which <strong>is</strong> part of <strong>the</strong> National Council of Scientific andTechnical Investigation (CONICET).It’s Monday and a very busy week starts …I don’t want to be late <strong>for</strong> work, so I try to take <strong>the</strong>subway, but <strong>the</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>s are delayed. I manage to arrive at<strong>the</strong> university just on time; <strong>the</strong> hall <strong>is</strong> crowded withstudents mak<strong>in</strong>g long queues <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> elevators – I’m happythat <strong>the</strong> elevator reserved <strong>for</strong> professors <strong>is</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g today.It’s w<strong>in</strong>ter and very cold, even <strong>in</strong>side, as <strong>the</strong> heat<strong>in</strong>gdoesn’t work <strong>in</strong> th<strong>is</strong> old build<strong>in</strong>g; so I prepare a cup of hotcoffee and start work<strong>in</strong>g.The course that started it allI have so many th<strong>in</strong>gs pend<strong>in</strong>g that I decide to start with <strong>the</strong>top priority: teach<strong>in</strong>g. I am <strong>in</strong> charge of a biologicalchem<strong>is</strong>try module, which around 500 students will start <strong>in</strong>just a few weeks. I have already ordered all <strong>the</strong> chemicals Ineed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> laboratory practice, so I check to see if we haveany money left to repair six spectrophotometers that wereseverely damaged last year after be<strong>in</strong>g used by hundreds ofstudents; we’ll only be able to repair three of <strong>the</strong>m. I send<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>structions and teach<strong>in</strong>g material I’ve been prepar<strong>in</strong>gto <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r professors and ass<strong>is</strong>tants who will help teach<strong>the</strong> course. I still have to prepare <strong>the</strong> exams, and I th<strong>in</strong>kabout <strong>the</strong> time I’ll spend correct<strong>in</strong>g over 1000 papers andlaboratory work reports th<strong>is</strong> semester. I recall when I was astudent on th<strong>is</strong> course 12 years ago; I enjoyed it so muchthat I later enrolled as a laboratory ass<strong>is</strong>tant and jo<strong>in</strong>ed aresearch group.Midday already?I turn now to my research activities. I have to order anantibody to f<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>h some experiments suggested by amanuscript reviewer. The antibody has to be imported andit will not arrive <strong>for</strong> two months; <strong>the</strong>re<strong>for</strong>e, I ask <strong>the</strong> journaleditor to extend <strong>the</strong>ir deadl<strong>in</strong>e, as we won’t be able tof<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>h <strong>the</strong> experiments with<strong>in</strong> three months. Import taxesalso double <strong>the</strong> cost of <strong>the</strong> antibody; consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>A day <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lifeof an Argent<strong>in</strong>eanendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>tresearch grant I have <strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>ean pesos, I will spend asignificant part of my annual research budget on th<strong>is</strong>antibody, so I really hope it works!Cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> traditionsAlthough it’s gett<strong>in</strong>g late, I start an experiment. I amtry<strong>in</strong>g to obta<strong>in</strong> some prelim<strong>in</strong>ary data to apply <strong>for</strong>research fund<strong>in</strong>g on a new project, as I gradually worktowards becom<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dependent researcher. It <strong>is</strong> ra<strong>the</strong>rdifficult to get a grant, and <strong>the</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>is</strong> usually so smallthat I will need <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial support of my director <strong>for</strong>quite a few more years. On my usual route to <strong>the</strong>laboratory I pass a very old sign ‘Center <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Study ofHypophysary Hormones’: one of th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitute’s found<strong>in</strong>gresearch groups was devoted to <strong>the</strong> study of <strong>the</strong> chemicalstructure and biology of hypophysary hormones. Back <strong>in</strong>those days, human growth hormone was purified herefrom cadaveric hypophyses. Many decades have passed,but I am glad to be able to cont<strong>in</strong>ue with th<strong>is</strong> tradition <strong>in</strong>a certa<strong>in</strong> way, as I study growth hormone and <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong>signall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>pathway</strong>s.Inspired by <strong>the</strong> viewAfter a long day, I look through <strong>the</strong>w<strong>in</strong>dow to see Houssay Square, a park <strong>in</strong>memory of Bernardo Houssay, a <strong>for</strong>merstudent and professor of th<strong>is</strong> universitywho was, <strong>in</strong> 1947, awarded a Nobel Prize<strong>in</strong> Physiology <strong>for</strong> h<strong>is</strong> contribution to <strong>the</strong>understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> anteriorhypophys<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> carbohydrate metabol<strong>is</strong>m.Houssay also received <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong>Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology’s Dale Medal <strong>in</strong> 1960.Work<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> University of Buenos Aires can be achallenge, but I am proud of be<strong>in</strong>g part of an <strong>in</strong>stitutionwhich <strong>is</strong> devoted to research, public education, and acts asan extension of <strong>the</strong> community.JOHANNA G MIQUET, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINAT H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 117FEATURESHoussay Squareand Universityof Buenos AiresSchool ofMedic<strong>in</strong>e‘Erythr<strong>in</strong>acr<strong>is</strong>ta-galli’,<strong>the</strong> nationalflower ofArgent<strong>in</strong>a
FEATURESCareer <strong>pathway</strong>s <strong>in</strong>endocr<strong>in</strong>ology: some thoughtsSoon after I had heard several em<strong>in</strong>ent leaders talkabout <strong>the</strong> wonderful opportunities available <strong>for</strong> scient<strong>is</strong>ts<strong>the</strong>se days, I was asked to speak at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> BES YoungEndocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts’ symposium on <strong>career</strong> <strong>pathway</strong>s <strong>for</strong>scient<strong>is</strong>ts. When I actually sat down and considered <strong>the</strong>reality, I wondered who <strong>the</strong>se people had been talk<strong>in</strong>g toand <strong>where</strong> th<strong>is</strong> <strong>pathway</strong> actually was! The reality <strong>is</strong> that<strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> no <strong>career</strong> <strong>pathway</strong> as such, and most successfulscient<strong>is</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field of endocr<strong>in</strong>ology would probablyagree that <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> a large element of luck <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>fur<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g your <strong>career</strong>. Success requires much moreef<strong>for</strong>t than simply turn<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lab each day, and ifyou do not f<strong>in</strong>d yourself th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of your research at oddtimes of <strong>the</strong> day and night, <strong>the</strong>n you may w<strong>is</strong>h toconsider if you are really cut out <strong>for</strong> a <strong>career</strong> <strong>in</strong> research.conf<strong>in</strong>es of your immediate research area. At <strong>in</strong>terviews it <strong>is</strong>obvious if someone has enthusiasm <strong>for</strong> research: whend<strong>is</strong>cussion turns to areas outside <strong>the</strong>ir current research area,a good candidate will have a basic understand<strong>in</strong>g and someideas. In th<strong>is</strong> way you convey <strong>in</strong>terest and an enquir<strong>in</strong>gm<strong>in</strong>d, which <strong>is</strong> what we are look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong> research:unexpected results coupled with some tangential th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>gcan take you <strong>in</strong> a completely new direction. It <strong>is</strong> no use justsitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lab and not attend<strong>in</strong>g sem<strong>in</strong>ars because <strong>the</strong>topic <strong>is</strong> not what you work on. Go to as many as possible:dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ar <strong>the</strong> speaker may say or describesometh<strong>in</strong>g that resolves a problem that you are hav<strong>in</strong>g, oryou will be riveted by <strong>the</strong> amaz<strong>in</strong>g talk you have just heard.Even if <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ar <strong>is</strong> of no use, spend<strong>in</strong>g time daydream<strong>in</strong>gabout your own research can be useful <strong>in</strong> its own way.Your best chanceIf <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> no set <strong>for</strong>mula to follow, how do you giveyourself <strong>the</strong> best chance? The normal <strong>pathway</strong> <strong>for</strong> a <strong>career</strong><strong>in</strong> research starts with your first postdoc position. Youshould start consider<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> your second year or early<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al year of your PhD. Decide which area ofresearch you want to concentrate on <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> next fewyears, carefully choose <strong>where</strong> you would like to go andcontact <strong>the</strong>se people immediately. It <strong>is</strong> probable that <strong>the</strong>rewill not be a position available immediately; if you arelucky a position may open <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> near future, or <strong>the</strong>y maysuggest you could apply <strong>for</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g to work with <strong>the</strong>m. Ifnot – keep try<strong>in</strong>g! It <strong>is</strong> important to determ<strong>in</strong>e how good<strong>the</strong> superv<strong>is</strong>or <strong>is</strong> with regards to look<strong>in</strong>g after you <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>lab, and car<strong>in</strong>g about your future. If you are only go<strong>in</strong>g tobe one of many work<strong>in</strong>g hard <strong>for</strong> no reward, <strong>the</strong>n it wouldbe w<strong>is</strong>e to tread carefully. With th<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, determ<strong>in</strong>ewhat track record <strong>the</strong> superv<strong>is</strong>or has with <strong>the</strong>ir staff. Th<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> best done by talk<strong>in</strong>g to previous and current postdocs;a v<strong>is</strong>it to <strong>the</strong> lab <strong>is</strong> important if at all possible. There <strong>is</strong> adifference between meet<strong>in</strong>g your potential new boss at aconference and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> day-to-day life of <strong>the</strong> lab: you maynever see your superv<strong>is</strong>or until <strong>the</strong>y want wonderful results<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir next talk!Broaden your m<strong>in</strong>dThe next test <strong>is</strong> near <strong>the</strong> end of your first postdoc position.By now you should know if <strong>the</strong> area of research you arework<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>for</strong> you: if you are undecided make a l<strong>is</strong>t ofwhat you know you def<strong>in</strong>itely do not want to do. Th<strong>is</strong> atleast clears <strong>the</strong> air and leaves you with a clearer view of <strong>the</strong>potential ways <strong>for</strong>ward. It <strong>is</strong> highly unlikely that you will be<strong>in</strong> a position to apply <strong>for</strong> a junior fellowship, or a permanentpost, that elusive f<strong>in</strong>al goal. Thus, a second postdoc <strong>is</strong>normal; by now you should be <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g field andhave contacts from your first postdoc position. If you havebeen w<strong>is</strong>e <strong>the</strong>n you have learnt a lot of techniques, not justthose useful <strong>in</strong> your own research. Similarly you should havebroadened your knowledge base beyond <strong>the</strong> narrowMoney talksA series of postdoc positions may follow as you developyour <strong>career</strong>, and with luck you will eventually be <strong>in</strong> aposition to apply <strong>for</strong> a fellowship, or if you are very luckya permanent position. Your chances are certa<strong>in</strong>lyenhanced if you have been active <strong>in</strong> your department’sjournal clubs and sem<strong>in</strong>ar committees, and with<strong>in</strong>societies like <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology. Evidence ofsecur<strong>in</strong>g your own fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>is</strong> an excellent advert of yourability and desire to make a <strong>career</strong> <strong>in</strong> science; <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’sEarly Career grants are a good example.Is research <strong>for</strong> me?Hav<strong>in</strong>g said all th<strong>is</strong>, it <strong>is</strong> equally important to make harddec<strong>is</strong>ions after your PhD or postdoc positions: <strong>is</strong> researchreally <strong>for</strong> you? A complete change may be <strong>the</strong> best and<strong>the</strong>re are many opportunities to start afresh, <strong>for</strong> example:adm<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>tration, <strong>where</strong> you would at least know how th<strong>in</strong>gsactually happen <strong>in</strong> a lab; teach<strong>in</strong>g; scientific writ<strong>in</strong>g; cl<strong>in</strong>icaltrial management; publ<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g, etc. Whatever <strong>the</strong> choicemight be, you should always remember that dur<strong>in</strong>g yourPhD and postdoc positions you have developed a widerange of skills. In comput<strong>in</strong>g alone you will have had tobecome familiar with a great many packages, while <strong>the</strong>average person may use two at most. You will have spoken<strong>in</strong> public, prepared presentations, had to th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>dependently and worked with<strong>in</strong> a team, defended yourideas dur<strong>in</strong>g cross exam<strong>in</strong>ation, and learnt how to manageyour time highly effectively.Be<strong>for</strong>e writ<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>is</strong> I was concerned that it would turn outto be negative, and <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> no doubt that a permanentposition <strong>in</strong> research <strong>is</strong> difficult to achieve. There may be noclear <strong>pathway</strong>, but if you are determ<strong>in</strong>ed and proactivelybuild <strong>the</strong> <strong>pathway</strong> yourself, success <strong>the</strong>n usually follows.ALAN MCNEILLY, CHAIR, SCIENCE COMMITTEE18 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Career <strong>pathway</strong>s <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ology: some thoughtsThe bumpy road to <strong>in</strong>dependence:a superv<strong>is</strong>or’s viewMany scient<strong>is</strong>ts struggl<strong>in</strong>g to follow <strong>the</strong> traditional <strong>career</strong>path of <strong>the</strong>ir peers do not real<strong>is</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir own potential <strong>in</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r markets and <strong>career</strong> avenues. As a superv<strong>is</strong>or I nowrecognize that PhD and postdoc position tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g canprepare you not only <strong>for</strong> an academic <strong>career</strong>, but <strong>for</strong>multiple <strong>career</strong> paths, thanks to <strong>the</strong> ‘beyond <strong>the</strong> bench’skills obta<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>is</strong> time. Many <strong>in</strong>stitutions are nowslowly recogniz<strong>in</strong>g and promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> translational skillsobta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g periods, and provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>necessary <strong>career</strong> support to accompany <strong>the</strong>se skills. Sowhat could or should you do to make <strong>the</strong> most of th<strong>is</strong>tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g time?Obviously <strong>the</strong> focus dur<strong>in</strong>g a postdoc position <strong>is</strong> onresearch and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g your publication record, but itshould also represent an opportunity to expand your skillset and maxim<strong>is</strong>e your potential. Ask your superv<strong>is</strong>or ormentor (<strong>the</strong>se do not always end up be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sameperson) about hav<strong>in</strong>g an undergraduate or Mastersstudent research project to superv<strong>is</strong>e, or ask to givetutorials or lectures. Create opportunities <strong>in</strong> improv<strong>in</strong>gyour communication skills and ‘salesmanship’ by apply<strong>in</strong>g<strong>for</strong> travel awards and fellowships. Get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> peerreview and co-author<strong>in</strong>g review papers or book chapters.Your superv<strong>is</strong>or will generally be happy with delegat<strong>in</strong>gsome of th<strong>is</strong> out. Network<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g your ownv<strong>is</strong>ibility are vital skills to cultivate, so present as much aspossible outside of lab meet<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong> different <strong>for</strong>mats,from <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mal chalk talks to <strong>for</strong>mal sem<strong>in</strong>ars. Collaborativeprojects are essential <strong>for</strong> any scient<strong>is</strong>t’s research progress –th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> also ano<strong>the</strong>r way of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g useful contacts and<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g your publication record.So when <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> right time to move on? I was almost alwayscerta<strong>in</strong> that I wanted to become a pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vestigator;however, I found that <strong>the</strong>re was a period <strong>in</strong> my postdoc<strong>where</strong> I was unsure, so I set about explor<strong>in</strong>g how my skillset could be applied to o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>career</strong> options. It wasn’t untilan opportunity presented itself that I could be sure mydec<strong>is</strong>ion to pursue th<strong>is</strong> path was right. I do rememberquestion<strong>in</strong>g whe<strong>the</strong>r I was ready, and whe<strong>the</strong>r I hadlearned enough to be start<strong>in</strong>g my own group. The adviceI received was not to let <strong>the</strong>se opportunities pass, assometimes if you wait until you feel ready, it can be toolate. So if it seems an academic <strong>career</strong> path has become an<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly bumpy road, do not lose sight of <strong>the</strong> richenvironment that your academic tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g provides <strong>in</strong>prepar<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>for</strong> a wide range of <strong>career</strong>s.AYLIN HANYALOGLU, IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDONThe advantage of certa<strong>in</strong>tyI have always known, without question, what my <strong>career</strong>path would be, or at least what I hoped it would be; so Ihave been very careful about my choices, taken lots ofadvice and have tried to rema<strong>in</strong> relatively focussed. Aftercomplet<strong>in</strong>g my PhD and my first postdoc position, Iapplied <strong>for</strong> and was awarded an <strong>in</strong>ternal fellowship at <strong>the</strong>University of Manchester. My next goal <strong>is</strong> to obta<strong>in</strong> anexternal fellowship, and <strong>the</strong>n hopefully a permanent post.M<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> gapWhat I have come to real<strong>is</strong>e <strong>is</strong> that <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> an enormousgap between be<strong>in</strong>g a postdoc and a pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>in</strong>vestigator.As a postdoc I thought that if I could just get to that nextcritical stage <strong>the</strong>n I could relax <strong>for</strong> a little while, get familiar<strong>in</strong> my new role and plan my next step. The truth <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>rereally <strong>is</strong>n’t time to slow down. I understand now that I needto keep push<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>ward; o<strong>the</strong>rw<strong>is</strong>e I cannot effectivelycompete <strong>for</strong> an external fellowship.These are difficult times <strong>for</strong> all research scient<strong>is</strong>ts; althoughmajor fund<strong>in</strong>g bodies have tried to ensure that fellowshipsrema<strong>in</strong> relatively protected, <strong>the</strong>re are without questionfewer fellowships available. It’s <strong>in</strong>herently difficult to obta<strong>in</strong>a fellowship, and arguably more so <strong>for</strong> basic scient<strong>is</strong>ts. Evenif you succeed <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a permanent position, <strong>the</strong>n youhave a relatively short 3 year probation period to f<strong>in</strong>d yourfeet, develop your lab and prove yourself.When you reach th<strong>is</strong> stage you are <strong>in</strong> a vulnerable position:you feel relatively <strong>in</strong>experienced, yet your directcompetition <strong>is</strong> suddenly <strong>the</strong> ‘grown up scient<strong>is</strong>ts’, authorsof all <strong>the</strong> brilliant papers you’ve been read<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> pastfew years. Why would a fund<strong>in</strong>g body ‘r<strong>is</strong>k’ money on arelative unknown when <strong>the</strong>y could <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> a senioracademic with a proven track record? The situation <strong>is</strong> notimpossible, but it’s important to prepare accord<strong>in</strong>gly.On <strong>the</strong> edgeTo have a real competitive edge at th<strong>is</strong> early stage <strong>the</strong> key <strong>is</strong>to achieve sufficient momentum. Th<strong>is</strong> means develop<strong>in</strong>g atrack record of publications, grants, student superv<strong>is</strong>ion andsuccessful collaborations. From my own experience, I havebeen very <strong>for</strong>tunate to receive a great deal of support frommy superv<strong>is</strong>or and from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology. TheUniversity of Manchester Stepp<strong>in</strong>g Stones scheme and<strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology Early Career Grants, <strong>for</strong> example,provided fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> me to drive my own research aspr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vestigator <strong>in</strong> a relatively protected environment,as well as valuable experience <strong>in</strong> leadership, be<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>terviewed, and writ<strong>in</strong>g grant or fellowship applications. Ihave been able to establ<strong>is</strong>h collaborative l<strong>in</strong>ks with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>University and with <strong>in</strong>dustry, and have secured fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>4 postgraduate students. I am now 5 years post doctorateand it <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> right time <strong>for</strong> my external fellowshipapplication. Obviously, <strong>the</strong>re’s no guarantee that I get one,but if I do, thanks to <strong>the</strong>se schemes I am much betterprepared to move <strong>for</strong>ward and be successful.LAURA MATTHEWS, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTERFEATUREST H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 119
Career <strong>pathway</strong>s <strong>in</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>ology: some thoughtsFEATURESThe track to tenure …So, I sit here try<strong>in</strong>g to recall my experience so far on <strong>the</strong>‘track to tenure’ but what I really want to know <strong>is</strong>: willtenure still ex<strong>is</strong>t when it matters <strong>for</strong> me? I have just startedmy second postdoc position and would love, one day, toachieve <strong>the</strong> heady heights of a permanent academicposition. Th<strong>in</strong>gs at <strong>the</strong> top seem to be chang<strong>in</strong>g: when Istarted my PhD, those scient<strong>is</strong>ts who had networked andga<strong>in</strong>ed good publication records would stand a goodchance of ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g an academic position as people movedon, moved up or retired. However, tough times are afoot:universities and fund<strong>in</strong>g bodies are fac<strong>in</strong>g cut-backs,academic departments are becom<strong>in</strong>g smaller, and <strong>the</strong>chance of a fellowship seems more remote. At <strong>the</strong> sametime <strong>the</strong>re seem to be more PhD students and <strong>the</strong>competition <strong>for</strong> postdoc positions <strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g.Don’t lose heart; no one ever said th<strong>is</strong> road would be easy.If <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> one piece of advice I could offer, it <strong>is</strong> to network;don’t wait <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> right job to come up on jobs.ac.uk. Youneed to make people aware that you are look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> futurework, go and see <strong>the</strong> people you want to work <strong>for</strong>, maybewrite a grant with <strong>the</strong>m.The second piece of advice I can offer <strong>is</strong> to thoroughlyth<strong>in</strong>k through your next step after your PhD: do you stay<strong>where</strong> you are, or move on? There are challengesassociated with both choices. If you stay, you are probablyon a high and produc<strong>in</strong>g your best work. You will getpapers out quickly, but may pa<strong>in</strong>t yourself as someonewho cannot move on or work <strong>in</strong>dependently. If you moveon, you will be start<strong>in</strong>g from scratch and may not publ<strong>is</strong>huntil well <strong>in</strong>to your second year, just as funds are start<strong>in</strong>gto run out.I took <strong>the</strong> second option and moved on; yes I am less wellpubl<strong>is</strong>hed than some of my contemporaries, but I canhonestly say it has made me a more adaptable, freeth<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>gscient<strong>is</strong>t and it didn’t stop me from mov<strong>in</strong>g on asecond time. It may take melonger to secure an academicposition, but I feel it willmake me better placed tonegotiate <strong>the</strong> trickyprobation period if I get<strong>the</strong>re. I don’t know if I willever ga<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> position I strive<strong>for</strong>, but I will always be ableto say that I tried. If all elsefails, you never know, allthose alternative <strong>career</strong>events I went to may come <strong>in</strong>handy one day.VICTORIA CABRERA-SHARP,IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDONA cl<strong>in</strong>ical viewConcern <strong>is</strong> mount<strong>in</strong>g amongst <strong>the</strong> UK’s 400 doctorstra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to special<strong>is</strong>e <strong>in</strong> diabetes and endocr<strong>in</strong>ology aboutfuture employment prospects. In <strong>the</strong> current diabetesepidemic it <strong>is</strong> difficult to imag<strong>in</strong>e that a doctor tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>diabetes and endocr<strong>in</strong>ology may f<strong>in</strong>d it difficult to secureemployment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> NHS. However, a recent survey by <strong>the</strong>Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Jo<strong>in</strong>t Royal Collegesof Physicians Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Board (JRCPTB) identified thatdiabetes and endocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> second worst medicalspeciality <strong>for</strong> secur<strong>in</strong>g substantive NHS consultant postsupon completion of tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Ano<strong>the</strong>r survey by <strong>the</strong> YoungDiabetolog<strong>is</strong>t Forum (YDF), <strong>the</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>ee w<strong>in</strong>g of DiabetesUK, <strong>the</strong>n confirmed that 1 <strong>in</strong> 3 tra<strong>in</strong>ees fail to secure asubstantive NHS consultant post follow<strong>in</strong>g completion oftra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. 1 <strong>in</strong> 10 tra<strong>in</strong>ees emigrate, many cit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lack ofemployment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK.What are <strong>the</strong> reasons <strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong> employment opportunityshortfall? The ongo<strong>in</strong>g UK f<strong>in</strong>ancial cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> has prompted<strong>the</strong> transfer of much care <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> community, and <strong>the</strong>reare very few community-based consultant posts.Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>in</strong> secondary care <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g focuson <strong>the</strong> delivery of front l<strong>in</strong>e care, often at <strong>the</strong> expense ofmore traditional diabetes and endocr<strong>in</strong>ology consultantposts. Diabetes and endocr<strong>in</strong>ology tra<strong>in</strong>ees have becomereliant on front l<strong>in</strong>e posts <strong>for</strong> employment.An employment cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> potentially evolv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> diabetes andendocr<strong>in</strong>ology: we must ensure that <strong>the</strong> time and money<strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g UK diabetolog<strong>is</strong>ts and <strong>the</strong> subsequentspecial<strong>is</strong>t skills acquired by <strong>the</strong>se tra<strong>in</strong>ees are not wasted.Solutions <strong>in</strong>clude restrict<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong>ee numbers, creat<strong>in</strong>g morepart time or job share consultant posts and an expansion ofcommunity-based consultant posts. The YDF are activelyengag<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Royal College and <strong>the</strong> special<strong>is</strong>t societiesto identify potential solutions to th<strong>is</strong> problem.EMMA WILMOT, LEICESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY20 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Volcanoes and Vol-au-ventsBioScientifica <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> commercial subsidiary of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>. It provides secretariat services, event management,website development, publ<strong>is</strong>h<strong>in</strong>g services, abstract management and public engagement activities.For more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation v<strong>is</strong>it www.bioscientifica.com.Triumph <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> face of adversityOn 20 March 2010, <strong>the</strong> whole of Europe was suddenlythrown <strong>in</strong>to chaos by <strong>the</strong> eruption of an Icelandic volcano,<strong>the</strong> name of which – Eyjafjallajökull – most could not evenpronounce. The volcanic ash cloud which resulted from anumber of large eruptions caused paralys<strong>is</strong> throughoutEurope’s airl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dustry as airl<strong>in</strong>e chiefs grounded flights.Naturally th<strong>is</strong> had a knock-on effect across sea, road andrail networks.Why should th<strong>is</strong> matter to BioScientifica? Well, we had<strong>the</strong> matter of manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> European Congress ofEndocr<strong>in</strong>ology <strong>in</strong> Prague. In April 2010 <strong>the</strong>re was no h<strong>in</strong>tof when transport could return to normal; with airportsstuffed full of delayed air passengers could speakers get to<strong>the</strong> conference? Could delegates get to <strong>the</strong> conference?Could we even get to <strong>the</strong> conference?The congress took place <strong>in</strong> full with over 2200 delegates,150 speakers and little d<strong>is</strong>turbance to <strong>the</strong> programme. Theclient afterwards described BioScientifica as ‘extraord<strong>in</strong>ary’and said that <strong>the</strong> event was <strong>the</strong> company’s f<strong>in</strong>est hour.Such a success prompted an entry <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> ConferenceAwards 2011 <strong>for</strong> BioScientifica, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> category ‘Triumph<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Face of Adversity’. These awards, <strong>the</strong> majorconference <strong>in</strong>dustry awards, were held at <strong>the</strong> QueenElizabeth II Conference Centre, London. Narrowly pippedto <strong>the</strong> top prize, BioScientifica were still very pleased toreceive a highly commended award. Th<strong>is</strong> shows, onceaga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> dedication and professional<strong>is</strong>m of BioScientificaand its events team.FEATURESThe volcanoEyjafjallajökullerupt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>IcelandFirst of all, we had to decide whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> congress should becancelled or not, <strong>in</strong> a situation <strong>where</strong> we did not know <strong>the</strong>potential impact of <strong>the</strong> volcano. We evaluated, over a matterof days, all <strong>the</strong> criteria relevant to <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g andmanagement of a successful meet<strong>in</strong>g. It was decided that <strong>the</strong>events team should prepare <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> event to take place. To beabsolutely sure of arrival, <strong>the</strong> events team was despatchedoverland via bus to Prague, prior to <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al dec<strong>is</strong>ion that <strong>the</strong>event should go ahead. A second team handl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>management plan once <strong>the</strong> first team had left, weredespatched by tra<strong>in</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> dec<strong>is</strong>ion, only two days <strong>in</strong>advance of <strong>the</strong> congress, that <strong>the</strong> event could proceed.TRUSTEE TRAINING: a <strong>Society</strong> of Biology sem<strong>in</strong>ar,<strong>in</strong> collaboration with BioSciAcademyBioSciAcademy <strong>is</strong> a div<strong>is</strong>ion of BioScientifica which provides sem<strong>in</strong>ars, brief<strong>in</strong>gs and o<strong>the</strong>r services that will ass<strong>is</strong>t <strong>the</strong> Officersand Chief Executives of medical and scientific societies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK and around <strong>the</strong> world.On 9 June BioSciAcademy ran its first jo<strong>in</strong>t tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gevent with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Biology. The two organ<strong>is</strong>ationshad identified a need <strong>for</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g specifically tailored to<strong>the</strong> trustees of learned societies, so a programme basedaround governance <strong>is</strong>sues suitable <strong>for</strong> both new trusteesand those want<strong>in</strong>g a ‘refresher’ on <strong>the</strong>ir responsibilitieswas developed. An all day event, <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ar compr<strong>is</strong>edof presentations, a lunchtime expert’s surgery, and amplenetwork<strong>in</strong>g opportunities.The l<strong>is</strong>t of experienced speakers was headed by key notespeaker John Low, from <strong>the</strong> Charities Aid Foundation, whotackled <strong>the</strong> topic of <strong>the</strong> challenge <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> CEO <strong>in</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>gtrustees or be<strong>in</strong>g managed by <strong>the</strong>m. An immensely usefulsession on <strong>the</strong> roles, responsibilities and challenges <strong>for</strong>trustees was run by Elliott Harr<strong>is</strong> of Chantrey Vellacott, andPat Barter of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology took care of <strong>the</strong>all important f<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>is</strong>sues. The hot topics of boardeffectiveness and public benefit were covered by TonyBennett from Action Plann<strong>in</strong>g and Seb Elsworth fromACEVO respectively. Mark Downs, <strong>Society</strong> of Biology,rounded off <strong>the</strong> day with a stimulat<strong>in</strong>g talk on whe<strong>the</strong>rlearned societies should be run as bus<strong>in</strong>esses or as charities.Feedback from <strong>the</strong> thirty delegates was excellent andano<strong>the</strong>r meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>is</strong> planned <strong>for</strong> next year. The speakerpresentations from th<strong>is</strong> event and details of upcom<strong>in</strong>g eventscan be found at www.bioscientifica.com/biosciacademy.T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 121
FEATURESStridulation, high fivesand chest bumpsThe majority of <strong>the</strong> loudest animals on Earth are also<strong>the</strong> biggest, with blue whale songs reach<strong>in</strong>g 188dband elephants’ rumbl<strong>in</strong>g calls measur<strong>in</strong>g 117db.Although remarkable acoustic signals are made by arange of <strong>in</strong>vertebrates <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>iature cricketand pray<strong>in</strong>g mant<strong>is</strong>, and by large mammals, nonecompare with <strong>the</strong> t<strong>in</strong>y water boatman (Micronectascholtzi). Recently scient<strong>is</strong>ts recorded <strong>the</strong> aquaticanimal ‘s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g’ at up to 99.2db.Micronecta scholtzi are freshwater <strong>in</strong>sects measur<strong>in</strong>g just2mm and <strong>the</strong> male produces <strong>the</strong> sound by rubb<strong>in</strong>g its pen<strong>is</strong>aga<strong>in</strong>st its abdomen <strong>in</strong> a process called stridulation.Researchers believe that <strong>the</strong>ir song <strong>is</strong> a part of a courtshipd<strong>is</strong>play per<strong>for</strong>med to attract a mate. If you scale <strong>the</strong> soundlevel <strong>the</strong>y produce aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong>ir body size, Micronectascholtzi are <strong>the</strong> loudest animals on Earth. An honour,<strong>in</strong>cidentally, up to now I had believed to be m<strong>in</strong>e. Not, Ihasten to add, through <strong>the</strong> use of stridulation, but ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>my attempt to ga<strong>in</strong> success at tenn<strong>is</strong>.In truth, I lack talent at tenn<strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> conventional areassuch as physical mobility, capacity to serve, <strong>for</strong>ehand andbackhand returns, etc; however, I do have one supreme gift<strong>in</strong> that I possess <strong>the</strong> loudest grunt ever heard on a tenn<strong>is</strong>court. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> not just a grunt, th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a worldclass grunt.Unlike <strong>the</strong> use of stridulation by Micronecta scholtzi, <strong>the</strong>function of my grunt <strong>is</strong> to d<strong>is</strong>tract <strong>the</strong> opposition ra<strong>the</strong>rthan to attract mates, and I can reassure readers that at notime does my worldclass grunt<strong>in</strong>g require any bodilyactivity below <strong>the</strong> diaphragm to take place.My reliance, when play<strong>in</strong>g tenn<strong>is</strong>, on my first serve gruntleaves me vulnerable aga<strong>in</strong>st an opponent who <strong>is</strong> hard ofhear<strong>in</strong>g; sign language <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g a grunt has taken placeprov<strong>in</strong>g less effective than <strong>the</strong> real th<strong>in</strong>g. In reality,vulnerability of one sort or ano<strong>the</strong>r affects all of us <strong>in</strong> someway. Th<strong>is</strong> stark real<strong>is</strong>ation was brought home to me recentlywhen I met up with Superman. At <strong>the</strong> time I was cycl<strong>in</strong>gthrough a village <strong>in</strong> Derbyshire, one that I have passedthrough on many occasions. Always watch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> world goby, while sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a com<strong>for</strong>table chair <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong>village, was <strong>the</strong> same man dressed, unfail<strong>in</strong>gly, <strong>in</strong> a Supermanoutfit. On th<strong>is</strong> occasion, however, I noticed that he waswear<strong>in</strong>g varicose ve<strong>in</strong> surgical stock<strong>in</strong>gs. I was stunned! Myboyhood hero, Superman, afflicted by varicose ve<strong>in</strong>s. Could ithave been <strong>the</strong> fact that he was a frequent flyer or, more likely<strong>in</strong> my view, <strong>the</strong> damage was kryptonite-<strong>in</strong>duced? After all, weare aware of <strong>the</strong> potency of endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>ruptors; who <strong>is</strong> tosay what venous d<strong>is</strong>ruptors ex<strong>is</strong>t at different layers of <strong>the</strong>stratosphere?The human phenotype may be altered by multiplemechan<strong>is</strong>ms, <strong>the</strong>reby modify<strong>in</strong>g vulnerability to variousexternal <strong>for</strong>ces. One such mechan<strong>is</strong>m <strong>is</strong> genetic: epigeneticfactors exert <strong>the</strong>ir effect on chromat<strong>in</strong> structure acrossvarious time scales, from m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>in</strong> receptor signall<strong>in</strong>g togenerations <strong>in</strong> impr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g. Epigenetics presumably expla<strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> reported <strong>in</strong>creased prevalence of de<strong>for</strong>med newbornbabies with a bent elbow and hand placed <strong>in</strong> juxtapositionto <strong>the</strong> ipsilateral ear, born to mo<strong>the</strong>rs prone to excessivemobile phone use.To unw<strong>in</strong>d and get away from endocr<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>is</strong>ruptors andepigenetic mechan<strong>is</strong>ms, I like to watch telev<strong>is</strong>ed top levelsport. A d<strong>is</strong>concert<strong>in</strong>g element has, however, cast ashadow over my pleasure, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> constant needof professional sportsmen to bond with <strong>the</strong>irteam-mates. In <strong>in</strong>ternational cricket when<strong>the</strong> batsman hits a boundary he walksup to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r end of <strong>the</strong> pitch andbangs knuckles with h<strong>is</strong> batt<strong>in</strong>gpartner. In tenn<strong>is</strong> doubles everypo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>is</strong> followed by high fives or,even worse, chest bumps between<strong>the</strong> successful pair. Imag<strong>in</strong>e ifendocr<strong>in</strong>olog<strong>is</strong>ts behaved <strong>in</strong> asimilar fashion and used <strong>the</strong> sametechniques. Would I have to runthrough <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ic high fiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> restof <strong>the</strong> endocr<strong>in</strong>e team because I haddiagnosed a pituitary tumoursuccessfully? We would not turn ourbacks on chest bumps ei<strong>the</strong>r, as <strong>the</strong>secould be reserved <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> happy resolutionof a difficult case of gynaecomastia.HOTSPUR22 T H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
Hot TopicsBTB drug transportersThe blood-test<strong>is</strong> barrier (BTB) acts as an immunologicalbarrier, transport<strong>in</strong>g out unwanted molecules from <strong>the</strong>apical compartment with efflux pumps located <strong>in</strong> Sertolicells. Su and colleagues <strong>in</strong>vestigated <strong>the</strong> mechan<strong>is</strong>m bywhich compounds cross <strong>the</strong> BTB. The knockdown ofOatp3, an organic anion transporter, did not impedeSertoli cell tight junction barrier function, but did impede<strong>the</strong> entry of [3H]adjud<strong>in</strong>, a toxicant to spermatogenes<strong>is</strong>.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Journal of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 209 337–351IL10 and Graves’ d<strong>is</strong>easeGraves’ hyperthyroid<strong>is</strong>m can be experimentally <strong>in</strong>duced <strong>in</strong>mice, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> secretion of <strong>in</strong>terferon (IFN- ) and<strong>in</strong>terleuk<strong>in</strong> 10 (IL10). Ueki and colleagues sought toelucidate <strong>the</strong> role of IL10 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> pathogenes<strong>is</strong> of Graves’d<strong>is</strong>ease. Us<strong>in</strong>g IL10 deficient mice, <strong>the</strong>y found that IL10deficiency results <strong>in</strong> a lower <strong>in</strong>cidence of Graves’hyperthyroid<strong>is</strong>m due to impaired B cell function.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Journal of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 209 353–357Insul<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a<strong>the</strong>rosclerotic plaquesThe mechan<strong>is</strong>ms by which glycaemic control reducesdiabetic cardiovascular complications rema<strong>in</strong> unclear.Schuyler and colleagues suggest enhanced a<strong>the</strong>roscleroticplaque stability <strong>in</strong> diabetes. Us<strong>in</strong>g diabetic apoE-/- mice,<strong>the</strong>y found treatment with <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> attenuated <strong>the</strong> size of<strong>in</strong>timal lesions and <strong>in</strong>hibited <strong>the</strong> expression of matrixmetalloprote<strong>in</strong>ase 9, which <strong>is</strong> known to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> diabetesand <strong>is</strong> <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> plaque destabilization.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Journal of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 210 37–46Commentary Journal of Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 210 1–2JOURNAL OFMOLECULAR ENDOCRINOLOGYSph<strong>in</strong>gos<strong>in</strong>e k<strong>in</strong>ase <strong>in</strong> ER signall<strong>in</strong>gEstrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer drugres<strong>is</strong>tance <strong>is</strong> a big problem. Antoon and colleagues proposea strategy <strong>for</strong> target<strong>in</strong>g ER signall<strong>in</strong>g via <strong>in</strong>hibition ofsph<strong>in</strong>gos<strong>in</strong>e k<strong>in</strong>ase. The <strong>in</strong>hibitor SKI-II abrogates ERreceptor signall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> vitro <strong>in</strong> human breast cancer cells,and dim<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>hes <strong>the</strong> survival and proliferation of breastcancer cells.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Journal of Molecular Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 46205–216Chronic glucok<strong>in</strong>ase activationGlucok<strong>in</strong>ase acts as a glucose sensor <strong>in</strong> pancreatic betacells; activation stimulates <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> secretion. Gill andcolleagues <strong>in</strong>vestigated whe<strong>the</strong>r susta<strong>in</strong>ed activation ofglucok<strong>in</strong>ase leads to beta cell exhaustion. They measuredgene expression and <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> secretion <strong>in</strong> rodent <strong>is</strong>letstreated with a glucok<strong>in</strong>ase activator, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creasedglucose-stimulated <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> secretion, and significantlyimproved <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> content and secretion. Thus, glucok<strong>in</strong>aseactivators have <strong>the</strong>rapeutic potential <strong>in</strong> type 2 diabetes.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Journal of Molecular Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 4759–67RET germl<strong>in</strong>e variants and SorafenibInherited mutations of <strong>the</strong> RET proto-oncogene causemultiple endocr<strong>in</strong>e neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) andapparently sporadic medullary thyroid carc<strong>in</strong>oma (AS-MTC). Prazeres and colleagues assessed 3 previouslyuncharacter<strong>is</strong>ed germl<strong>in</strong>e RET variants. Arg886Trp andGlu511Lys had <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>in</strong> vitro trans<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g potential;however, Cys634Arg had a higher trans<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g efficiency.Sorafenib, a k<strong>in</strong>ase <strong>in</strong>hibitor, <strong>is</strong> a potential <strong>the</strong>rapeuticoption as <strong>the</strong> compound <strong>in</strong>hibited <strong>the</strong> trans<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g activityof <strong>the</strong>se RET variants.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>e-Related Cancer 18 401–412Androgens and bladder cancerWhile <strong>the</strong> role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)<strong>in</strong> bladder cancer <strong>is</strong> well known, <strong>the</strong> role of androgenreceptor (AR) signall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> EGFR <strong>pathway</strong> <strong>is</strong> unclear.Zheng and colleagues found that activation of ARupregulates <strong>the</strong> expression of EGFR <strong>in</strong> bladder cancer cells.Androgens promoted <strong>the</strong> phosphorylation of EGFR anddownstream prote<strong>in</strong>s. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> first study to l<strong>in</strong>k AR statuswith tumour progression.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>e-Related Cancer 18 451–464Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ologySex development d<strong>is</strong>order guidanceAhmed and colleagues present, with support from <strong>the</strong><strong>Society</strong> <strong>for</strong> Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology, UK guidel<strong>in</strong>es on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itialevaluation of <strong>in</strong>fants or adolescents with a suspectedd<strong>is</strong>order of sex development. A multid<strong>is</strong>cipl<strong>in</strong>ary team <strong>is</strong>required to achieve a management plan, anticipate futureproblems, and provide <strong>the</strong> patient with all necessary<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation and psychological care. Cl<strong>in</strong>icians are alsoadv<strong>is</strong>ed to share <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation via national and <strong>in</strong>ternationalresearch collaborations, particularly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of rareconditions.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 75 12–26HOT TOPICSMortality and morbidity <strong>in</strong> mildhyperparathyroid<strong>is</strong>mThe majority of patients with mild primaryhyperparathyroid<strong>is</strong>m (PHPT) rema<strong>in</strong> untreated. Yu andcolleagues exam<strong>in</strong>ed a large subset of patients from arecord l<strong>in</strong>kage study <strong>in</strong> Tayside, Scotland. Compared tomatched cohorts, <strong>the</strong> r<strong>is</strong>k of mortality, fatal and nonfatalcardiovascular d<strong>is</strong>ease was <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>in</strong> patients withasymptomatic PHPT. The r<strong>is</strong>k of develop<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>r comorbiditieswas also <strong>in</strong>creased, particularly <strong>for</strong> renal failure.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 75 169–176Vitam<strong>in</strong> D and PTH dur<strong>in</strong>g pregnancyThe relationship between serum parathyroid hormone(PTH) and vitam<strong>in</strong> D has not been studied extensivelydur<strong>in</strong>g pregnancy. Haddow and colleagues measuredserum PTH and 25-hydroxy vitam<strong>in</strong> D (25(OH)D) <strong>in</strong> a<strong>Society</strong> membersget free accessto Journal ofEndocr<strong>in</strong>ology,Journal ofcross-sectional sample of pregnant women, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that<strong>the</strong> PTH/25(OH)D relationship <strong>is</strong> weaker dur<strong>in</strong>g earlypregnancy, mak<strong>in</strong>g it unreliable <strong>for</strong> estimat<strong>in</strong>g vitam<strong>in</strong> Dsufficiency. A suitable reference po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>for</strong> sufficiency mightbe <strong>the</strong> maternal 25(OH)D level considered sufficient <strong>for</strong>MolecularEndocr<strong>in</strong>ologyand Endocr<strong>in</strong>eadequatetransfer to neonates.Read <strong>the</strong> full article <strong>in</strong> Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Endocr<strong>in</strong>ology 75 309–314Related Cancer viawww.bioscialliance.orgT H E E N D O C R I N O L O G I S T • I S S U E 1 0 1 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 123
Hypogonad<strong>is</strong>m – an endocr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>is</strong>sue which causes significant morbidity and substantial reduction <strong>in</strong> quality of life 1CcontrolconcentrationcostCconvenienceTostran ® – a simple solution to a serious problemControl• Tostran ® returns and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s hypogonadal patients T levels to normal 2• The metered dose system allows <strong>for</strong> easy dose titrationConcentration• Tostran ® <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> only 2% testosterone gelCost• Tostran ® represents a 14% cost sav<strong>in</strong>g compared to Testogel ® at <strong>the</strong> lowestand highest approved doses 3,4Convenience• Tostran ® – easy to use, metered dose can<strong>is</strong>ter 5The first metered dose2% testosterone ge lA simple solution to a serious problemTostran Abbreviated Prescrib<strong>in</strong>g In<strong>for</strong>mationTostran (testosterone) 2% Gel Prescrib<strong>in</strong>g In<strong>for</strong>mationPlease refer to Summary of Product Character<strong>is</strong>tics (SPC) be<strong>for</strong>e prescrib<strong>in</strong>g.PresentationTostran 2% Gel, conta<strong>in</strong>s testosterone, 20 mg/g.IndicationsReplacement <strong>the</strong>rapy with testosterone <strong>for</strong> male hypogonad<strong>is</strong>m whentestosterone deficiency has been confirmed by cl<strong>in</strong>ical symptoms and laboratoryanalyses.PosologyThe start<strong>in</strong>g dose <strong>is</strong> 3 g gel (60 mg testosterone) applied once daily atapproximately <strong>the</strong> same time each morn<strong>in</strong>g to clean, dry, <strong>in</strong>tact sk<strong>in</strong>, alternatelyon <strong>the</strong> abdomen or to both <strong>in</strong>ner thighs. Adjust dose accord<strong>in</strong>g to cl<strong>in</strong>ical andlaboratory responses. Do not exceed 4 g of gel (80 mg testosterone) daily.Patients who wash <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g should apply Tostran after wash<strong>in</strong>g, bath<strong>in</strong>gor shower<strong>in</strong>g. Do not apply to <strong>the</strong> genitals. Do not use <strong>in</strong> women, or childrenunder <strong>the</strong> age of 18 years.Contra<strong>in</strong>dicationsKnown or suspected carc<strong>in</strong>oma of <strong>the</strong> breast or <strong>the</strong> prostate; hypersensitivity toany of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>gredients.Special warn<strong>in</strong>gs and precautions <strong>for</strong> useTostran should not be used to treat non-specific symptoms suggestive ofhypogonad<strong>is</strong>m if testosterone deficiency has not been demonstrated and ifo<strong>the</strong>r aetiologies responsible <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> symptoms have not been excluded. Not<strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>for</strong> treatment of male sterility or sexual impotence. All patientsmust be pre-exam<strong>in</strong>ed to exclude a r<strong>is</strong>k of pre-ex<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g prostatic cancer.Per<strong>for</strong>m careful and regular monitor<strong>in</strong>g of breast and prostate. Androgensmay accelerate <strong>the</strong> development of subcl<strong>in</strong>ical prostatic cancer and benignprostatic hyperplasia. Oedema with/without congestive heart failure may bea serious complication <strong>in</strong> patients with pre-ex<strong>is</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g cardiac, renal or hepaticd<strong>is</strong>ease. D<strong>is</strong>cont<strong>in</strong>ue immediately if such complications occur. Use with caution<strong>in</strong> hypertension as testosterone may ra<strong>is</strong>e blood pressure. Use with caution <strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>chemic heart d<strong>is</strong>ease, epilepsy, migra<strong>in</strong>e and sleep apnoea as <strong>the</strong>se conditionsmay be aggravated. Care should be taken with skeletal metastases due to r<strong>is</strong>kof hypercalcaemia/hypercalcuria. Androgen treatment may result <strong>in</strong> improved<strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> sensitivity. In<strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong> patient about <strong>the</strong> r<strong>is</strong>k of testosterone transferand give safety <strong>in</strong>structions. Health professionals/carers should use d<strong>is</strong>posablegloves res<strong>is</strong>tant to alcohols.InteractionsWhen androgens are given simultaneously with anticoagulants, <strong>the</strong>anticoagulant effect can <strong>in</strong>crease and patients require close monitor<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>irINR. Concurrent adm<strong>in</strong><strong>is</strong>tration with ACTH or corticosteroids may <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong>likelihood of oedema and caution should be exerc<strong>is</strong>ed.Undesirable effectsVery common (1/10): application site reactions (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pares<strong>the</strong>sia,xeros<strong>is</strong>, prurit<strong>is</strong>, rash or ery<strong>the</strong>ma); common (1/100,