Recognition and accreditation of postgraduate training centres in endocrinology in Europe.

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