The Graduate Program in Endocrinology is part of the Health area (Medicine I - CAPES), and all research lines and projects are focused on understanding the pathophysiology of various endocrine diseases, aiming to contribute to improved patient treatment and reduced morbidity and mortality. Thus, we have developed:
• Projects on population studies to assess the prevalence of endocrine disorders in specific populations such as the elderly and pregnant women, which have led to changes in medical practices for patients in these populations.
• Projects evaluating comorbidities in endocrine diseases such as Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, and polycystic ovary syndrome, generating recommendations for screening and treating these comorbidities.
• Projects evaluating new drugs for the treatment of various endocrine diseases such as thyroid cancer, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, as well as new treatment modalities, for example, physical activity as an adjunct to improve quality of life in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism.
• Projects monitoring patients with various endocrine diseases, determining when and how to reassess, and deciding on appropriate actions based on complementary test results.
• Projects in cell culture models and experimental animal models to assess the action of endocrine disruptors on endocrine physiology and pathophysiology, and their implications for human health.
The social and cultural impact of the Graduate Program in Endocrinology is represented by several actions:
• In collaboration with the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, our professors organize events for the general public, such as World Diabetes Day and Thyroid Day. These events include lectures on diseases and preventive care.
• We participate in radio and television programs, providing accurate information on endocrine diseases to the general population.
• Our professors give lectures to high school students as part of their role in the "Young Scientists and Scientists of Our State" program by FAPERJ.
• The Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, where some of our professors are based, conducts guided tours for students from primary, secondary, and technical education to its laboratories.
• Some of our faculty also mentor in the National Network Graduate Program in Biology Teaching (PROFBIO Nacional), collaborating on projects with public school Biology teachers focusing on Endocrine Physiology, endocrine diseases, and Health Education.
• Several faculty members provide medical care at UFRJ's University Hospitals, delivering excellent healthcare to patients under the Unified Health System (SUS).
The economic impact of the Graduate Program in Endocrinology stems from the quality of excellent medical care provided by its professors and graduates, reducing complications from various diseases and thereby lowering treatment costs. This contributes to a better quality of life for patients, maintains their work capacity, increases survival rates, and reduces morbidity.
Various research projects in our program focus on evaluating the best treatment options for different endocrine diseases and predicting response to proposed treatments. Using the results of these studies enables us to select the most suitable treatment for each individual, thus reducing overall costs. Depending on disease prevalence and medication costs, these savings can be significant, allowing for better allocation of financial resources by health authorities.
