Endocrinology

The Division of Endocrinology at the Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville provides diagnostic and treatment services to infants, children, and teenagers with a variety of disorders related to hormones. Hormones are chemical substances in the body produced by glands such as the pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, testes and ovaries, and the pituitary. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and affect the way other parts of the body function. Bone disorders as well as the consequences of obesity are also some of the medical problems we treat.

The division has five board-certified pediatric endocrinologists, specialists who deal with hormonal problems in children, such as diabetes, growth disorders, abnormal thyroid function, disorders of puberty, and many others.

The division has an important support staff, including, nurses, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and diabetes educators, all experienced and dedicated to the care of children. On-site blood drawing station for laboratories is available as well as convenient scheduling for X rays and diagnostic imaging. Pediatric bone densitometry (DEXA) is available and reading is performed by trained endocrinologists. Diagnostic testing of hormone action is available through the testing unit at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Our diabetes program is staffed with five diabetes educators able to schedule and evaluate patients independently for diabetic teaching as well as insulin pump starts.

This division is also extensively involved in clinical research activities, including the conduct of original studies in children and adolescents investigating disorders of bone and growth, diabetes and obesity, for example. We also participate in multi-center trials of novel therapies and devices used to treat pediatric hormonal problems. This allows patients to participate in innovative, original treatment options potentially not available elsewhere.

In association with the University of Florida Medical College, Jacksonville, the division now offers a Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program for pediatricians interested in becoming pediatric endocrinologists.