Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital

Introduction

The division of endocrinology and metabolism was established in 1958, April 1st. In addition to the creation of the general endocrinology ward and out-patient department, through the effort of our ancestors, the insulin intensive unit, functional laboratory of endocrinology and diabetes, and laboratory of thyroid radioiodine uptake and scan were gradually developed. Although the laboratory of thyroid radioiodine uptake and scan was transferred to the department of nuclear medicine later, it remains of paramount significance in the history of our division. To this date, the division of endocrinology and metabolism has become a modern clinical center for diabetes and endocrinology. The spectrum of diseases treated include disorders of the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, bone, sex hormone, growth hormone, glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism.

Current staff member include a chief director, 7 attending physicians, 5 chief residents, 3 medical technologists, 6 certified diabetic educators and 2 administrative assistants. From Monday to Firday, there are 43 endocrine and diabetes clinics operated by around 20 different doctors with endocrine board. The total out-patient number was 80,375 in 2022. Located in the 11th floor of Chung-Cheng building, the general endocrinology ward has 30 beds. Besides clinical services, we also provide educational programs for patients, medical students, rotating residents and in-training residents. Research laboratory is also available for senior in-training residents to learn basic science and endocrine laboratory exam.

The most prevalent disease treated in our clinics is diabetes. To ensure quality care for diabetic patients, Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Center was established in Taipei Veterans General Hospital in 1992 with the support from National Health Insurance Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. In 1996, the first National Network for Diabetes Care was created. It is the pioneer of the kind. Nowadays, every county and city in Taiwan has established its own network. Nevertheless, the network created by Taipei Veterans General Hospital remains to be one of the most well-established.