Endocrine diseases, notably those involving thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, bone and gonads are common but complex diseases. Together with diabetes and obesity, these diseases are frequently encountered by family doctors and members of different health care disciplines in community and hospital settings. One of the challenges in the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders relates to their often asymptomatic state or non specific complaints which may be overlooked or misinterpreted by patients or their health care team.

Besides, there are many age-related changes in our hormonal systems which can lead to morbidity and mortality such as osteoporosis, andropause, menopause, electrolyte abnormalities and pituitary disorders. The effects of psychosocial stress frequently experienced by Hong Kong people is also associated with activation of many hormonal systems which can have adverse effects on different organs and systems of our body.

Hence, management of endocrine and metabolic disorders can be complex and demands a high level of understanding of the control and regulatory mechanisms of different hormonal systems, their effects on bodily functions as well as their interconnections. In recent years, there have also been major advancements in the diagnosis, assessment and management of common endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Since 1990, the Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has contributed significantly to the development of health care personnel as well as chronic care models. With their experience and expertise in research and care delivery, members of the group are being frequently invited to give lectures and organize workshops and training programmes on endocrinology and related subjects for local and overseas health care professionals. These educational experiences together with encouraging feedback from the programme participants have given us the incentive to organize a professional diploma programme to meet the increasing needs of Hong Kong's health care providers and research workers to update their knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and management of common endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Applicants who have registered for all lectures, hold six or more attendance certificates and are accepted for the Professional Diploma Programme in General Endocrinology and Metabolism (GDEM), within 3 years from the course completion date, should be entitled to exemptions to lectures.