• In the ambulatory care setting, a large number of chronic and age-related diseases are directly or indirectly related to hormonal and metabolic abnormalities. The endocrine system comprises of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, thyroid and parathyroid glands, gonads, pancreatic islets and many other hormones  and peptides secreted from the kidneys, guts, endothelial cells and adiopocytes to main our internal environment and to optimize various biological processes to maintain a healthy state.
   
• Over the last decade, there have been major advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, which have been shown to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. However, indepth understanding of the pathophysiology and the heterogeneity of their clinical manifestations as well as the rationale and evidence base of their management is needed for health care workers to make an accurate diagnosis and decide on the most appropriate therapy.
   
• Modelled from the highly popular CUHK Professional Diploma in Diabetes Management & Education (DDME) which commenced in January 2002, the MSc in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Programme (MEDM) is designed to meet the growing needs amongst health care professionals to advance their skills, knowledge and competency in managing patients with diabetes, endocrine and metabolic disorders in the community.

At the end of the programme, graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Scientific principles underlying regulation of the endocrine system and maintenance of homeostasis including energy metabolism

• Effective use of currently available diagnostic and assessment tools as well as therapeutic options in the management of diabetes, obesity, metabolic and endocrine diseases

• Importance of psychological, cognitive and behavioral aspects in the development and management of these chronic diseases

• Importance of care organization and continuous quality improvement with particular emphasis on practice of evidence-based medicine and patient education using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach

• Latest advances and controversies in both clinical and basic research programmes in the field of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and their relevance to clinical practice

• Critical appraisal of published data and articles in the field of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism

• Conceptualization, design and implementation of clinical research programmes with effective data analysis, interpretation and publication