Looking for an Endocrinologist in Brisbane?

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Patients often find themselves waiting weeks or months to see an endocrinologist in Brisbane. It’s a busy market with limited specialists available, and this can cause needless stress and medical difficulties.

SmartClinics is proud to be offering in-house endocrinology services through the SmartClinics family. Dr Dragan Banovic is a GP with a special interest and expertise in endocrine disease, and Dr Pieter Jansen is a consultant endocrinologist who has recently joined the SmartClinics network. Dr Dragan Banovic is seeing patients at SmartClinics Alexandra Hills. Dr Pieter Jansen is now seeing patients at SmartClinics West End. If you need to see an endocrinologist in Brisbane, we would recommend to discuss with your family doctor to consider linking in with our endocrinology services.

What is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is a medical specialty that focuses on medical concerns caused by hormonal problems. The endocrine system is comprised of glands that produce the hormones that our bodies need to function and to stay in balance with their environment. Important endocrine organs are the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes.

An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who has completed specialty training in the field of Endocrinology under the responsibility of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

 

What do Endocrinologists Treat?

Endocrinologists treat a number of medical conditions. These may include:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Thyroid problems
  • Infertility
  • Menopause
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Cancers in the endocrine glands
  • Osteoporosis

 

Should I see an Endocrinologist for Diabetes?

Not everyone with diabetes needs to be treated by an endocrinology and most patients with diabetes can be managed well by their regular GP. However, sometimes your GP may choose to refer you to an endocrinologist. Reasons for referral to an endocrinologist may include:

  • Ongoing or newly developed complications.
  • You are having difficulty managing diabetes.
  • Your normal diabetes treatment has stopped working.
  • You are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need expert advice on managing it.
  • Your GP has limited experience with diabetes and would like an expert’s opinion.

It is important to note that to see an endocrinologist, a referral from your GP is required, so talk to your doctor if you feel that you would benefit from a review by an endocrinologist.

 

How to Prepare for an Appointment with an Endocrinologist

If you’re visiting an endocrinologist in Brisbane, it helps to be prepared. Make sure you have all the medical information that your endocrinologist will require. This may include a referral, the results of any past tests or scans such as x-rays, and any other information that may be relevant to your appointment. Additionally, ensure you have a full list of current medications with you.

 

What to ask your Endocrinologist

If you’re not regularly exposed to doctors, the first appointment can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you’re travelling further afield or simply visiting a local endocrinologist in Brisbane, it pays to ensure that you’re ready with some questions. Consider some of these questions if you’re having difficulties fully understanding your condition:

  • What are the underlying causes behind my symptoms?
  • What are some effective methods of managing my condition?
  • Can my condition be fully treated?
  • Are there any tests or other procedures I need to undergo?
  • Will this be a long-term relationship, or simply a one-off visit?
  • Is this a temporary condition or should I make long-term adjustments?
  • How long will my treatment or other procedures last?
  • Is there any information I need to take back to my GP?

 

Questions your Endocrinologist may ask you

During your appointment, it’s likely that your endocrinologist may have some questions for you. Be sure to answer honestly and as completely as you can. The more data your doctor has, the more able they are to provide an effective treatment plan for you. Their questions may include information about:

  • Your existing medications, including supplements.
  • Family history, including hormonal issues.
  • Any other medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you have any allergies.
  • Your dietary and lifestyle habits.

 

SmartClinics West End

Phone: (07) 3844 4111

Fax: (07) 3844 9111

View the SmartClinics West End page.

 

SmartClinics Alexandra Hills

Phone: (07) 3824 3882

Fax: (07) 3824 3833

View the SmartClinics Alexandra Hills page.

 

Dr Pieter Jansen, MD, PhD, FRACP

Dr Pieter Jansen studied Biomedical Health Sciences and Medicine at the University of Nijmegen (The Netherlands) and obtained his medical degree in 2005. After moving to Australia in 2012, he started physician training in 2013. He trained in teaching hospitals in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane before attaining fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2017 in the subspecialty of Endocrinology. Pieter has a special interest and expertise in the assessment and management of hormone causes of hypertension. He also has a particular interest in medical education and has been a lecturer in Clinical Science at the University of Queensland since February 2018.

 

Dr Dragan Banovic

Dr Dragan Banovic has practiced as a general practitioner for over 15 years. Alongside endocrinology, his specialties include chronic disease management, children’s health, seniors’ health, diabetes care and metabolic diseases. He has several years of experience in both New Zealand and Zimbabwe but is now comfortably settled into the SmartClinics Alexandra Hills.