3 min readPuneMay 16, 2024 07:37 AM IST
First published on: May 15, 2024 at 11:20 PM IST
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in endocrinology has become a reality today and both AI and telemedicine are paving the way for personalised medicine, precision nutrition and behavioural medicine, Dr Shashank Joshi, who is the first endocrinologist outside of the US to be awarded Mastership of American College of Endocrinology (MACE) with Distinction, said.
The Mumbai-based endocrinologist received the award at the annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) held from May 9-11 at New Orleans, US.
The American College of Endocrinology awards fellowships annually, recognising individuals who have demonstrated excellence in endocrinology. Among the fellows, two to three individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field receive the distinguished mastership. Previously, Indian-origin doctors residing in the US have received the mastership and it is the first time this honour has been accorded to an individual outside the US.
“I am grateful and dedicate this award to my mother who has constantly mentored me to be a good doctor and impart knowledge,” Dr Joshi told The Indian Express. The MACE was awarded to him based on outstanding achievements in endocrinology, education, academic excellence, medicine and research.
Dr Joshi, in his work, focuses on transcultural endocrinology and the diverse cultural, dietary and lifestyle factors around the world. He was the past Chair of the International Diabetes Federation of South Asia and past president of the Endocrine Society of India. Dr Joshi was honoured with Padma Shri in recognition of his efforts to the cause of medicine.
“A decade ago the AACE set up a global consortium for transcultural endocrinology, which has had a significant impact,” he said.
Dr Joshi, who is actively involved with evidence-based work in endocrinology including diabetes, obesity, thyroid, osteoporosis and growth, underlines the increasing burden of the disease. “Food changes every 100 kms you travel and we are now at the hotspots and epicentres of non-communicable diseases, whether related to physical or mental health. India has 101 million people living with diabetes and another 136 million people with pre-diabetes, while across the world 500 million people are living with diabetes and 700 million living with pre-diabetes. Approximately a billion-plus people around the world have diabetes or pre-diabetes and it is linked to lifestyle diseases.”
Hence, at the annual meeting one of the key areas of discussion was how AI in endocrinology has become a reality and how these tools (AI and telemedicine) can be tapped to enhance patient care and drive behavioural change, Dr Joshi said. Meanwhile, two significant global initiatives were launched at the meeting: the impact of AI on endocrine health and the impact of the environment on endocrine health. “The environment is poised to disrupt our daily lives, especially as climate change continues to affect us,” Dr Joshi said and sent out an appeal to be mindful of our environment — clean air, clean water and chemical-free soil. These are important factors that are key to good health, he said.
Dr Shashank Joshi received the award at the annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology held from May 9-11 at New Orleans, US. 
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