Dr. Pranjali Sharma is an American Board of Internal Medicine-certified Endocrinologist caring for patients at Parkview Health System. She earned her medical degree from Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College in Pune, India. Thereafter, she completed residency at Unity Hospital – Rochester Regional Health System in Rochester, New York then finished her training at the Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, California where she completed her Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Sharma is an accomplished clinician-educator and researcher with multiple peer-reviewed publications and leadership roles in regional and national organizations, including the Endocrine Society. She mentors students and residents interested in Endocrinology and contributes to public education in Endocrinology through social media. Her research interests lie in the evaluation and management of thyroid cancers. She is a nominated Fellow of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research and the Endocrine Alliance Academy. Staying true to her mantra of a healthy and active lifestyle, she is an avid hiker and just completed her first 14er in Colorado! Dr. Sharma grew up in India and has been able to amalgamate the principles and values of her home and adopted countries in her practice of medicine and life.
What is your favorite Endocrine Society memory?
My first ever poster presentation at ENDO was back in 2017 as a second year resident. Presenting at the annual Endocrine Society conference was a big deal for someone aiming for an Endocrinology fellowship spot. I presented a case of thyroid eye disease due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the whole experience of presenting to my future peers and answering questions was exhilarating! I have never looked back and have pretty much presented something at every ENDO since then!
How has Endocrine Society supported your professional development/career journey?
While Endocrine Society has been instrumental through their academic endeavors (ESAP, CEU, board review courses, ITEs), the people I have been able to meet and establish professional relationships with, are the biggest support that Endocrine Society has provided in my career journey.
What experience led you to the study of the endocrine system?
Back in 7th grade, we read about the thyroid gland and how it works and I knew instantly that I had to do something related to the endocrine system. As I grew older, my love for puzzles and mysteries led me to studying the endocrine system and disorders.
What would you most like to tell yourself at 18?
Times can get hard, so enjoy the experience and know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
What is the best thing about what you are working on right now?
I am currently working with our residency program to create a large thyroid database to help residents in their research projects. This project has combined my love for thyroid research and teaching and gives me the boost I need after really tough clinic days
If Endocrine Society could add one benefit, what would it be?
Endocrine Society should work to promote themselves in underdeveloped countries. Despite having a big interest in endocrinology, I did not really understand or hear about Endocrine Society back in medical school in India. Having their resources from the very beginning would have been very useful.