Bermudian endocrinologist Annabel Fountain has presented at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, Bermuda Hospitals Board has announced.

Dr Fountain gave details on a “rare and interesting case” at the Society for Endocrinology National Clinical Cases meeting with Alexandra Haagensen, a paediatric endocrinologist from Boston Children’s Hospital. Both doctors worked on the case, which originated in Bermuda.

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the glands that make them. Hormones deliver messages via the blood stream between the glands and other organs and systems of the body. Endocrinology includes the study of these interactions as well as the effects.

Dr Fountain said in a statement: “I was very pleased to have the opportunity to present this case and represent Bermuda Hospitals Board at this prestigious meeting.

“Bermuda has a significant amount of endocrine disease, and many of the more complicated diagnoses require additional management overseas, such as surgical removal of hormone-producing tumours.

“Most of my referrals overseas go to Boston and my colleagues there have commented that we have far more rare pathology than they’d expect from our small population.

“The detective work in diagnosing the problem and then the collaboration with colleagues for a good outcome for my patients is part of my job that I enjoy immensely.

“Maintaining my relationships with colleagues overseas and the dialogue for discussion of complex cases is important for supporting the care and expertise that my patients receive when they see me here in Bermuda.”

Dr Fountain added: “I enjoy the diagnostic challenge of listening to people’s symptoms and the story that they tell to get to the bottom of the problems they’re experiencing About half of the people that I see have diabetes, and the remainder have Endocrine disorders.

“This event further strengthens my relationships with specialists from different countries, especially in London where I trained. As the only endocrinologist in Bermuda, my mentors and colleagues in London continue to be an excellent and valuable resource.”