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Pediatric Hematologist |
Career OverviewA pediatric hematologist examines and diagnoses diseases and disorders of the bone marrow, blood, immune and vascular system on infants, children and teenagers. When a child or young adult has cancer or a blood disorder, a pediatric hematologist has the qualifications and experience necessary to evaluate and then treat the patient.
A pediatric hematologist consults the patient’s family to determine and chart the appropriate course of treatment necessary. They recommend and order certain tests in order to accurately diagnose a condition and determine the extent of the illness. They are able to provide patients that have cancer and blood disease with the unique care required because of their advanced hematology training and experience.
Some of the many conditions they diagnose and treat are:
- Bleeding conditions and disorders
- Leukemia - This is a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissue and one of the four major types of cancer.
- Lymphomas – This is a neoplasm of lymph tissue, which is usually malignant. This is also one of the four main cancer types.
- Cancers – These cancers include brain tumors, solid tumors and bone tumors plus other cancers.
- Blood cells – Pediatric hematologist treat diseases of the blood cells including red cell, platelets and white cell disorders.
Infants, children and teens have special medical needs and a pediatric hematologist has the expertise to treat children and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
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Career RequirementsThe formal education and training for pediatric hematologists, as well as other pediatric physicians and surgeons is extremely demanding and requires years of extensive training and hard work. After completing four years of undergraduate school, a pediatric hematologist then requires four years of medical school.
Another three years of pediatric residency training and an additional two to four years of pediatric hematology/oncology training follow this. A pediatric hematologist must be self-motivated and able to deal with and survive the pressures of long days of studying and practice. Prospective pediatric hematologists should be prepared to study continuously throughout their career in order to stay up with all the new technical and medical advances.
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Job OutlookWith the growth of physicians and surgeons expected to grow quicker than other occupations over the next ten years, so will the demand for pediatric hematologists. Along with the increasing employment growth, many new job openings will result from not only the population increase but also the need to replace pediatric hematologists retiring over the 2006-14 period.
Due to the shortages in some medical specialty fields and locations, such as smaller towns and cities, this should not only attract new entrants but also encourage hospitals to expand residency spots and medical schools to expand their programs.
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Career TrackPediatric hematologists often work in hospital settings but may choose to enter into private practice. Others will go into medical research, teaching, consulting or as department heads.
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CompensationPediatric hematologist’s earnings vary due to years of service and location. Their average annual salary ranges from approximately $224,400 to over $373,300. Opportunities for pediatric hematologists have increased and it is expected that this growth will continue.
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