Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Home :: More Career Profiles
Hematologist |
Career OverviewThe study of blood and blood related an illness is known as hematology. A hematologist is a specialized physician that treats individuals with blood disorders or potentials to have or develop blood disorders. Some of the many conditions that a hematologist may treat include:
- Hemophilia
- Leukemia
- Sickle-cell anemia
- Anemia
- Vascular problems
- Blood clotting disorders
A hematologist is often part of the treatment team if a person with a history or family history of any type of blood disorders is undergoing any type of surgery or medical procedure. A hematologist may assist with blood transfusions there are vascular or other blood related disorders. Many hematologists work with patients with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis or other blood related conditions.
A hematologist is often responsible for explaining very complicated medical conditions and disorders to patients and their families. He or she may have ongoing contact with both the patient and the family if the condition is chronic, severe or life threatening.
A hematologist may work with patients of any age group from children to the elderly. Rarely a hematologist may be responsible for establishing quarantines or other protocols based on finding from blood test results. In these instances the hematologist works closely with public health officials and may even work directly with educating the public.
A hematologist may also assist in research and laboratories with specific blood analysis, bone marrow preparation and transplants, or working specifically with red or white blood cells. Usually a hematologist works in specialized hospitals or surgical hospitals or research facilities. Some hematologists in research facilities work on stem cell research and other advanced forms of treatments and therapies. They may be required to respond to emergency situations and usually complete on-call rotations and evening and weekend shifts.
|
Career RequirementsA hematologist is a physician that has completed all the requirements of a general doctor plus additional specialized training. Four yours of undergraduate studies followed by four years of a graduate level medicine degree and a one to three year residency are the minimum requirements.
After this has been completed the doctor then begins to specialize in hematology, which can be a two or three year residency. Upon completion of board certification exams the doctor then becomes a hematologist.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe demand for physicians of all specialties will continue to increase. As generalists become less common and specialists become more involved in a team approach to treatment the demand for hematologists will continue to increase.
Additional research and on-going studies on HIV/AIDS treatments, blood disorders and stem cell research will continue to drive the need for hematologists both in the United States and around the world.
|
Career TrackA hematologist is usually already a specialist in internal medicine, based on their residency. A hematologist may decide to enter this area of practice or may focus on research or development of treatments based on the hematology specialization.
|
CompensationThe average yearly salary for a hematologist in the United States is $236,000 per year. Those hematologists with less than three years experience can expect to earn between $180,000 and $225,000, while those that have significantly more experience can earn up to $650,000.
|
|