Hematologists are physicians who specialize in the study of blood and the treatment of any blood diseases.
In addition, they also work with the closely related performances of bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
Hematology is closely related and often coincides with other fields including the study of the immune system and ailments as well as oncology.
Individuals who want to become a Hematologist will have a curious mind, are detailed oriented and have a passion for health and the medical field.
Individuals interested in pursuing this profession will also have a natural ability to work well with individuals who have been diagnosed with an illness or disorder.
Education Requirements to Become a Hematologist
Because individuals who want to become a Hematologist are specialized physicians, they will need to complete similar educational requirements.
This includes attaining a postsecondary degree, attending medical school, complete a residency and secure a license.
As undergraduates, individuals who want to become a Hematologist will need to complete a bachelor’s.
Although no specific degree is required, some fields are more helpful.
Some common areas of studies include: biology, pre-med, anatomy, physiology or biochemistry.
Individuals who do not a complete a degree in any of these areas will benefit greatly by completing the following recommended courses: English, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.
Individuals must take and pass the admission test to get into medical school.
Individuals may take this test while they are still undergraduates or shortly after graduating from college.
Individuals can visit MCAT to learn more information about the test as well as some helpful ways to prepare.
While in medical school, individuals will learn in a variety of settings in order to become a physician.
Typical programs will begin the first two years of medical school focusing the first two years in a classroom and laboratory setting.
Students will take some basic courses in medicine including the following typical courses: medical ethics, psychology, pharmacology, biochemistry, biology and anatomy.
During the last two years of medical school, students will gain hands on experience by completing rotations in several types of specializations.
During these rotations, students will work with patients under the careful eye an experienced physician.
This can be done under a hospital or clinical setting.
Typical rotations may include the following: internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, family practice or pediatrics.
Individuals must then become licensed in order to practice and then complete a hematology fellowship or residency in order to enter this profession.
Hematologist Job Description
Hematologists are doctors who are specialized in the study of blood and blood diseases or disorders.
These professionals are also specialized in the lymphatic system.
These professionals will work with individuals who show signs of possible blood diseases or disorder and who have been referred to this specialist by a primary care physician.
A Hematologist will take a look at a patient’s blood results and look at all elements of a patient’s blood including: bone marrow cells and blood count.
Through these types of clinical tests, Hematologists will diagnose and treat blood disorders including: leukemia, hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders or anemia.
A specialized professional, hematologist/oncologist will focus on diagnosing and treating cancers of the blood and organs, lymphatics and stem cells.
Hematologist Salary and Career Path
Hematologists are physicians who specialize in the study of blood.
As physicians, they are a part of a profession that is one of the highest paid.
In 2012, the median salary for physicians as whole was approximately $220,942 per year.
Exact wages will depend on a variety of factors, including specialization, years in practice, professional reputation and region.
Some specialized doctors can earn up to $356,885 per year.
The job outlook for physicians and surgeons is projected to increase by 18 percent through the year 2022.
This growth is considered faster than average when compared to other professions and is attributed to the overall increase in demand for healthcare services.
This demand for healthcare services comes from the aging baby boomer population seeking more services that contributes to their expanded lifespans.
Individuals beginning a career as a Hematologist can expect plenty of advantages after working hard towards this profession.
Some benefits include high wages, a healthy job outlook and the ability for individuals to work with patients in improving their health.