Haematologists are experts in diseases of the blood - anaemias, leukaemias, haemophilias and bone marrow diseases. They have both clinical and laboratory responsibilities. The doctor who manages the patient with a blood disorder and the doctor who examines that patient’s bone marrow under the microscope are one and the same. Haematologists also supervise blood transfusions.
What’s it like?
A career in haematology is great for doctors who want to combine lots of direct patient contact with scientific and laboratory work. Unlike almost any other discipline, the haematologist can use his/her laboratory skills, such as looking at blood and bone marrow slides, on a daily basis to diagnose and monitor the treatment of the patients they look after in the ward or clinic.
Dr Derek Norfolk
Consultant Haematologist
