What They Do
A hematologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Hematology is primarily a medical specialty, and many hematologists also specialize further in blood-related cancers, working closely alongside oncology in that area.
What They Treat
Hematologists manage a wide range of conditions, including various forms of anemia, disorders affecting blood clotting, and blood-related cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. They also manage conditions affecting bone marrow function, and are often involved in coordinating care for patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Training Path
Becoming a hematologist requires completing a medical degree, followed by residency training in internal medicine, and then additional specialized fellowship training specifically in hematology. In many training programs, hematology is combined with medical oncology into a single fellowship, reflecting how closely blood-related cancers overlap with the broader field of hematology.
When to See One
People are commonly referred to a hematologist when blood tests reveal abnormalities that require further evaluation, such as unexplained anemia, abnormal clotting patterns, or findings suggestive of a blood-related cancer. Hematologists are also closely involved in the ongoing management of chronic blood disorders that require long-term monitoring and treatment.
Background
Hematology developed as a distinct medical specialty over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, growing alongside advances in microscopy that allowed detailed examination of blood cells, and later, a deeper understanding of bone marrow function and blood cell production. The field expanded considerably further with the development of treatments for blood cancers and the establishment of bone marrow transplantation as a treatment option in the mid-20th century.