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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a hematologist. Feel free to use our hematologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a hematologist.

 

Who is a Hematologist?

Hematology is the medical specialty that studies blood, blood cells, and other components. It focuses on blood disorders, mutations, and the organs that are part of its products such as bone marrow, the spleen, and the nodes amongst others. In other words, hematology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood. It is concerned with the treatment of infections and diseases that affect the production and development of hemoglobin, blood proteins, blood cells, spleen, platelets, and the mechanism of coagulation. Such diseases include hemophilia, thrombus, other bleeding disorders, and blood cancers. The field of hematology trains healthcare providers to become specialists in diseases of the blood components. Additionally, the field of hematology has been reported to be highly demanding and thought-provoking with efforts to make advances in the prevention and treatment of malignant disorders.

A hematologist is a medical doctor with dual training in both clinical and laboratory whose work may be carried out individually or in collaboration with other medical specialists. He or she has the skills and training to perform hematheraphy; the therapeutic method that uses blood or its components to treat diverse health problems. Most times, the hematologist works in the blank bank section of a hospital or health center. Similarly, a hematologist is an internal pediatrician who handles lymphatic system disorders. Some prefer to practice in labs to examine body tissues and blood with a microscope or tests. Advantageously, a hematologist can be a generalist, although most choose to focus on specific conditions. They conduct a series of complete blood count tests which is one of the most important in medicine. Most are trained on how to use the hemogram which aids the diagnosis of blood-related disorders to facilitate the prescription of adequate medication or treatment.

Furthermore, a hematologist routinely cares for and treats patients with hematological diseases, views blood films and slides, interprets various test results, and treats blood clotting. Depending on the level of experience, they may become managers or heads of the hematology laboratory. Most hematologists work in conjunction with each other to formulate a diagnosis and deliver the most appropriate therapy if needed. Starting hematologists normally complete a four-year medical degree, a period of training, and residency. When applying for the role of a hematologist, most job openings seek candidates with first-hand experience. A hematologist applies special knowledge to research, and studies patients’ red and white blood cells and lymph nodes. A hematologist may sit for an extended period while researching diseases or completing patient paperwork, but may also spend a significant amount of time standing and walking when they work directly with patients.

A hematologist’s job varies vastly from one case to another. He or she examines bone marrow slides and infer test results; they may prescribe oral medication, alterations in the diet, and recommend blood transfusion or bone marrow transplants depending on the specific condition and needs of the patient. In addition, some hematologists lecture at medical schools and other institutions and lead medical programs; he or she imparts their expertise to students, other physicians, and various medical professionals. Since conducting tests and experiments is critical to a hematologist’s work, he or she must possess critical thinking and good analytical skills. Excellent communication prowess is necessary to convey their teaching, extend their services, converse, and pay attention to patients. The working hours of a hematologist are estimated to be 37.5 hours per week; they may work a shift pattern as laboratories and hospitals operate on a 24/7 basis.

Career breaks may be possible for hematologists but they must keep up to date with any technical development and might need to retrain upon return to work to meet the health and care professions council registration requirements. Significantly, a hematologist has opportunities to work in private practice undertaking outpatient consultations. Travel during a working day is uncommon although they may visit other hospitals and clinics to perform diagnoses. The hematologist is also renowned for carrying out hemostasis and coagulation as well as determining blood groups and rhesus factors. A good hematologist is willing to respond to new ideas as disease management regimes change rapidly; they show empathy to individuals with chronic and terminal disorders. Also, keeping a cool head in an emergency enables the hematologist to successfully perform their duties.

A hematologist may perform the following treatments, procedures, or therapies regularly;

Complete blood count: This test helps the doctor to diagnose or monitor a patients’ disease. Blood drawn from the patient’s vein or finger is checked for the levels and characteristics of all three types of blood cells and platelets.

Prothrombin time: This and partial thromboplastin time look for bleeding or clotting disorders. They also check how well the medications and treatments are working.

Blood transfusion: This replaces blood a patient has lost during surgery, an accident, or an illness.

Chemotherapy: This is administered by a specialist called a hematologist-oncologist. The procedure infuses the patient’s body with chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer cells.

Bone marrow transplant: Also known as a stem cell transplant, this procedure replaces a diseased stem cell from the spongy center of the bone with healthy cells from other parts of the body or a donor.

Ablation therapy: The hematologist uses heat, cold, a laser, or chemicals to destroy damaged tissues.

                                

Hematologist Job Description

Below are the hematologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a hematologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a hematologist include the following:

• Manage and biologically diagnose the basic or specific hematological assessment in the laboratory.
• Biologically and clinically diagnose disorders that cause hemorrhaging or thrombosis.
• Provide medical attention to patients with hematological diseases in every phase of the process.
• Carry out a bone marrow transplant.
• Control blood banks and coordinate the production of products that are derived from the blood.
• Ensure safety during blood transfusion from the blood collection phase to the actual transfusion.
• Treat bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
• Treat hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma.
• Perform bone marrow aspirations to detect blood disorders.
• Analyze a patient’s medical history.
• Study lab tests, CAT scans, and MRIs for a more accurate diagnosis.
• Analyze blood samples and identify red or white blood cell abnormalities.
• Maintain a detailed record of a patients’ health.
• Analyze patient historical data and use data to make informed decisions.
• Use physician’s notes and recommendations when patients are referred to them.
• Perform surgical operations where necessary.
• Provide dietary advice and administer chemotherapy for the treatment of various blood disorders.
• Consult with other medical professionals in difficult cases.
• Treat blood clotting disorders.
• Communicate with patients to gather information on symptoms.
• Receive and prepare blood samples for analysis.
• Use computer-aided techniques to analyze samples.
• Interpret, verify, and validate results and report findings to the requesting clinician.
• Advice on specific types of treatment for individual patients.
• Investigate the biochemistry of blood clotting.
• Produce quantitative data in the form of reports and provide key information to medical staff about a patient’s condition.
• Undertake research to better the understanding of blood-related disorders.
• Teach or train medical students and other hospital staff such as nursing and portering staff.
• Apply for and manage departmental or laboratory finances and resources.
• Take responsibility for working towards the target.
• Liaise with hematology colleagues on a regional or national basis.

 

Basic Qualifications

A hematologist needs extensive education and training to practice.

• Training: A hematologist will need to complete a residency once they have obtained their medical degree. Based on the specialty, they may undergo a residency in internal medicine, pathology, or pediatric hematology. Typically, residencies last three to five years; during a residency, the hematologist will file his or her paperwork, see their patients, and work with other doctors and nurses during treatment. After the first year of residency, interns complete the final portion of the medical licensing examination (MLE). Similarly, a hematologist will need to undergo a fellowship to specialize in the field. Fellowships in hematology last two to three years and allow physicians to gain additional knowledge in hematology.
• Certification: A hematologist must earn a medical license to practice. After completing a residency, they can submit their application to the state’s medical licensing board. The requirements for each state or country’s board vary, so it is best to review the process before applying. Upon completion of their fellowship, a hematologist will take the hematology certification examination which covers their understanding of specific areas of hematology such as the hematopoietic system, hematologic neoplastic disorders, coagulation, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and transfusion medicine. The hematology certification examination tests a candidate’s knowledge in making a diagnosis, ordering and interpreting the results of tests, recommending treatment for patients, assessing risks, and understanding the basic science of hematology and blood disorders.
• Education: To become a hematologist, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, biology, anatomy, or other related fields. Coursework in these programs prepares a student for medical school. Medical schools are typically four-year programs. For the first two years, students spend time in the classroom and laboratory studying pharmacology, biochemistry, psychology, anatomy, medical law, and ethics. At the end of two years, the student must pass the first portion of the medical licensing examination. The examination tests the student’s knowledge of the concepts and theories of practicing medicine. During the last two years of medical school, the hematologist begins his or her rotations where they gain hands-on practice in a supervised environment. During rotations, they will diagnose and treat patients in various medical facilities. After the fourth year, they will sit for the second part of MLE. After completing their four-year graduate program, students will earn a medical degree. During the last year of medical school, the hematologist must apply for a residency program in their field.

 

Essential Skills

A hematologist should possess the following skills;

Organization skills: They need to have excellent organizational skills as they will handle multiple tasks in their work environment. A hematologist needs to be able to work with multiple patient files while maintaining accuracy throughout the day.

Problem-solving skills: A hematologist will see unique patients and rare disorders often; they need problem-solving skills to find creative solutions to any challenge they encounter.

Adaptability skills: Hematologists need to adapt quickly as emergencies and unexpected medical conditions arise during their shift. In addition, they should be willing to respond to changing and updating ideas as researchers find new and innovative ways to treat patients.

Communication: A hematologist needs good communication skills to work with other health care personnel to provide the best care for patients. They often work with patients face-to-face and need to explain medical processes in non-technical terms for them to understand diagnosis and treatment plans.

                         

How to Become a Hematologist

You can follow these steps to become a hematologist;

• Earn your medical degree: After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you will undergo a four-year medical program. During the program, you will complete coursework and rotations to gain experience to be a doctor.
• Complete a residency: After medical school, you need to enter directly into a residency program where you will gain practical experience in your specialization. Residencies can take several years to complete.
• Apply for a license: You can apply for a license after your first year of residency. To apply, review your country or state’s licensing board guidelines to ensure you prepare the right material to submit along with your application.
• Undergo a fellowship: After residency, you’ll need to undergo a fellowship to specialize in hematology. During the fellowship, you’ll gain additional practical experience in hematology that will prepare you for a career in the field.
• Earn a hematology certification: Finally, you will need to earn board certification in hematology to show your dedication to the role. You will need to renew your certification according to the board’s guidelines.

 

Where to Work

A hematologist can work in private practice, a hospital, a medical facility, or a research facility. He or she will use machinery that tests blood and plasma and follow procedures when handling hazardous material. Hematologists are also employed by clinics, pathology laboratories, universities, and blood banks.

 

Hematologist Salary Scale

According to reports, a hematologist earns an average salary of $329,359 per year. Some salaries range from $263,80 to $462,02 yearly. A hematologist usually holds a full-time position and their salary may be affected by experience and specialty. Other factors that could determine a hematologist’s salary include the size, location, and type of health care facility in which they work.

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