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Haematology studies the blood and the pathophysiology, cause, diagnosis, prognosis, management, treatment and prevention of blood-related disorders. Haematological diseases can be congenital or acquired and include cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphomas; blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia and deep vein thrombosis; and deficiencies such as anaemia. This field also deals with a range of other disorders which impact the blood or bone marrow, and it supports a wide range of hospital and medical services, acting as a bridge between clinicians and the medical laboratory. Haematology involves a molecular understanding of disease, with a clinical-laboratory approach. It can be considered a subspecialty of Internal Medicine, as well as of Pathology. Haematology services support acute care and specialist medical teams, across the hospital and in primary and community health settings. Specialist areas include haemato-oncology, transfusion, haemostasis and thrombosis, bone marrow transplant, red cell and haemoglobinopathy disorders, advanced diagnostics and paediatric haematology. Research is a significant component of Haematology, and with the development of new technologies, including advances in cell and molecular biology and expanded treatment options, this field plays an important role in undertaking interpretative analysis of clinical outcomes and providing expert opinion.

Haematology Jobs

Haematologist specialise in diagnosing and treating disease and disorders associated with the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic systems. These include haematological conditions, such as thrombosis, anaemia or coagulation, which can be congenital or onset, and may require long-term care. They work with patients of all ages. They also treat a high portion of cancer patients, and manage acute and emergency conditions such as a major haemorrhage or complications from transfusion. Haematologists analyse bloodwork, administer medications, and provide chemotherapy and other cancer treatment. They consult directly with patients, hospital physicians, laboratory staff, primary health care providers and community medical teams. Their work supports specialist and acute medical care by conducting diagnostic and laboratory testing, including blood counts and CT or MRI scans, and by providing expert interpretation of results and advice. They work in multidisciplinary teams, teach and mentor junior staff, and undertake research and further training and development. Haematologist roles can involve laboratory haematology and/or clinical practice, liaison services, or specialised posts in in specific areas of haematology such as bone marrow transplantation, paediatric haematology, advanced haemostasis and thrombosis, advanced haematopathology diagnostics, advanced red cell and haemoglobinopathy disorders or blood transfusion. To become a Haematologist, doctors complete foundation and core training (either Internal Medicine (IM) stage 1, ACCS-IM with full MRCP(UK) diploma, or paediatric level 1 training with MRCPCH). At this level, (ST3 level), they can apply to undertake higher specialist training in haematology, a 5-year JRCPTB program which includes Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) examinations and leads to a CCT and entry onto the GMC specialist register.

Registrar (Haematology) are registered doctors who have completed their medical degree, foundation and core training. They can apply for specialty registrar positions, or positions at ST3+ level, and broaden and refine their scope of practice and gain experience, skills and competency in their chosen area of medicine. Registrars are very important members of the integrated and multi-disciplinary health care team. They have increasing responsibility for patient care, oversee and support junior doctors and staff, participate in professional development activities and continue to receive important guidance, training, and support from senior staff. Registrars work under Haematologists and develop procedural, clinical and laboratory skills relevant to this area of medicine. They can apply to undertake specialised training in Haematology, a 5-year JRCPTB programme.