INSIDE INFORMATION

"I love Haematology because you get to see a wide variation of conditions from malignant to non-malignant, from acute medicine such as leukaemia induction and bone marrow transplantation to palliation and chronic low grade haematological malignancies and it also offers clinical and laboratory work. Within the context of clinical haematology we also get to know our patients very well and have continuity of care that is missing from so many other medical specialties."

Dr Joanne Scott, Haematology Registrar, Auckland District Health Board

Click on the questions below to view comments from more clinicians.

Why did you choose this specialty, and what do you most like about it?

 

	Haematology is a dynamic, exciting and progressive specialty and huge advances in treatment and diagnostic technologies continue to be made. The considerable diversity in the specialty enables most practitioners to pursue areas that particularly interest them. On the clinical side haematology offers close contact with a relatively small number of patients.

 

	In all areas of the specialty it is necessary to develop recognition of the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of disease. It is helpful to have a wide medical knowledge and an interest in puzzles and problem solving. At times you may have to select appropriate treatment options based on limited clinical evidence, so you need to be able to cope with uncertainty. You must also be able to form close and empathetic bonds with patients and be able to relate to patients at all stages of their disease. You need to be understanding and compassionate and want to work with patients and families and often at times when they are terminally ill.

 

	Laboratory work might include reviewing blood films, bone marrow collecting and reporting, reporting of other blood tests, liaising with GPs and specialists, developing new tests and undertaking research. Clinical work might include ward rounds and consultations, outpatient chemotherapy or treatment, bone marrow transplantation and clinical research.

 

	There are ongoing challenges for specialists to keep abreast of the rapid developments in disease diagnosis and new treatment possibilities. However, funding of some of these new treatments will remain difficult in public medicine as a result of resource constraints.

 

	Contributors recommend that you should talk to local haematologists to express interest in the specialty and gain advice, and that you should undertake a run in haematology to see whether you enjoy the work. You need to be aware that the dual training programme involves four years of advanced training with pathology and physician exams.

 

	Opportunities are excellent as there is currently a shortage of trained specialists in Australasia.

 

	Haematology is a flexible specialty and will accommodate options, though it would probably be easier to take time out before embarking on training or after completion of the programme.

 

	Haematology requires a more prolonged programme of training and examination than many other specialties, which may potentially delay appointment as a consultant. Once you have completed training, however, the working hours are extremely reasonable and relatively little call work is required.

 

	Particular areas of the specialty, especially malignant haematology, may require you to cope with the considerable stress of supporting terminally ill patients and their families.

 

	Experience can be gained in rotation while you are a house surgeon or medical registrar. The dual training programme is rigorous and lengthy, although it is now possible to complete pathology-only or physician-only qualifications in haematology.