How to Become a Hematologist

Hematology is the field of medicine dealing with blood disorders that cause diseases such as anemia, hemophilia, leukemia and sickle-cell conditions just to name a few. Doctors of hematology are trained in all types of cancer and treatments including chemotherapy.

Instructions

1. Be prepared for at least 10 years of intense study. This is a wide field of medicine that treats more than blood disorders. Hematology also includes diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the heart, kidneys, joints and respiratory system. Training also includes mental health, skin conditions, eyes, nervous system and reproductive organs.

2. Excel in college and in your 4 years of medical school. You must make excellent grades in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, math and calculus.

3. Complete a residency training program in internal medicine. This usually takes anywhere from 2 to 4 years.

4. Pass the American Board of Internal Medicine exams and become certified. You must accomplish this before you begin advanced training in hematology.

5. Advance your training with hospital residency course work that provides hands-on training in blood disorders. You must become familiar with red and white blood cell disorders and stem cell transplantation.

Tips & Warnings

• Every field of medicine requires doctors to take continued education courses throughout their careers. Hematologists are required to complete a "Maintenance of Certification" program every 10 years.

• Be prepared to deal with extremely critical cases that have devastating effects on families. This career will be both intellectually rewarding and emotionally intense.