HWN Suggests

Please Don’t Call Me a Classical Hematologist

I like to think of myself as a contemporary clinician and scientist who uses the latest techniques and approaches. Why, I wondered, is a hematologist who treats hemophilia with gene therapy considered more “classical” and less “modern” than one who treats Hodgkin lymphoma with ABVD? As highlighted in “50 Years in Hematology: Research That Revolutionized Patient Care,” published to commemorate ASH’s 50th anniversary, we have seen momentous advances in our understanding and treatment of blood diseases over many decades, throughout the entire spectrum of hematology — including blood cancers and other blood disorders. No hematologic disorder is patently more classical than another.

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Articles of Interest

Large-scale analysis describes inappropriate lab testing throughout medicine

A new study finds that, on average, 30 percent of all lab tests are probably unnecessary -- and equally as many necessary tests may be going unordered.

The Future of Hematology: Many Advances, More Specialists

The field of hematology has a bright outlook—but not without its shadows. Advances in the treatment of blood cancers, solid tumors, and blood disorders have accelerated in the last 30 years, changing the game for people with cancer and giving hope to those living with chronic blood diseases. At the same time, there is a concerning decline in the number of hematology practitioners, both subspecialists and generalists. The population of practicing hematologists and oncologists is rapidly aging, and not enough early-career hematologists are joining the field to replace soon-to-be retiring physicians.

The Future of Hematology: The Growing Demand for Subspecialists and Ideas to Increase Interest in the Field Among Medical Residents

Seeing patients with cancer living meaningful lives is a significant motivator for residents to specialize in this arena. It is imperative that programs start offering both outpatient and inpatient experiences in hematology/oncology, with residents seeing patients in clinic under the guidance of a preceptor. A study should subsequently be done comparing resident experiences before and after an outpatient experience in hematology/oncology. For those residents who pursue an inpatient hematology/oncology experience, the goal should be to reduce distress, cultivate empathy, and help them find meaning in caring for patients who are near death.

The role of hematologists in a changing United States health care system

In the face of a projected consultation capacity shortfall, a designated and funded nonmalignant hematologist can ensure that patients have more timely access to hematology consultations.

Resources

Hematology/Oncology News

Healio is a cross-specialty clinical information website for medical subspecialists powered by SLACK Incorporated, a leading publisher of medical specialty newspapers, journals, books, education, meetings and more.

Atlas of Hematology

This Atlas has the goal of supplying hematologists, laboratory technicians, medical school students, biologists as well as professionals working in the field of morphology of blood cells.

Bloodline

Bloodline is dedicated to furthering and enhancing the fields of hematology and oncology through the presentation of knowledge in the following manners, the publication of original clinical and laboratory research and the creation of comprehensive reference works.

Clot Connect

Clot Connect is an information and outreach project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center. Clot Connect provides patients and healthcare professionals connection to clinically relevant education resources on deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombophilia and anticoagulation.

Journal Watch

Our mission is to help clinicians efficiently understand medical developments to improve patient care and foster professional development.

DoctorsLounge

Doctors Lounge is one of the most popular online medical resources for physicians, students and allied clinical professionals. It provides clinical information through multimedia tutorials and other study aids.

MedPage Today

Oncology/Hematology Information Center from MedPage Today is the only service for physicians that provides a clinical perspective on the breaking medical news that their patients are reading.

Merck Manual

Merck is committed to providing excellent medical information on hematology and oncology and as part of that effort, Merck provides all of The Merck Manuals on a not-for-profit basis as a service to the community.