A hematopathologist is a clinical scientist and physician who examines blood samples in order to diagnose disease. He or she examines, separates, and tests blood components with sophisticated equipment. The hematopathologist can create detailed reports and pass findings on to physicians so they can make accurate diagnoses based on the results of laboratory testing. Many hematopathologists also conduct broad research on drugs and diseases in order to find better treatment options for a variety of ailments.
When a doctor suspects a patient has a bone marrow or blood-borne disease, he or she collects samples to send to a hematopathologist for analysis. The hematopathologist arranges samples on slides in the laboratory so that they can be examined closely under a microscope. A flow cytometer is also used the doctor to count and identify cellular components of blood. The flow cytometer uses laser light to focus on a sample in order to reveal individual particles, which may appear abnormal if a disease is present. To confirm the presence of abnormalities, other well-established physical and chemical tests are performed.
When a hematopathologist is certain of a diagnosis, he or she usually writes a laboratory report and informs the physician of the findings. The hematopathologist’s report goes into great detail about diseases like leukemia, lymphatic cancer, and certain viral and bacterial infections. His or her in-depth understanding of blood diseases can aid the physician in determining the severity of a condition and the best course of action.
Medical researchers and doctors are constantly adding to the body of knowledge about disease. A hematopathologist reads medical journals and attends professional conferences on a regular basis to stay current on new discoveries and findings. He or she also adds to the body of knowledge publishing clinical procedures and research findings in peer-reviewed journals. The majority of hematopathologists are skilled writers who can effectively communicate their ideas to other experts in the field.
To work as a hematopathologist, you must first obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree from an accredited four-year medical school. A new doctor receives practical training in a four-year residency program at a hospital laboratory after graduation. During a residency, the doctor learns a wide range of techniques from experienced hematology and pathology clinical scientists. The last few months of a residency are devoted to blood and bone marrow diseases. A successful new doctor can take a board certification exam administered a national organization to earn a license and begin working independently after gaining experience in a residency program.