Haematology Specialty Profile

Haematology

Haematology encompasses both clinical and laboratory aspects of diseases of the blood including bone marrow transportation.

Haematology is an exciting and rewarding medical specialty, which encompasses both clinical and laboratory aspects of diseases of the blood, including leukaemias, lymphomas, some forms of anaemia and blood clotting disorders, as well as bone marrow transplantation and transfusion medicine. Variety, diversity and the combination of laboratory and clinical practice are key attractions for those choosing this specialty.

The practice of haematology also provides the opportunity to develop specialised skills in specific areas of haematology (e.g. as a haematological oncologist). Haematologists must be excellent communicators, whether in person, on the telephone or through a written report, be able to work as part of a team with other medical, nursing and laboratory staff, and have highly developed clinical skills for the management of patients from diagnosis and prognosis, to treatment and ongoing assessment.

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Haematology Training Program

Training Program

There are pathway options for training in haematology. Applicants can undertake full training with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) program, or dual fellowship under a joint training program with the RCPA and the Royal Australasian College of... more

Application process

Before applying for training, the prospective trainee must be employed in a training position in an accredited laboratory. Trainees will not be accredited with training undertaken while in an unpaid or observer position although previous relevant qualifications and experience may... more

Length of Training

Full training with the RCPA involves a minimum of five years of training. The dual fellowship program is a minimum of four years of training, not including basic training undertaken with the RACP. Trainees in both programs undertake the same... more

Cost of Training

Initial registration plus pro rata annual training fee* Training commenced between: 1 January – 31 March: $1100 1 April – 30 June: $852.50 1 July – 30 September: $605 1 October – 31 December: $357.50 Annual training fee: $990 Late... more

Flexibility in Training

Training is normally undertaken full time. Part-time training may be considered in certain instances, but must average at least 8 hours per week. The number of years of training required in these cases is determined on a pro rata basis.... more

Haematology Workplace

The workplace

Now no longer an entirely laboratory based specialty, haematologists take an active role in every stage of patient management, from the initial clinic visit to taking blood or bone marrow samples, examining them in the laboratory and making a diagnosis... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Being traditionally viewed as a laboratory based specialty, haematologists are often seen as behind-the-scenes doctors and rarely acknowledged as the important medical specialists they are. While much of their work is carried out in laboratories, many haematologists see patients of... more

Intellectual Content

Haematology is a diverse medical specialty. The practice of haematology requires a sound foundation in basic medical sciences, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of haematological disorders, and a detailed and comprehensive understanding of laboratory medicine. Thoroughness, accuracy and extreme... more

Lifestyle and Practice Options

Most haematologists are enthusiastic about their work and find it a very rewarding medical specialty. Haematology enables the combination of laboratory expertise with direct involvement in the diagnosis and management of patients. There are opportunities for public and private practice,... more

Medical indemnity

Medico-legal issues, as with all aspects with medical practice, are becoming increasingly significant. Use our risk category tool to assess this specialty.... more

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