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Classical hematology (CH) is an area of hematology that focuses on the study, prevention, diagnosis, and management of non-cancerous blood disorders. Hematology is the medical field that studies blood disorders including cancers of the blood and its components. The demand for classical hematologists dedicated to providing care and performing scholarly activities has increased recently. The term “classical hematology” was adopted by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) understanding that there is no perfect name to identify this field and the professionals dedicated to the care of patients with non-cancerous blood disorders. There have been other terms used to describe this area of hematology. For example, “non-malignant” hematology has been used and raised concerns about the possibility of labeling patient’s conditions as “not serious” or “benign.” Concerns were raised that the term “benign” hematology does not describe the challenges that a patient with conditions such as sickle cell disease can face a multitude of challenges throughout their lives without necessarily having a cancer diagnosis. Classical hematology encompasses multiple diseases and conditions including red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet, and other hematologic tissue disorders.
Another important aspect of defining a name for the field is the development of initiatives including educational projects, training programs, research advances, patient safety, quality improvement projects, and job opportunities. Given that the demand for classical hematologists continues to increase, having a clear definition of CH helps those looking for jobs or candidate opportunities. Job postings advertising a job in “hematology” versus “classical hematology” is a simple but important consideration that could help match the interests of programs and candidates for networking and connections. Certainly, the name “classical” is not perfect by any means and may be considered old-fashioned or not innovative by some professionals. Nevertheless, classical hematology is an exciting and evolving field in hematology for those interested in taking care of patients with non-cancerous blood disorders. This is the best time to be a hematologist!
Role of Hematology in Healthcare
Hematology is a crucial field in medicine with complex conditions that affect a large number of patients in the population. There are many cancerous conditions addressed by hematologists including leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and many others. Moreover, there are many non-cancerous and challenging medical conditions such as hemophilia, sickle cell disease, anemias, and many other disorders. Hematology is a clinical specialty in which patients can suffer from affection of multiple organs or systems in the body. Therefore, hematology is a field that requires multidisciplinary collaboration with professionals from other specialties. Hematology is an exciting field for research and innovation. Classical Hematology research continues to reveal new insights and interventions and major societies such as ASH have included many initiatives to increase the clinical training, education, and research in this field. Currently, many institutions are taking steps to design new models of healthcare delivery to improve clinical outcomes and promote the well-being of our patients.
How to Become a Classical Hematologist
The journey starts with medical school for those looking to become physicians and future hematologists. The first step after college would be to enter medical school and become a physician. Thereafter, one needs to undergo medical specialty training in internal medicine for three years (adult hematology) or pediatrics (pediatric hematologist). Finally, applying for a fellowship is the last step. Fellowship options include the traditional combined programs (hematology and oncology), or single specialty hematology programs. An exciting opportunity for those interested in becoming classical hematologists is the ASH Hematology-Focused Fellowship Training Program (HFFTP).
The HFFTP is a hematology opportunity in which there is comprehensive classical hematology training with career-enhancing education in transfusion medicine, sickle cell disease, hemostasis/thrombosis, as well as fields like medical education, systems-based hematology, outcomes research, health equity research, global health, safety/quality improvement, and more.
Careers in Classical Hematology
CH is an exciting field of hematology with an incredible potential for growth and development. There is a shortage of clinicians and professionals for the care of patients with non-cancerous blood disorders. Many health centers have determined that the volume of classical hematology care is close to that of medical oncology which emphasizes the need for classical hematologists. Approximately 40% of all hematology/oncology referrals are related to classical hematology. We expect that this area will continue to expand and grow across the world. There are many opportunities for professionals such as advanced practitioners, nurses, and others to work and participate in the classical hematology field as well. Most websites and job listings do not include classical hematology as a filter or area of interest for job search. Many organizations post job opportunities on their websites. However, given that there is such an increase in the need for patient care in CH, it is recommended that applicants get in contact with recruiters or medical facilities directly and inquire about these opportunities.
Advice for students, residents, and fellows
For those who are already training in the medical field and considering a career in hematology, we recommend networking and connecting with societies such as the American Society of Hematology, Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society, and others to discuss your interests and goals. Career planning is crucial for a career in hematology and the earlier it is considered the better! ASH provides valuable resources and career development planners to help you achieve your goals for a successful professional career.
ASH Resources for Medical Students and Residents
Conclusion
Classical hematology is an exciting and thriving field of hematology with a high demand for professionals dedicated to clinical care, education, and research innovations. Therefore, CH is an amazing career opportunity to consider. On our website, we will dedicate ourselves to the dissemination of information about classical hematology to increase interest in this field even more and provide educational content that drives your interest in this fascinating area.
References:
- https://www.hematology.org/classical-hematology
- https://www.hematology.org/education/educators/resources-for-training-program-directors/hematology-focused-fellowship-training-program
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910059/
- https://jobcenter.hematology.org/jobs.aspx?k=5be4bb7fbb6b2bf5434cc51028ac2a4926596eeb2b279c5a6b477f630dd2611b1bc43949326ad0af78e43b868acc2569
- https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.23.00235#xd_co_f=ZDhiNWFlMDUtYTU2Ni00ZDJkLTgyOGYtMWQwYzRmZjdhNjk1~
