A hematologist is a physician who specializes in treating conditions which involve the blood. He or she studies the blood and tissues which form blood, such as the spleen and bone marrow. Hematologists can work in a variety of environments, including blood banks, pathology laboratories, and private clinics. Specialists in this branch of medicine can also choose to focus on specific topics within the field of hematology to better serve their patients.

Genetic blood disorders such as hemophilia and thalassemia can be treated and managed by hematologists, as can cancers of the blood, which are typically treated by a doctor who specializes in oncology hematology. Hematologists also deal with issues like blood transfusion, stem cell transplants, and bone marrow transplants. If it involves blood, a hematologist is the doctor for the job.

The study of hematology includes the identification, treatment, and management of blood disorders, along with preventative care. Prevention of blood disorders can include everything from genetic testing of parents believed to be carriers of blood diseases to the administration of supplements which are designed to prevent anemia in patients who are at risk for it. Early diagnosis and treatment is also a big part of hematology, as doctors want to be able to intervene early so that they can address blood conditions before complications develop.

The work of hematologists is heavily supported by laboratory technicians who examine samples of blood and blood forming tissue, providing information about abnormalities and issues which are identified in laboratory screening. A hematologist may also have experience with genetic testing if he or she focuses on inherited blood conditions. Hematologists may also work with other doctors as part of a patient care team to provide complete services to patients with complex conditions.

Some examples of jobs which can be performed by a hematologist include the management of a blood bank to keep blood supplies safe and accessible, and the treatment of both adult and pediatric patients with cancers of blood, such as leukemia. A hematologist may also supervise a lab which analyzes blood samples, provide advice to an organization which provides advocacy services for patients with genetic blood disorders, or work with a government agency on education campaigns designed to inform the public about issues such as anemia. Work in this medical field can be quite diverse and sometimes very rewarding, especially in the case of research which uncovers new information about management and treatment of blood disorders.