Clinical haematology is an intensive, exciting and rewarding (but demanding) specialty that encompasses both clinical and laboratory practice. As a result of this dual role, haematologists take an active part in every stage of patient management from initial clinic visit, to laboratory assessment / diagnosis and finally to treatment.
Clinical care is delivered in both in-patient and out-patient environments and the haematologist frequently contributes to diagnosis and management in other specialties and in the intensive care setting. This holistic approach to clinical care is a highlight of the specialty.
Haematology is developing rapidly with respect to therapeutic advances and lends itself to research. Within haematology there is the opportunity to further develop special interests in a wide variety of clinical and laboratory areas (haemogloginopathies, haemostasis and thrombosis, transfusion medicine, malignant haematology, transplantation). The specialty may suit a wide variety of individuals, including those who may wish to combine a clinical and academic career. The haematology consultant workforce is currently expanding.
The Wessex haematology training programme runs a very successful teaching programme. This involves compulsory ‘training days’ which are held at one of the rotation placement hospitals on a six-weekly basis. In addition ‘on the job’ teaching is provided at all the placement hospitals on a regular basis during a placement.