Hematologists

High School

Future scientists and physicians should take college prep courses in high school. Laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and mathematics are especially important as the foundation for more advanced work later. English, foreign languages, history, and other humanities and social sciences courses are important as well. Good oral and written communication skills are essential.

Postsecondary Training

A premed program is best if you plan to go to medical school. If there is no premed program at your school, or if you want to pursue a Ph.D. program, then chemistry or biology is an appropriate undergraduate major. Some colleges also offer undergraduate majors in biochemistry, microbiology, or genetics.

You must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before applying to medical school and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before applying to graduate school. Apply to at least three medical or graduate schools to increase your chances of acceptance.

Medical school and Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences generally take at least four years. A combined M.D./Ph.D. program usually takes six to seven years. The first two years of medical school are usually spent in classrooms and labs. Students learn anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and laws governing medicine. They also learn how to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.

After graduating from medical school, students spend at least two years in a hospital residency program. The length of the residency period depends on the specialty chosen. Because hematology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, a three-year residency in general internal medicine followed by two years of training in a hematology or hematology-oncology program is required.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by many state and national organizations, including the American Society of Hematology, the American Medical Association, and the American Osteopathic Association. For example, the American Society of Hematology offers webcasts, online courses, webinars, and learning opportunities at its conferences. Recent webinars included Burnout: Balancing Educational, Clinical, & Scholarly Activities; Systems-Based Hematology and Medical Education; and Lessons Learned During Covid-19 in Systems-Based Hematology: Telehealth, Stewardship, and Guideline Implementation. Contact these organizations for more information.