Haematology

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Clinical Haematology requires both clinical and laboratory expertise. This dual role provides a unique opportunity to combine clinical skills with appropriate, often cutting edge science to make a diagnosis, choose the optimal treatment plan, and monitor progress for a range of genetic, malignant and non-malignant disorders.

Haematology - trainee characteristics

Clinical haematology will particularly suit trainees who are:

clinically sound
eager to apply science to patient care
interested in continuing care for chronic disorders
keen to provide laboratory support for all areas of medicine

Summary of the specialty

Specialty training in haematology starts with a clinically-competent generalist (MRCPUK) and develops medical and laboratory skills according to a well-structured curriculum to achieve FRCPath. Additionally, there are a few training programmes available for those trainees who have done core paediatrics and have obtained MRCPCH.

In the UK, 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.

Holistic approach

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.

Research/special interests

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 (eg haemogloginopathies, haemostasis and thrombosis, paediatrics, 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.

Entry into adult haematology specialist training occurs after completion of core training (CMT, ACCS) competences and requires success in the MRCP(UK) or equivalent. The duration of specialist training is normally five years, to develop the skills for direct patient care and the management of haematology pathology laboratories.

Specialist training provides exposure to all clinical and laboratory areas, including transfusion medicine to enable the trainee to gain all the necessary competences to provide independent patient care and pass the well-established exit examination, the FRCPath.

Applying to ST3 haematology

All applications to ST3 haematology posts in 2012 will be processed via the 2 applications per specialty model. Applicants can apply to a maximum of two participating deaneries/UoAs; and may subsequently be interviewed by both. All applications made will be regarded as entirely separate from, and independent of, each other.

For more information on applying to haematology, please visit the recruitment process section of this website.

strong>Paediatric trainees

Please note that the specialty accepts trainees from a paediatric training route; these applicants must have a qualifying paediatric examination.

Please be aware that only a few deaneries/UoAs will have vacancies in paediatric haematology. If you are applying from paediatrics for a paediatric haematology post, please ensure you direct your application to a deanery with paediatric haematology vacancies (click here to see ST3 post vacancies in haematology; paediatric haematology posts will be marked as such where available.)

When applying to a deanery/UoA where both paediatric and adult haematology posts are available, you will have the opportunity to preference your choice within the application form.