A haematologist specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and investigation of disorders of the haematopoietic, haemostatic, and lymphatic systems, and disorders of the interaction between blood and the blood vessel wall. These disorders may be primary blood disorders or the consequence of diseases in other systems. Haematology also includes transfusion medicine, obstetric haematology, and paediatric haematology.

Haematologists emphasise comprehensive diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate patient-centred care, including palliative care. Haematologists provide care in a range of diverse settings, including:

The investigation and treatment of a wide range of neoplastic and benign diseases. This can include abnormalities of haemoglobin and red cells, haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, inherited and acquired coagulation abnormalities, leukaemias, transfusion medicine, and myeloid, lymphoid, and plasma cell malignancies.

The use of a broad scientific knowledge base. This can include the relevant aspects of biochemistry, genetics, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of haematological and malignant diseases.

Providing acute, longitudinal, and palliative care of patients. Haematologists work with a broad range of individuals, including children, pregnant patients, and those who require emergency and end-of-life care.

The use of clinical, laboratory, and procedural skills.This can include:

  • engaging with blood banks that support the need for blood products in hospitals. Transfusions may be required for surgery, such as after trauma or with acute bleeding, including obstetric bleeding
  • interpreting abnormalities in test results and consulting with other medical practitioners, guiding appropriate patient care or further investigations
  • investigating and treating bleeding and clotting disorders, such as major haemorrhage protocol activation, overseeing the transfusion of blood components and products, and providing advice about the appropriate management of critical bleeding
  • overseeing the safe delivery of cytotoxic and cellular therapies via intrathecal, intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous routes, facilitating lumbar punctures when appropriate
  • performing bone marrow biopsies and interpreting the results to diagnose and manage bone marrow disorders. This involves consideration of ancillary testing, such as cytogenetic or molecular analysis.

Haematologists provide clinical expertise, analytical acumen, and effective communication, including:

  • Working in close cooperation with many professional groups

    This includes biomedical scientists, clinical laboratory scientists, clinical trial coordinators, dietitians, haematology specialist nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and many professionals allied to medicine. Care of haematology patients requires close liaison with other medical specialists, such as medical oncology, pathology, intensive care, nurses, trial sponsors, emergency, immunology, neurology, aged care/geriatrics, molecular genetics, microbiology, obstetrics, surgery, palliative care, and kidney medicine. Haematologists frequently contribute to the diagnosis and management of patients in both primary care and in other hospital specialities.

  • Working sensitively with a variety of patients

    Paediatric haematologists develop an ability to care for children diagnosed with haematological conditions, and their parents, in a professional and empathetic manner.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

    Haematologists must have effective communication and interpersonal skills for building rapport with patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. It is essential that they appreciate when referral to a subspecialised service with particular expertise is appropriate, such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, and clinical trials. Haematologists must be able to explain complex medical concepts in a clear and empathetic manner, address patients' concerns, and involve them in shared decision making regarding their treatment.

  • Managing resources for the benefit of patients and communities

    Haematologists apply a biopsychosocial approach to ensure the delivery of efficient, cost-effective, and safe care for the benefit of their patients and communities.

  • Application of a scholarly approach

    Haematologists conduct academic research to discover better ways of understanding, diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Many haematologists engage in academic teaching, clinical research, and scholarly activities to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in haematology, improvement of treatment modalities, and management of patients.

  • Leadership and management skills

    Haematologists may assume leadership roles within healthcare institutions, research organisations, or professional societies. Effective leadership and management skills are necessary for overseeing clinical programs, mentoring junior staff, advocating for resources, and driving quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Last modified: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 12:21 PM