Role of an Internist Hematologist Immunologist

A medical specialist is always a valuable commodity. An internist with training in two separate but related areas will be in high demand, both for his flexibility and his unique know-how. Hematology and immunology are two such complementary fields.

Hematology

• A hematologist may spend much of her time in the laboratory.

  Hematologists conduct medical research on blood and physiological processes involving blood. They also diagnose and treat diseases of the blood. The functions of various bloodborne structures, such as white and red blood cells, is of special interest.

Immunology

• Microorganisms that attack the immune system are the subject of immunological research.

  Immunology in its broadest sense is the study of the immune system. Immunologists diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases and illnesses which attack the immune system such as AIDS.

Medical Practice

• Internists are medical specialists.

  Immunologist-hematologists treat patients suffering from allergies and diseases that affect the blood. Generally, patients will have been referred by another practitioner. The immunologist-hematologist takes blood samples and makes diagnoses. Most laboratory work, such as analyzing blood samples, is done by technicians.