Looking into medical school

Getting into one of the many medical schools in the United States is a difficult task, but it is doable. When looking at schools, make sure your school of choice has hematology oncology programs, special hematology classes or seminars in hematology. This will give you a head start in your ultimate goal of becoming a hematologist.

I recommend: The Association of American Medical Colleges has information on careers in medicine that will help in your search for good medical schools. The American Medical Association also has online tools to help you research a career in medicine, and to find which schools have accreditation. FREIDA Online is a searchable database that will let you look for residency and training programs, check statistics and see what schools have a subspecialty or training program for hematology. The American Medical Student Association also can give you some information on general and hematology programs. Many residency programs offer subspecialties in hematology. If your interest lies in hematology, look carefully at their hematology courses before you commit to a particular school.

Enter subspecialty hematology programs

Getting your M.D. degree is only half the battle. Adding additional training in hematology is a start, but you will need further hematology training to become a hematologist.

I recommend: The American Society of Hematology has a training program for potential hematologists. Look into its many hematology classes and programs. Aspiring hematologists must also become certified in an area of specialty via a hematology course and exam. The American Board of Internal Medicine hematology certification exam is a must if you intend to work with adult patients. Those doctors who prefer working with children will need to take a similar certification test offered by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Don't stop your hematology education and training with your medical certification

Physicians are required to complete varying hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses every year. Those in a speciality area, like hematologists, need even more CMEs. So once you have your medical degree and certification, you will also need continuing hematology training.

I recommend: The American Medical Association has many CME opportunities in general medicine, and some in specialized areas. Physician's News Digest also lists numerous courses held throughout the year. Often a special hematology course is listed among the general CME listings. For more specific hematology training, the American Society of Hematology has many hematology programs and CME opportunities.