Q: How did you become interested in the field of hematology? Pediatrics in particular?
A: I first decided to be a pediatrician, but by the end of my internship year was convinced that hematology was the field for me. This was during the early 1970’s – the early days of chemotherapy treatment. Many children with leukemia and other cancers still died, but I saw the promise. I was greatly influenced by a professor who was an elderly pediatric hematology specialist who, near retirement, was a master clinician, role model, and teacher.
Q: Why do you think it is important for people to get involved in this field?
A: Pediatric hematology is an exciting career that combines the newest and latest scientific advances with “hands on” ability to help children and their families deal with serious, complex, or rare disorders, fortunately now with overall good outcomes. Very few pediatric hematology-oncology specialists regret their decision.
Q: In your experience, what is the most difficult or challenging aspect of becoming a hematologist in the United States?
A: A difficult and challenging feature of being a hematologist, in contrast to a hematologist-oncologist (whose practice is mainly oncology), is the complexity of the field, as well as, more importantly, difficulties in generating enough income or revenue from practice in order to make a living. This is why many specialists choose or need to practice oncology as well, where reimbursement is better. However, pediatric hematologists can have a wonderful career, with a highly satisfactory income, by practicing in academic medical centers and spending an appreciable amount of their time doing teaching, research, and education in addition to clinical care.
Q: How do you feel advances in technology (recent or past) have helped you along the way, be it in your studies or in general practice?
A: The technological advances in the field have been amazing, and keeping up to date with them and employing them in ongoing patient care activities is necessary and challenging.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about a career in pediatric hematology?
A: The excitement and challenge of discovery, combining science with patient care, and impacting the lives of children and their families.
Q: Finally, what advice might you have for a younger person who will be pursuing a career in this field?
A: My advice is: you made an excellent choice, stick with it, the journey will sometimes be difficult, but the self satisfaction and rewards (well, maybe not financial) will be great. Although hematologists don’t generally get rich, I know of no poor hematologists, so concerns about supporting themselves and their families should not be a deterrent to a pediatric hematology career.