A Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children and is responsible for a wide range of blood disorders. Their patients are young and their doctors develop close relationships with them, guiding families through the often complex decisions that need to be made in such cases. Those afflicted with benign blood disorders include hemolytic anemia, nutritional anemia, ITP, and neutropenia. Moreover, pediatric hematologists work closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that all aspects of the patient’s care are coordinated.
Symptoms of Childhood Cancer
Symptoms of childhood cancer that a hematologist-oncologist treats include: bone and joint pain, fever, and weight loss. The treatment options for each type of childhood cancer depend on the specific type, stage, and location of the cancer. Patients may receive chemotherapy or other treatments that improve the immune system. Some pediatric oncologists also use radiation therapy to fight cancer cells. Treatment options for pediatric patients differ, and parents should discuss each one with the physician.
While pediatric oncologists specialize in treating pediatric cancers, they also treat blood disorders. Blood disorders, such as hemophilia and sickle cell disease, affect red and white blood cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. Anemia is a common blood disorder that causes low levels of hemoglobin. Stem cells may also damage the bone marrow, causing low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
Primary Clinical Duties of a Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist
During their residency, residents must have extensive knowledge in all blood components and plasmapheresis. They must be proficient in bone marrow transplantation and the epidemiology of childhood cancer. These residents should have strong clinical judgment and understand how to recognize oncologic emergencies. Additionally, they must be able to conduct comprehensive physical examinations, perform blood tests, and diagnose patients with various forms of cancer.
A pediatric hematologist oncologist may choose to specialize in pediatric hematology or oncology. The latter field emphasizes research and clinical trial participation as well as the standard of care for children with malignancies. It is common for a pediatric hematologist oncologist to pursue a Masters in Public Health or Clinical Science. As a research-oriented physician, pediatric oncologists often specialize in a specific area of study, such as immunology, hematopathology, or clinical laboratory science. A pediatric laboratory scientist will spend the bulk of their time conducting research and may have fewer clinical duties than their colleagues.
Nonmalignant Disorders
The specialty of pediatric hematology/oncology is undergoing transformation, with many physicians choosing to pursue a different path to the field. In the past, most trainees pursued academic positions that were comprised of 80 percent research and 20 percent clinical practice. But this trend is changing, with more young physicians seeking positions that offer work-life balance and higher pay. Today, however, pediatric hematologist oncologist are in high demand and the pay scale reflects this.
At the Hospitals, pediatric oncologists are a vital part of the multispecialty team that provides coordinated care for patients suffering from cancer and blood-related conditions. This team of experts specializes in all aspects of pediatric cancer and blood disorders. In addition to treating patients with cancer, pediatric hematologist oncologists also work to improve the lives of their patients.
Blood Disorders
A pediatric hematologist oncologist treats cancers and other blood-related disorders in children. These doctors are often part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals and specialized cancer centers, and work with other doctors to treat complex cases. In addition to treating cancers, pediatric hematologists also perform research and studies to better understand and treat these disorders. Read on for more information about pediatric hematology-oncology.
The Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood Disorders at most Medical Center is one of the top medical centers in the nation. There, the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology provides comprehensive care to children with cancer and blood disorders. Its specialists are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families living with cancer. In addition to their clinical expertise, they are also active in pediatric cancer research and education, and conduct clinical trials that stem from fundamental laboratory discoveries.
Stem Cell Transplantation
The goal of pediatric stem cell transplantation is to restore a child’s immune system. Children who have cancer often have poor immune function. Pediatric stem cell transplantation may help restore the body’s immune system and prevent the development of tumors. This treatment also helps children with severe immune deficiencies and tumors in the central nervous system. Stem cells are used in the treatment of CNS tumors.
Children’s Oncology is a subspecialty of pediatric medicine. This field encompasses several scientific and medical disciplines. A pediatric hematologist oncologist with adequate training must complete at least one year of inpatient and outpatient management of this type of therapy. During the training period, pediatric hematologist oncologists receive specialized training in pediatric stem cell transplantation.