2W: Problems in Hematology

School of Medicine

This 2 week elective will offer students an introduction to some unique problems that are often encountered in hematology and the principles of how they are managed. The list includes bone marrow failure states, thrombotic and hemorrhagic conditions, transfusion medicine, and hematologic neoplasms including lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Students will spend one week on the malignant hematology inpatient service during which they will be given patients to follow and present during rounds. They will participate in formulating a plan of care emphasizing hematologic issues including transfusion needs, antibiotics, therapeutic options, prognosis survivorship, end of life care and the role of palliation and hospice. Didactics will focus on the diagnosis and management of patients with hematologic cancers. Students will also have the opportunity to spend time in Hematopathology, blood bank, and hematology subspecialty clinics of their choice ranging from benign to malignant hematology and stem cell transplant. At the conclusion of the two-week elective, students will have a basic understanding of some of the unique questions often asked in hematology. They will also have a better understanding of what is involved in devising and recommending a therapeutic plan from the hematology perspective.