Outpatient Hematology (Clinical Elective)

4 units

Students will gain experience in the diagnostic workup of hematological conditions like low or high blood counts, thrombosis, bleeding, and paraproteinemia. They will get familiar with treatment strategies for a wide variety of benign hematological conditions (e.g. thrombotic microangiopathies, sickle cell disease, thrombosis, and hemophilias) and malignant hematological disorders (e.g. myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes). Students will also learn about the role of procedures like blood/blood fraction exchange (apheresis) and bone marrow biopsy. Participation in hematology case conference will provide insight into approaching a case with evidence-based management strategies and hematology grand rounds will offer formal learning experience in hematology from experts in the area. Students will observe hematologists going through a typical workday and managing difficult conversations (e.g. breaking bad news). They will learn about gaps in the field of hematology, which generate rationale for future research. Students will rotate through outpatient hematology clinics at Siteman Cancer Center and attend the Hematology Case Conference, and Hematology Grand Rounds.