About Jobs in Hematology and Oncology
Though hematology relates to the blood and oncology deals with cancer, the two areas overlap at times. For instance, there are many forms of blood cancer and blood related conditions that cause a relationship between hematology and oncology. Experts in the study of hematology are sometimes the ones who test cells for cancer and blood for carcinogens.
Hematologist/Oncologist/Radiologist
In a typical medical setting, doctors who specialize in the area of study are the ones who make the most monetarily and are usually the ones with the most authority, or are the heads of the department. A hematologist specializes in treating diseases of the blood and other conditions related to blood disorders. Sometimes, a hematologist is skilled in oncology hematology making them experts in treating cancers of the blood such as leukemia. A hematologist oncologist oftentimes conducts bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants. Oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancer in general. This includes all types of cancer, even hematological cancers. A radiologist deals with treating cancers via radiological procedures.
Nursing
A nurse may enter into a combination of oncology and hematology or specialize in one area of those medicines. Radiology nurses are needed as well. No matter which field of medicine a nurse enters into his or her basic duties consist of medication administration, monitoring patients and educating patients. Nurses act as a consultant between physicians and patients, as well. Courses and certifications are necessary to receive certification to nurse in an oncology nursing setting and also in many other areas of nursing. Some nurses have expertise and training to work strictly with chemotherapy.
Lab Technician
Lab technicians are the people who are working mainly behind the scenes to confirm diagnoses. If a patient may have cancer of the blood or even other forms of cancer, a blood panel is ordered to test the blood for cancer. A lab technician also is the person who conducts toxicology screenings that detect certain carcinogens.