Hematology is the study of blood in health and disease. It includes problems with the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and the proteins involved in bleeding and clotting (hemostasis and thrombosis). A hematologist is a medical doctor who applies this specialized knowledge to treat patients with blood conditions. People may be affected by many different types of blood conditions and blood cancers.
Our Board Certified Hematologists specialize in hematology and are trained in viewing blood films and bone marrow slides under the microscope, interpreting various hematological test results and blood clotting test results. We specialize in treating bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, lymphoma and leukemia, hemoglobinopathies, blood transfusions, and can refer for bone marrow and stem cell transplantations.
We specialize in the below blood disorders and many more:
Blood is an essential conduit for the immune system, hormonal messages, and fluid, and enables thermal homeostasis. The Egyptians were the first physicians to study blood in ancient times. However, it was not until 1642 when Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek invented the microscope when leaps and bounds were achieved in blood science. Through the use of a microscope, we were able to view individual cells that can not be seen by the naked eye. We were able to see white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and other cells we did not know existed. In the 1700’s and 1800s, Rudolf Virchow and other scientists recognized leukemia or cancer of the blood cells. In 1818, James Blundell successfully completed the first recorded blood transfusion between humans, and later we would discover different blood types. In 1910, Dr. James B. Herrick discovered sickle cell disease. In 1936, the first blood bank opened in Chicago saving the lives of many future generations. In 1956, the first successful bone marrow transplant between a related donor and recipient was performed by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas in New York. In 1983 the AIDS virus was discovered and the first retrovirus medication would be discovered years later, saving many lives today.
Today, hematologists specialize in blood disorders and conduct research to improve disorders and treatment options. At Compassionate Cancer Care Medical Group, our hematologists collaborate with other medical and surgical specialties for the care of adults with blood diseases and provide resources to improve their condition. This includes novel treatments to cure these disorders such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, iron supplementation, phlebotomy and preparation for bone marrow transplant. We develop comprehensive treatment plans so you can focus on healing and recovery.
