Harmonization of Training, Training Requirements, Board Certification, and Practice of Hematopathology

Hematopathology (HP) is a rapidly changing field with insufficient data to provide guidance to program directors (PDs), the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, or the American Board of Pathology.

Two surveys were performed-one for HP PDs and one, given twice, for HP diplomates doing Maintenance of Certification/Continuing Certification reporting in 2017 to 2018.

Bone marrow (BM), lymph node (LN), and flow cytometry interpretations and peripheral blood/fluid reviews are performed by more than 80% of hematopathologists and are the areas with the greatest amount of training. A smaller proportion of hematopathologists is involved in other HP-related activities. Most PDs believed fellows should perform BM procedures. Interpretation of 400 or more LNs and 500 BMs was PDs' median expectations for fellows. PDs and HP diplomates considered coagulation and benign RBC disorders overemphasized on the certification examination.

These results highlight how varied the practice of HP is and can provide guidance to HP PDs, those responsible for assessing HP programs, and the American Board of Pathology.