Hematology is the sub specialty of internal medicine concerned with disorders of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic systems. Hematologists are called in for cases of suspected blood disorders when the diagnosis is unclear or specialized medical care is needed. They coordinate total patient care, working, where needed, with surgeons, radiation therapists, gynecologists or other specialists. Not everyone with a blood problem needs a hematologist. Many blood problems are diagnosed and managed by general internists. When special knowledge in diagnosis and treatment is required, the skills of a hematologist are called upon. Treatments may include therapeutic phlebotomy, bone marrow aspiration, core bone marrow biopsy, and chemotherapy or other special therapy. Fundamental to the training of health care providers and physicians interested in hematology and medical oncology is the acquisition of knowledge concerning the basic scientific principles that underlie our understanding of cancer biology.