Hearts of Hematology

Hearts of Hematology (HoH) is an anthology of hematology-related stories aimed at capturing the human side of hematology. The authors span all levels of hematology, from new students eagerly exploring the specialty to seasoned physicians reflecting on hematology’s riveting evolution and their own roles within it. Perspectives encompass the breadth of hematology and medical oncology, showcasing adult, pediatric, classical, malignant, research-oriented, and clinical perspectives — all shared through the lens of a diverse and global community.

Explore the Stories

Reframing Success in a Holistic Way

“I was forced to redefine success when faced with life circumstances that no longer allowed me to pursue it as others had defined for me.”

- Ariela Marshall, MD, Adult Classical Hematologist, University of Minnesota

John’s Countdown

“I have come to realize that patients teach us so much more than we teach them.”

- Hadil Zureigat, MD, Third-Year Internal Medicine Resident, Cleveland Clinic, Aspiring Hematologist / Oncologist

Classical Hematology: An Unexpected Destination

“All you are armed with is your experience, your clinical gestalt, and, sometimes, your prayers.”

- Jacob Cogan, MD, Classical Hematologist, University of Minnesota Medical School

“You Can Always Pay Forward” ~ Woody Hayes

“Thirty-five years ago, people like me were at risk of dying of tainted blood products. Now, in the 2020s, young patients may not have had a single painful, debilitating bleed, and they are expected to live full, successful lives.”

- Kyle Davis, MD, Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center

Cultivating Hematology Excellence: Having a Community of Mentors

“It truly takes a community of people, including our family and friends, teachers and students, and patients, to guide us on the path to be the best hematologists we can be.”

- Moua Yang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Assistant Member, Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute

Finding Beauty in Blood and Basic Science

“There’s a baseline level of dreamy optimism to which all scientists subscribe, I think.”

- Madeline Niederkorn, PhD, Research Scientist, Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Doing It All

“I hope that you always know that I can love you and my job (in that order), and I hope this makes you proud.”

- Suzanne Reed, MD, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio

To Listen Is to Learn and Heal

“Despite her declining health, for the entirety of my encounter with her, she was more alive than anyone in the room.”

- Saif Alshaka, Third Year Medical Student, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona

Stories That Deserve to Be Told

“I looked nervously at my notes written to myself: ‘Don’t ask about pain’ (per recommendation by my senior resident). It was both underlined and highlighted.”

- Ajibike Lapite, MD, MPHTM, Third Year Fellow, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX

The Small Joys of Hematology

“Throughout my medical training, I was given the career advice that every trainee and former trainee is very familiar with: “You have to love the bread and butter of whatever clinical specialty you choose.” “

- Robert Stern, MD, Adult Classical Hematologist Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA

The Things They Don’t Tell You

“As a young physician, I am constantly saddened by the medical system. We start out bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, fascinated by the human body with a zeal for serving others.”

- Tyler Bendrick, MD, Resident Physician, internal medicine (Creighton Arizona Health Education Alliance) and physical medicine and rehabilitation (Mayo Clinic, MN)

"Get Rid of It! Can You Get Rid of It?"

“What I first dismissed as a prank call soon became a turning point in my life. My white blood cells (WBCs) were indeed alarmingly low, but strangely, I felt fine.”

- Chanmi Lee, MD, PhD

The Path That Speaks to You

“Could I teach and be a mentor to the next generation of scientists? Pursuing industry seemed like the “easier” pathway. I had fewer uncertainties about it because, in industry, you simply get to do research.”

- Marisa Brake, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School