Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) should choose a doctor called a hematologist-oncologist, who specializes in treating AML. A hematologist specializes in treating blood disorders, and an oncologist is a doctor with special training in cancer. A hematologist-oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancers.
Here are some steps to find an AML specialist:
If you have been recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or AML, read our guide "Six Steps for Newly Diagnosed AML Patients" for useful resources. Here are some of the key questions to ask your doctor in your first visit:
Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable interacting with your doctor and the rest of the staff.
When you go to an appointment, it might be helpful for you to take notes or audio recordings during the appointment. If you would like to use audio recording to remember information, you must first ask the doctor and staff if the recording is allowed.
Additionally, bring a caregiver, friend, or family to provide support during the visit to assist in taking notes and listening to the doctor. It is important to make sure you fully understand what the doctor is saying, and oftentimes, that takes two sets of ears! If you do not understand, ask the doctor to explain it again or attempt to explain what you understood, and the doctor will clarify any misconceptions.
If you need more information or are not sure about treatment options, consider getting another opinion from a different qualified doctor.
You can find AML specialists in your area by visiting HealthTree's
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) should choose a doctor called a hematologist-oncologist, who specializes in treating AML. A hematologist specializes in treating blood disorders, and an oncologist is a doctor with special training in cancer. A hematologist-oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancers.
Here are some steps to find an AML specialist:
If you have been recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or AML, read our guide "Six Steps for Newly Diagnosed AML Patients" for useful resources. Here are some of the key questions to ask your doctor in your first visit:
Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable interacting with your doctor and the rest of the staff.
When you go to an appointment, it might be helpful for you to take notes or audio recordings during the appointment. If you would like to use audio recording to remember information, you must first ask the doctor and staff if the recording is allowed.
Additionally, bring a caregiver, friend, or family to provide support during the visit to assist in taking notes and listening to the doctor. It is important to make sure you fully understand what the doctor is saying, and oftentimes, that takes two sets of ears! If you do not understand, ask the doctor to explain it again or attempt to explain what you understood, and the doctor will clarify any misconceptions.
If you need more information or are not sure about treatment options, consider getting another opinion from a different qualified doctor.
You can find AML specialists in your area by visiting HealthTree's
about the author
Katie Braswell
Katie joined HealthTree as the Community Director for AML in 2021 and became HealthTree's Director of Education in 2023. Katie is a registered dietitian who is passionate about health literacy and patient empowerment. She loves to cook, travel and spend time with her newborn son, husband and dog.
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