Comprehensive Care Hemophilia

3Comprehensive Carefor Hemophilia■What are the roles of the members of the coreteam?“I have been soimpressed andencouraged by theknowledge, skillsand researchinterests of ourclinic doctor. I knowhe cares for all theboys very deeply.He doesn’t want tosee the kids havebreakthroughbleeds.”Medical DirectorThe medical director is the doctor whooversees patient health and thecomprehensive care team. In manycentres, the medical director of thecomprehensive care team is ahematologist. A hematologist is a doctorwho understands and treats bloodproblems. If the medical director is not a hematologist, she/he willcall on a hematologist for advice.The medical director’s job is to:• Oversee the care team and the treatment of people withhemophilia.• Help the family deal with any health or medical concernsand answer questions about hemophilia.• Order blood tests and X-rays and review results and thetreatment plan with the family.• Keep up to date on the latest research and tell familiesabout new developments in the management ofhemophilia.You should be aware that the medical director does not take theplace of your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician. The familydoctor or pediatrician can give you advice about general childhealth issues, such as the flu, chicken pox, ear infections andvaccinations. The medical director will communicate informationand updates about your child’s health with his pediatrician anddentist.All AboutHemophiliaAGuideforFamilies3-7