A Journey from Blood Cells to Genes and Back
I was attracted to hematology because by combining clinical findings with the use of a microscope and simple laboratory tests, one could often make a diagnosis. I was attracted to genetics when I learned about inherited blood disorders, at a time when we had only hints that somatic mutations were also important. It seemed clear that if we understood not only what genetic changes caused what diseases but also the mechanisms through which those genetic changes contribute to cause disease, we could improve management.