Prof. José Páramo: “The hematologist is the protagonist of the patient’s clinical management”

Primary Care is vital for people’s overall health. After all, these professionals are usually the first to speak with patients about their medical concerns.

But everything changes when anomalies appear in blood tests. Primary Care physicians may then refer the patient to a hematologist, making that specialist responsible for diagnosing blood disorders.

Get to know this fascinating field a little better with us and Dr. José Páramo, Emeritus Professor at the University of Navarra Medical School and Professor of Hematology and Hemotherapy.

It is always a pleasure to work with Dr. Páramo. Not only because of his commitment and passion for what he does, but also because of how comfortable he makes everyone feel. And that is exactly the same care and closeness he offers to his patients.

That is why, when we ask him what makes Hematology so special to him, Dr. Páramo cannot help but sigh softly while a small smile appears on his face before replying:

“Hematology has a peculiarity within Internal Medicine that makes it different from other specialties: its bilingual nature. Hematologists not only diagnose and treat diseases, but we must also work closely with the laboratory.”

This is especially true in his case. His clinical activity has focused on hospital and outpatient care for patients with hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders. Meanwhile, his main research interests include atherosclerosis, inflammatory and prothrombotic biomarkers, metalloproteinases, and fibrinolysis.

“When we examine bone marrow samples, peripheral blood smears, and coagulation tests, we can establish a direct diagnosis,” he explains.

This “bilingual” nature is what makes hematologists such key figures in patient management.

From 1982 until last year, Dr. Páramo worked as a Hematology Consultant at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, becoming Head of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Unit and Director of the Vascular Medicine Area.

During those more than 40 years of professional experience, he has had the opportunity to refine and strengthen many aspects of his profession. All of them have shaped him into a strong advocate for medical excellence and a highly respected professional, eventually becoming President of the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH) from 2016 to 2020.

That is why, when we ask him about the main challenges hematologists face today, he confidently explains that one of the greatest challenges is balancing clinical practice with teaching and research responsibilities.

He especially emphasizes the importance of research and describes Hematology through a three-dimensional perspective:

• Research improves teaching.
• Research improves clinical practice.

“Every hematologist should have reasonable time to conduct research — not only laboratory research with experimental models, but also clinical research within their own workplace to guarantee better patient care.”

Dr. Páramo has not limited his medical education to Spain. He also completed postgraduate training in Medicine at the University of Leuven, Belgium, during the mid-1980s, as well as training at the Centre for Biological Standards and Control in London at the end of that decade.

“I always encourage younger colleagues to have similar experiences because they open your mind and allow you to see how things are done in other places, even in research centers within Spain.”

Experiences like these are an excellent way to refine clinical practice, improve professional skills, and develop new perspectives by learning from other colleagues.

When we mention that he always keeps younger generations in mind, he smiles and says: “I have to pass the baton!”

So, what makes Dr. Páramo feel most proud as a hematologist? He has no doubts about it:

“After 40 years, what makes me proudest is seeing the satisfaction of the patients. Treating them and making them the center of clinical care… that is the greatest recognition. Improving their health is essential.”

It is precisely this dedication that earned him an award from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra for his commitment to patients and clinical excellence.

“On the other hand,” he adds, “I humbly take pride in having contributed at a national level to strengthening the role of hemostasis and thrombosis in Spain,” he says, his gaze briefly lost in thought.

We could not agree more with those words.

As we mentioned at the beginning, collaborating with Dr. Páramo on Continuing Medical Education programs has been an absolute pleasure. Not only because of the privilege of working alongside such a respected professional, but also because he is recognized as an ethical physician who remains close to his patients.

We would like to thank him for all these years dedicated to serving others, which have made him a national reference in the field. Without a doubt, many professionals treasure his guidance with affection and gratitude.

At CMC, we also want to contribute to making that possible through our e-learning programs with the highest-quality scientific content.

We collaborate with some of the most prestigious scientific institutions across different therapeutic areas, including Hematology and Hemotherapy.

As you can see, all of our programs are educational, and local experts collaborate with us through scientific coordination, commentaries, video interviews, and much more. This allows the content to be adapted to local needs and fully tailored to healthcare professionals.

So, if you are looking for a course that delivers confidence, quality, rigor, transparency, and closeness… we should talk!

Whether you want to continue your education or create a program that gives greater visibility to your therapeutic area, we can help you.

Discover how on our website or get in touch with us so we can tell you more.