 My name is Robert Tassen. I specialize in benign hematology at the John Thorer Cancer Center. So benign hematology is the medical subspecialty that deals with the disorders of the blood that are nonmalignant, namely anemias, low and high, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, platelet counts. Also we deal with bleeding disorders, as well as blood clotting issues. When patients are coming to see me as a benign hematologist at the cancer center, oftentimes they will be very intimidated and scared because they're not understanding why it is that they're coming to the cancer center to see a blood doctor. Many of my patients do require a bit of reassurance when we're first meeting so that they understand that they're being seen not for a cancer diagnosis, but rather for a benign hematologic issue. To me, it's very important for a patient to leave a visit with a complete understanding of what's going on, because if we don't have an effective communication during our visit, then I feel I haven't done my job well.