Dr David Bruce is an experienced Consultant Haematologist who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers and blood disorders. He provides expert private haematology care in Dorset, helping patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their treatment.

Dr Bruce is known for his clear and friendly approach. He explains medical information in a clear way and gives patients the time they need to ask questions. His aim is to help every patient feel informed, confident, and supported.

Please note that you need a GP referral to book a consultation with Dr Bruce.

Training and Appointment

Dr Bruce graduated with Honours from the University of Bristol in 2005. During undergraduate training, he completed an intercalated BSc degree in Immunobiology and Cancer Biology. During this time, Dr Bruce received a national award from the Association of Clinical Pathologists.

After qualifying as a doctor, Dr Bruce completed his medical training in the South West of England. He then moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he spent two years working as a Haematology Registrar.

Dr Bruce later completed specialist haematology training in Oxford. During this time, he also completed a PhD at the University of Oxford. His research focused on early bone marrow cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), one of the most common types of blood cancer. During his research, Dr Bruce gained experience in flow cytometry and molecular techniques and sequencing of DNA. These techniques are fundamental to diagnosis and understanding the outlook of many haematological cancers.

Dr Bruce became a consultant haematologist at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust in 2020 and is based at Poole Hospital, but also works one day a week at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Dr Bruce is Director of the Dorset Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service.

Current Practice

Dr Bruce is currently the Director of the Dorset Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service. He oversees the diagnosis of blood cancers across Dorset and works closely with other specialists to provide high-quality patient care.

As a Private Haematologist in Poole, Dr Bruce sees patients with a wide range of blood disorders and blood cancers. He provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and second opinions. 

Haematology Disorders Expertise

Dr Bruce manages a range of haematology conditions including lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, myeloid blood cancers including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative conditions and general haematology.

He has an interest in lymphoma and leukaemia, in particular chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). He also has an interest in communication of diagnoses that can be very emotive and complex to understand.

Dr Bruce has an ongoing interest in molecular diagnostics and his current role as director of the Dorset Haematological Malignancy Diagnostics Service (HMDS). This enables a personalised approach to conditions where these tests can be important in diagnosis and understanding what treatments may be effective.

Being investigated for a possible blood or bone marrow problem can be a very worrying time and Dr Bruce aims to communicate clearly with patients and relatives.

Patient-Centred Care

Many blood disorders can be complex and worrying. Patients often have questions about blood tests, scans, bone marrow biopsies, and treatment options.

Dr Bruce believes that good care starts with good communication. He explains results and treatment choices clearly and simply. He wants every patient to understand their condition and feel involved in decisions about their care.

His approach is based on partnership, trust, and personalised care. Together, he and his patients agree on a treatment plan that reflects their needs, goals, and preferences.

Research and Publications

Dr Bruce has contributed to a number of research projects and has authored and co-authored publications in the field of haematology. Through his ongoing involvement in research and medical education, he remains up to date with the latest advances in haematology and blood cancer treatment.

Some of his publication topics include:

• Understanding why some types of leukaemia behave more aggressively
• Genetic testing and precision medicine in leukaemia
• Improving the safety of targeted blood cancer treatments
• Detecting genetic changes in blood cancers
• Role of precision medicine in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, published in the journal Expert Review of Precision Medicine and Drug Development
• Rare neurological complications of leukaemia

Personal Life

Dr Bruce lives in Poole and is married with 2 children. He enjoys playing tennis, swimming and cycling.  

Clinical Interest

• Blood Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
• Leukaemia
• Myeloma
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Bone Marrow Disorders
• Anaemia
• Abnormal Blood Test Results
• Raised Blood Counts
• Low Blood Counts
• Clotting Disorders
• General Haematology

• British Society of Haematology
• European Haematology Association