Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD
Hematologist-Oncologist | Hematology & Oncology
1180 N Indian Canyon Dr E425 Palm Springs CA, 92262About
Dr. Irene May-Ling Hutchins joined the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center in 2018 as a specialist in Hematology/Medical Oncology. She acquired her Doctor of Medicine from University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, California in 2012 and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at UC Davis in 2015. Dr. Hutchins completed her fellowship in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Scripps/MD Anderson Cancer Center in La Jolla, California in 2018. She is a member of the Amercian Society of Hematology and the Americal Society of Clinical Oncology. She has been awarded the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2018 Woman of the Year title for her philanthropic work in support of blood cancer research, and she is an active member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Board of Trustees. Dr. Hutchins specializes in benign and malignant hematology with emphasis on Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and related conditions. Dr. Hutchins sees patients at Desert Regional Medical Center's main Comprehensive Cancer Center in Palm Springs, and at the Cancer Center's sattelite in La Quinta, CA.
Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD's Videos
Education and Training
Stanford University BA 2007
University of California Davis MD 2012
University of California Davis Internal Medicine 2015
Scripps / MD Anderson Hematology/Oncology Fellowship 2008
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine
Hematology (Internal Medicine)
Provider Details
Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD's Expert Contributions
What are the treatment options for anemia?
First order of business is to identify the cause of anemia. Treatment of anemia requires addressing the underlying cause. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia among young women, however I recommend thorough evaluation including testing iron and B12 levels prior to starting any treatment. READ MORE
Is chemotherapy effective for blood cancers?
There are numerous different types of blood cancers. Yes, chemotherapy is effective for many blood cancers. Some blood cancers are better managed with targeted therapies and/or immunotherapies. Lots of possibilities! READ MORE
How long does a total blood test take?
In an ideal circumstance where blood is drawn and immediately processed, the results should be available about 15-20 minutes after the blood is drawn. Every lab has their own protocol regarding how quickly the blood is processed and the time/manner in which results are released to the ordering physician and the patient. In my clinic, I typically can tell my patients their test results less than 30 minutes after the blood is drawn. READ MORE
Can adults get leukemia?
Yes. All of the leukemia patients in my practice are adults. Pediatric leukemia is a separate subspecialty. Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD READ MORE
Which blood donor is the universal donor?
O negative is the universal donor blood type. READ MORE
Is low white blood count serious?
It depends! There are many causes of low white blood cells, many of which are benign, and some of which are serious. It also depends on which subtype of white blood cells are affected, to what extent, and in what context. If this is a persistent concern, I recommend a consultation with a Hematologist. READ MORE
How long does a hemoglobin test take?
It takes about 10 minutes to run the test on the machine. The time-limiting factors have to do with the staff, procedures, and policies at the testing facility. At my office, we can typically provide complete blood count results to the patients within 20 minutes after the blood is drawn. READ MORE
How can you raise your blood count?
There are many potential ways to raise a persons blood count, however it is very important to understand WHY the blood count is low in order to decide how best to raise it! Very importantly, DO NOT take iron supplements unless you are iron deficient, as excess iron can be harmful. It is also important not try to achieve a higher than normal blood count, as this can also be dangerous. If you are anemic, talk to your doctor about what tests are required to determine the cause of anemia, and treatment recommendations can be given accordingly. If the cause of anemia is unclear, you may require a hematology consultation. READ MORE
Is leukemia common in children under 13?
Leukemia is uncommon in children. Among childhood malignancies (all of which are uncommon), leukemia is more common than the others. My practice is solely adult hematology/oncology. READ MORE
Can unexplained bruising be a sign of leukemia?
There are many possible causes of easy bruising, most of which are benign. Leukemia would be a rare cause, but more common causes include use of aspirin, fish oil supplements, or benign disorders that increase bleeding propensity. A thorough hematology evaluation would help determine the cause of bruising and whether any treatment is needed. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Subspecialty Teaching Faculty Desert Regional Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency 2019 - Present
- Transfusion Committee Member Desert Regional Medical Center 2019 - Present
- Cancer Committee Member Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center 2019 - Present
Awards
- Woman of the Year 2018 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Top Hematologist/Oncologist 2019 The Leading Physicians of the World
- Pinnacle Lifetime Achiever 2 Continental Who's Who
- Top Hematologist/Oncologist 2 The Leading Physicians of the World
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- American Society of Hematology
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Board of Trustees Member, appointed 2019
Fellowships
- Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, John J. Hopkins Drive (Hematology/Medical Oncology) (2018)
Professional Society Memberships
- American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Board Member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
What do you attribute your success to?
- Dr. Hutchins always wanted to be in the medical field and take part in helping others through hard times. The ability to create a bond with patients and create personalized care, not just according to their condition, but what is best for the overall patient is the main thing she attributes her career success to.
Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD's Practice location
Palm Springs, CA 92262Get Direction
La Quinta, CA 92253Get Direction
Irene May-Ling Hutchins, MD's reviews
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Get to know Hematologist-Oncologist Dr. Irene May-Ling Hutchins, who serves patients in Palm Springs, California.
Dr. Hutchins is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in benign and malignant hematology with emphasis on anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and related conditions. She also treats solid tumors, with a special interest in lung cancer. She is currently serving patients at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, and its satellite clinic in La Quinta, California.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center provides programs and services for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, support and follow-up care for people with cancer and blood disorders. Encompassing 60,000 square feet, the Palm Springs Cancer Center features advanced technology in a warm, friendly environment. The multidisciplinary team of specialists includes physicians, nurses, technologists, and support staff who care for patients in a convenient and comfortable setting.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Hutchins earned her medical degree from the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, California in 2012. She then went on to complete her residency in internal medicine at UC Davis in 2015, followed by her fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Scripps/MD Anderson Cancer Center in La Jolla, California in 2018.
A member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Hutchins is known for her ability to provide personalized care, paying close attention to the details of each patient’s medical condition while also addressing their individual needs and personal preferences. She attributes her success to having had strong mentorship during her many years of high-quality training.
Serving on the Board of Trustees of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she was awarded the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2018 Woman of the Year title for her philanthropic work in support of blood cancer research. She was also recognized as 2019’s ‘Top Hematologist/Oncologist’ by The Leading Physicians of the World.
Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to blood. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A hematologist-oncologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of blood disorders and cancers.
In addition to English, Dr. Hutchins speaks Spanish proficiently.
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