Dr. Irma Lapaj

Hematologist

Hematologist
Specialized in the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant blood disorders, interpretation of hematological investigations, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy procedures.

Languages: Albanian, English


Professional Summary

Dr. Irma Lapaj is a hematologist with clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up of diseases affecting the blood and hematopoietic organs. She provides specialized care for patients with both benign and malignant hematological conditions, combining contemporary medical knowledge with an attentive and individualized approach to each patient.

Her professional focus centers on accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and long-term patient follow-up, with the goal of improving quality of life and treatment outcomes.


Clinical Focus

In her daily clinical practice, Dr. Irma Lapaj is involved in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a broad spectrum of hematological disorders, including:

  • Anemias (iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia and other forms of anemia).
  • White blood cell disorders (leukopenia, neutropenia, leukocytosis and lymphocytosis).
  • Platelet disorders (thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis and immune thrombocytopenia).
  • Pancytopenias and bone marrow disorders.
  • Disorders of coagulation, thrombosis and hemorrhage.
  • Monoclonal gammopathies (MGUS) and multiple myeloma.
  • Acute and chronic leukemias.
  • Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
  • Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes.
  • Thalassemias and sickle cell disease.
  • Polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia.

Diagnostic Examinations and Procedures

Dr. Irma Lapaj performs a range of hematological diagnostic procedures, including:

  • Bone marrow aspiration.
  • Bone marrow biopsy.
  • Interpretation of complete blood counts and peripheral blood smear microscopy.
  • Interpretation of protein electrophoresis and immunofixation studies.
  • Interpretation of hemostasis and thrombosis investigations.
  • Assessment and interpretation of specialized hematological tests.

These investigations are used for the diagnosis, classification, monitoring and follow-up of hematological diseases.


Academic Education

Dr. Irma Lapaj graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Medicine, Tirana, in 2014.


Specialist Training and Postgraduate Education

She completed her specialist training in Hematology at the Department of Hematology at University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa" in Tirana, where she gained extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of both benign and malignant hematological disorders.

Dr. Lapaj continues her professional development through active participation in international continuing medical education programs, including the EHA Adult Master Class 2025–2026, as well as training courses and scientific congresses organized by the European Hematology Association (EHA) and other international scientific societies.


Professional Experience

Dr. Irma Lapaj's professional career includes:

  • General Practitioner, "Petro Nako" Hospital, Sarandë (2014).
  • General Practitioner, Regional Directorate of Health Insurance and Healthcare, Tirana (2015).
  • General Practitioner, Primary Healthcare Center No. 8/4, Tirana (2015–2021).
  • Hematology Resident Physician, University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa", Tirana (2020–2024).
  • Consultant Hematologist, Salus Hospital, Tirana (October 2024 – June 2026).
  • Consultant Hematologist, Klinika Kajo, Tirana (July 2026 – Present).

Her clinical experience includes the management of complex hematological conditions, laboratory and morphological diagnostics, and multidisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of hematological diseases.


Scientific Activity

Dr. Irma Lapaj is the author and co-author of scientific publications in the field of hematology, contributing articles, abstracts and presentations at national and international conferences.

Her scientific interests include multiple myeloma, leukemias, modern therapeutic approaches such as CAR-T therapy, and the latest developments in clinical hematology.


Professional Memberships

Dr. Irma Lapaj is an active member of:

  • European Hematology Association (EHA)
  • Albanian Association of Hematology (AAH)
  • Young European Hematology Association (Young EHA)
  • Young National Society Ambassador for Albania at the European Hematology Association

Professional Commitment

As a member of the medical team at Klinika Kajo, Dr. Irma Lapaj is committed to providing hematological care according to contemporary standards and to the continuous improvement of healthcare quality.

Her professional approach is based on the accurate diagnosis of hematological diseases, careful evaluation and regular follow-up of each clinical case, combined with an open and compassionate communication with every patient.