What is an Allergist-Immunologist?
An Allergist-Immunologist is a physician who has specialized in either Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, and then has taken additional training of at least two years in the field of allergy-immunology. All physicians in our practice are Diplomats of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, meaning that they have trained at accredited programs following strict training guidelines, and then have taken and passed a rigorous specialty board examination.
Allergists are trained in performing and interpreting several diagnostic procedures, including allergy testing (both skin testing and laboratory testing), pulmonary function and bronchoprovocation testing for asthma, food and drug allergy testing, drug desensitization, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), and testing of the immune system. In addition, they possess in-depth understanding of the management of several recurrent or chronic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic cough, eczema, hives, angioedema, and acute and chronic sinusitis. The Allergist-Immunologist can provide education, including explanation of the disease process, risk and benefit of medications, and regular monitoring of individuals afflicted with the above problems.