What is an Allergist?

An allergist is a physician specially trained, skilled and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma and related immunologic disorders such as hay fever, hives and eczema.

Specialized Training
The effective treatment of allergic disorders must be solidly based on advanced training.  The training of an allergist involves at least 9 years of intense study--4 years of medical school, followed by 3 years of training in internal medicine or pediatrics, plus 2 more years of specialized training in allergy and immunology.  As a result of this extensive study and training, an allergist is the best-qualified medical professional to effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with allergic disease.

Board Certified

To be be board certified as an allergist, a physician first must be certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics and then certified again by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, which requires an 8-hour written examination on the anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders. 

Continuing Medical Education

Continuing medical education is essential to maintaining competence in this specialty, where advances in knowledge are proceeding at a fast pace.  The allergist must spend many hours reading medical journals and attending clinical conferences.  Many allergists are members of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology and/or the American College of Allergy and Immunology, which helps them keep abreast of latest developments in the field.