Allergist and Immunologist
Allergists and immunologists are specialized medical doctors focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, autoimmune disorders, and related health issues. They utilize various diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and skin prick tests, to identify the causes of conditions like food allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. These professionals typically work in clean, organized environments such as hospitals, clinics, and medical offices, often collaborating with other healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment plans for their patients.
The role involves not just patient care, but also long-term follow-ups to manage chronic conditions effectively. Allergists and immunologists must stay updated on the latest research and treatment methods, and many also engage in teaching at medical schools. The educational pathway to this career requires a doctoral degree, extensive residency training, and often subspecialization in allergy and immunology. Although the job market for these specialists is growing, they often work long hours and may be on call to respond to patient needs. With a median annual salary of approximately $239,200, allergists and immunologists are well-compensated for their expertise in a vital area of healthcare.
Allergist and Immunologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medicine, biology, biochemistry, problem-solving, scientific investigation
Earnings (Yearly Median): $239,200 per year $115 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (Slower than average)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral degree, internship, residency, subspecialization
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Internship/residency
Overview
Sphere of Work. Allergists and immunologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of allergies, autoimmune deficiencies, and related diseases and conditions. Allergists and immunologists conduct extensive blood tests and skin patch tests to determine the causes of patient symptoms. They diagnose ailments such as food allergies, medication allergies, bronchitis, asthma, sinus infections, and autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases. They work with patients to develop effective treatments and to implement lifestyle and dietary changes that can prevent complications.
Work Environment. Allergists and immunologists typically work in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, university medical centers, and similar medical environments. These locations are extremely clean, highly organized, and very busy. Allergists and immunologists, along with other staff, must adhere to strict protocols regarding patient records and safety. Allergists work long hours, averaging about fifty hours a week. They must spend some of their time on-call, able to answer patient phone calls from home and, when necessary, travel to the office and/or hospital after hours. Many allergists and immunologists also teach at medical schools.
Occupation Interest. Allergists and immunologists treat patients from different backgrounds. Diagnosis is similar to careful detective work, as allergists and immunologists test potential causes for symptoms one clue at a time. Like other physicians, allergists and immunologists are well compensated, and the market for these medical professionals continues to show growth. Different career options available to allergists and immunologists include private practice, specialization in a subfield, medical research, and teaching at a medical school.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Allergists and immunologists meet with and examine patients, listening to their symptoms and reviewing their patient histories. They then order and conduct diagnostic tests designed to assess the causes of allergies and other symptoms. Some of these tests include skin pricks, patches, scratch tests, and delayed hypersensitivity tests. Among the allergies for which these physicians search are airborne, medicinal, food, pet, and environmental allergens affecting the nose, eyes, throat, and/or lungs. They may also draw blood to investigate if an immune deficiency or disorder exists.
When the nature and extent of the patient’s condition have been established, allergists and immunologists formulate a course of treatment. They assess the benefits and risks that may develop during treatment and create individualized patient treatment plans. These plans take into account patient preferences, clinical data, and the information provided by other doctors, nurses, and associated medical professionals. Allergists and immunologists frequently work with their patients over long periods of time, which enables them to develop working relationships. They must stay current on the most effective approaches to addressing these conditions by studying clinical data and reviewing scholarly medical literature.
In addition to patient care, many immunologists and allergists conduct research on immune disorders and allergens as well as treatment options. Many physicians also teach at medical schools and similar institutions.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Allergists and immunologists work primarily in medical settings, such as hospitals and medical centers, clinics, private medical offices, and medical groups. Many also teach at medical schools. Due to the use of needles in diagnosis and treatment, there is a risk of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. In clinical settings, allergists and immunologists must follow strict safety guidelines that mandate the maintenance of a sterile environment.
Human Environment. Allergists and immunologists interact with patients, families, other physicians, nurses, medical technicians and phlebotomists, medical students and interns, medical assistants, and nursing assistants. They also work with hospital administrators, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and medical device sales representatives.
Technological Environment. Allergists and immunologists work with both basic and specialized medical instruments, including thermometers, hypodermic needles, stethoscopes, nebulizers, spirometers, and blood pressure cuffs. They also use blood- and skin-testing kits. Medical diagnosis software and medical databases aid doctors with diagnosis, treatment, and recordkeeping. Internet communication tools and the ability to be Internet-research savvy are also beneficial skills.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in this field should take biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, calculus, algebra, and psychology courses. Training in nutrition, first aid, and CPR are useful as well. Additionally, sociology and communications courses are beneficial for aspiring allergists and immunologists.
Postsecondary. Allergists and immunologists must complete four years of undergraduate study in a premedical discipline. They must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and complete a four-year medical school program, followed by three to eight years of internships and residencies. Their residency programs must include two or more years of allergy and immunology training.
Related Occupations
− Surgeon
Bibliography
"Physicians and Surgeons." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.