Yes, allergists are medical doctors who hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. They are specialized physicians, officially known as Allergist-Immunologists, who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions related to the immune system. This includes allergic diseases and disorders where the immune response is overactive or deficient. Becoming a specialist in this field requires training that extends well beyond basic medical school education.
The Extensive Medical Training Required
The path to becoming a qualified Allergist-Immunologist requires nine to ten years of medical training. This journey begins with four years of medical school, where the physician earns their MD or DO degree. Following medical school, the physician must complete a three-year residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This residency is typically in either Internal Medicine (focusing on adult patients) or Pediatrics (focusing on children), or sometimes a combination of both specialties.
The residency provides clinical experience in a broad range of medical conditions, which serves as the base for future specialization. After completing residency, the physician must secure a fellowship position in Allergy and Immunology. This specialized training lasts an additional two to three years and focuses on immune system function and disease mechanisms. This fellowship develops expertise in managing the complex interplay between allergens and the body’s reaction to them.
Scope of Practice: Conditions and Procedures
Allergist-Immunologists manage conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). They address adverse reactions to specific triggers, including food allergies, drug allergies, and venom allergies from insect stings. Skin conditions with an immunological basis, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), chronic urticaria (hives), and contact dermatitis, are also treated.
Beyond allergic disease, these specialists manage primary immunodeficiency disorders, where a part of the immune system is missing or not functioning correctly. Common procedures include skin prick testing for immediate hypersensitivity reactions and patch testing to detect delayed responses. They also perform pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung capacity and monitor asthma control. They prescribe and manage allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, to desensitize the immune system over time.
What Board Certification Means for Patients
Once a physician has completed training, they may pursue board certification through the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). This certification is a voluntary step, but it signifies specialized competence beyond basic medical licensure. The ABAI is a conjoint board of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics, operating under the umbrella of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
To become board-certified, the Allergist-Immunologist must pass an examination that assesses their knowledge and judgment in the field. This process assures the public that the certified physician meets standards for providing high-quality patient care. Certification is time-limited, typically lasting ten years, and requires ongoing participation in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) activities to demonstrate continued professional development and mastery of the latest medical advancements.