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An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Selected examples of such conditions include asthma,
anaphylaxis, rhinitis, eczema, and adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings as well as immune deficiency diseases (both acquired and congenital), defects in host defense, and problems
related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation or malignancies of the immune system. As our understanding of the immune system develops, the scope of this specialty is widening.
Training programs are available at some medical centers to provide individuals with expertise in both allergy/immunology and adult rheumatology, or in both allergy/immunology and pediatric
pulmonology. Such individuals are candidates for dual certification.
Training required: Prior certification in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; two years in allergy/immunology.
Certification in the following subspecialty requires additional training and examination.
Clinical & Laboratory Immunology: A subspecialist who utilizes various laboratory procedures to diagnose and treat disorders characterized by defective responses of the body's
immune system. These results are used for patient management. |