A Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist is a physician that is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions of asthma, allergy and immunology. It can take up to 9-years of training BEYOND a bachelor’s degree for a physician to become an Allergist/Immunologist. After completing Medical School (usually 4-years) and graduating with an MD or DO a physician planning to specialize in Allergy/Immunology must undergo a 3-4 year residency of training in internal medicine or pediactrics. Once this specialty training is completed it is then necessary for the Allergy/Immunology candidate to pass the certification exam for either Internal Medicine or a Pediatrician.
It is then necessary to complete at least 2-additional years as a fellow in an accredited Allergy/Immunology training program. This qualifies the candidate to take the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) certification exam. By passing this exam this demonstrates that the Allergist/Immunologist has the knowledge, skills and experience required to provide high-quality care to patients with allergic and immunologic disorders.
Board Certified Allergist/Immunologists must maintain board certifications in allergy and immunology with recertification every 10-years. Board Certified Allergist/Immunologists must also provide annual (CME) Continuing Medical Education. The volume of medical knowledge is always increasing and changing. CME’s allow physicians to stay current with changes in their specialty and recommended treatments.
Studies have shown that patients diagnosed and treated by a Board Certified Allergist/Immunologist (ABAI) has better controlled symptoms and has less emergency room visits or hospitalizations.