How to become an allergist

How to become an Allergist

Becoming an allergist involves completing several years of education, training, and certification. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as an allergist:

• Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for admission to medical school, aspiring allergists typically complete pre-med coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Maintaining a high GPA and gaining relevant extracurricular experiences, such as volunteering in healthcare settings or conducting research, can strengthen your medical school application.
• Medical School: Apply to and attend an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Medical school typically lasts four years and includes coursework in basic medical sciences, clinical rotations, and hands-on training in various medical specialties. During medical school, students interested in becoming allergists may have opportunities to participate in electives or research projects related to allergy and immunology.
• Residency Training: After graduating from medical school, complete a residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics. Residency training typically lasts three years and provides comprehensive clinical experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions in adult or pediatric patients. During residency, aspiring allergists may have exposure to allergic diseases and immunologic disorders and may work with allergists as part of their medical team.
• Fellowship Training in Allergy and Immunology: Following residency, complete a fellowship program in allergy and immunology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Allergy and immunology fellowship training typically lasts two to three years and provides specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergic conditions, immune system disorders, and related medical issues. Fellows work under the supervision of experienced allergists and gain expertise in performing allergy testing, administering allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), managing asthma, and conducting research in the field of allergy and immunology.
• Board Certification: Upon completing fellowship training, become board certified in allergy and immunology by passing the examination administered by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Board certification demonstrates proficiency in the specialty and is typically required for obtaining state medical licensure and practicing as an allergist in the United States (see below).
• Obtain State Medical Licensure: Obtain a medical license from the state medical board in the state where you plan to practice as an allergist. State licensure requirements vary but typically include passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), completing postgraduate training, and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• Continuing Medical Education: Stay updated on advancements in the field of allergy and immunology by participating in continuing medical education (CME) activities, attending conferences, and engaging in lifelong learning. Maintaining knowledge of the latest research findings, treatment modalities, and clinical guidelines is essential for providing high-quality care to patients with allergic conditions and immune system disorders.

Board Certification
Allergists can obtain board certification in allergy and immunology through the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Board certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a physician's expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care in their specialty area.

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for board certification in allergy and immunology, physicians must complete an accredited fellowship program in allergy and immunology after residency training in internal medicine or pediatrics. Fellowship training typically lasts two to three years and includes clinical rotations, research opportunities, and educational activities in allergy and immunology. Candidates must also hold a valid, unrestricted medical license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada.
• Examination: The primary requirement for board certification in allergy and immunology is passing the ABAI certification examination. The examination is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, clinical skills, and competency in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergic conditions, immune system disorders, and related medical issues. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics in allergy and immunology, including allergic diseases, immunologic disorders, diagnostic testing, treatment modalities, and patient management.
• Maintenance of Certification (MOC): After achieving initial board certification, allergists must participate in the ABAI's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their certification status. The MOC program includes ongoing professional development activities, such as continuing medical education (CME), self-assessment modules, practice improvement projects, and periodic reexaminations to assess the physician's knowledge and skills. Participation in the MOC program ensures that allergists stay up-to-date on advancements in the field and adhere to the highest standards of clinical practice.
• Recertification: Board certification in allergy and immunology is valid for a specified period, typically ten years, after which allergists must undergo recertification to demonstrate continued competency and expertise in the specialty. Recertification involves completing additional CME credits, participating in practice improvement activities, and passing a recertification examination. By successfully completing the recertification process, allergists maintain their board certification status and uphold their commitment to providing excellent patient care.

Board certification in allergy and immunology is widely recognized as a mark of excellence and expertise in the specialty. It provides assurance to patients, colleagues, and healthcare organizations that allergists have undergone rigorous training, passed comprehensive examinations, and continue to engage in lifelong learning to deliver optimal care for individuals with allergic conditions and immune system disorders.