Allergists and Immunologists
What is an Allergist and Immunologist?
Allergists and immunologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and other immunological disorders. They focus on understanding how the immune system functions and the various ways it can react to substances in the environment. These specialists work with patients who experience allergic reactions to food, medications, insect stings, and environmental allergens such as pollen or pet dander. They also manage autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and conditions like eczema and hives. By conducting tests such as skin prick tests, blood tests, and pulmonary function tests, allergists and immunologists provide tailored treatment plans, which may include medications, immunotherapy, or lifestyle changes to help patients alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. Their expertise is crucial in helping individuals navigate complex health issues related to allergies and immune system disorders.
Tasks
- Diagnose or treat allergic or immunologic conditions.
- Educate patients about diagnoses, prognoses, or treatments.
- Order or perform diagnostic tests such as skin pricks and intradermal, patch, or delayed hypersensitivity tests.
- Prescribe medication such as antihistamines, antibiotics, and nasal, oral, topical, or inhaled glucocorticosteroids.
- Interpret diagnostic test results to make appropriate differential diagnoses.
Technology Skills
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Medical software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
- Rosch Visionary Systems Visionary Allergy Tracker
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Analytical or scientific software
- FlowJo
- GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
- Microscope imaging software
- Molecular Devices Softmax Pro
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets
- Intravenous infusion pumps for general use
- Intubation laryngoscopes
- Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
- Electronic medical thermometers
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
- Diagnose medical conditions.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Prescribe medications.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.