ALLERGIST & IMMUNOLOGIST
PRACTICE SPECIALTY
As a solo practitioner, I like to spend a great deal of time with my patients, answering their questions and placing their needs first. The practice of medicine has become so fast-paced, and it is rare to find a physician who will take the necessary time to fully listen to patients. Compassionate care is a priority for me, and this largely stems from my own experience as an asthmatic and allergy sufferer. I know what it feels like to experience allergy-related symptoms and what it means to use all of the common medications. To me this is very important, as I can understand where my patients are coming from. Ultimately I feel this makes me a better doctor for my patients.
“Helping relieve pain and suffering is a basic concept, but to me it is a privilege to work as a physician, particularly in my home community.”
HOW DO YOU EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS TO TAKE GOOD CA RE OF THEMSELVES? WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?
“Most of the conditions I treat are considered chronic illnesses. Perhaps the best example is asthma—a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs that can lead to short-term wheezing, cough and chest tightness. However, the long-term effects of asthma are most concerning, and these include permanent scarring of the lungs that can occur over years of poorly controlled asthma symptoms. In order to maintain good control of asthma, the patient must team up with the allergist. I enjoy working with my asthma patients to help maintain their symptoms and minimize their exacerbations. As an asthma sufferer myself, I know how challenging this can be!”
“Working as a physician can be very rewarding. As an allergist, I have the opportunity to make a big difference in the daily quality of life for my patients.”
RECOMMENDED
SAFE RESTING
Before discussing medications with my patients, I always review home allergen avoidance measures—ways to decrease exposure to common allergens. One of the most effective measures to take, for dust mite-allergic patients, is placement of a dust mite cover on the mattress and/or pillow—two areas where dust mites love to live. By using a zippered cover, you can create an immediate barrier between yourself and the dust mites. The covers are placed underneath a pillowcase or sheets, so it is never noticed. The only thing a patient notices is reduced nasal congestion, sneezing, etc. These covers work really well!
SHARED TIP
Don’t forget about home allergen avoidance measures if you suffer from pollen, dander or mold allergies. I always talk about these measures before mentioning any medications. If you can avoid an allergic trigger, you may not even need medicine! A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can go a long way to reduce nasal congestion, a runny nose or sneezing. These filters are designed to collect and trap the smallest of airborne particles, even viruses. I’ve seen patients’ symptoms dramatically decrease after placing a HEPA filter in the home. I have one of these filters in my office and in my own home. If you’re considering a HEPA filter, the bedroom is the ideal room for placement. If you’re not sure what you’re allergic to, simple office-based allergy testing can identify your triggers.
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