The job description of an allergist involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic reactions often stemming from medical conditions such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. The education to become an allergist involves a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, four years of medical school, and up to eight years of internship and residency. You will need to take a regional test to obtain your general physician’s license, as well as at least one additional test for certification in allergy. Continuing medical education will be required to maintain your license so that you can keep pace with developments in the field. Aside from the education and licensure requirements, the possession of certain physical, mental, and social attributes will be an asset.
The prerequisites for entering medical school to become an allergist involve both academic and non-academic requirements. Academics involved in a pre-medicine major involve courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to provide a solid scientific foundation, as well as classes in mathematics and other subjects. In addition to formal studies, many students volunteer or do internships in medical clinics or facilities to gain experience. As entrance into medical schools is competitive, the admission process will involve consideration of non-academic factors, such as leadership skills, character, and extracurricular activities.
Once you have started medical school, your preparation in order to become an allergist will take the form of formal studies as well as laboratory and hands-on experience. Aside from acquiring in-depth knowledge of medical science, you will learn to work with patients and other medical professionals. This practical experience will involve the application of your knowledge to make diagnoses and determine treatment. Portions of time called rotations will be spent in each major medical discipline.
In addition to education and training, certain personal characteristics are needed if you want to become an allergist. Physical endurance is required because of the difficulty involved in preparation, as well as the long hours of the work itself. Mental essentials include good problem solving skills, clear thinking, and logical reasoning. Advantageous personality characteristics involve compassion, composure, and good people skills since you will be treating patients who will be suffering from a variety of serious ailments. Being investigative and a good problem solver will also be advantageous, since allergists must consider the patient’s medical history as well as home and work environment when making a diagnosis.
