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What does an Immunologist do?

Mandi Rogier
Mandi Rogier

An immunologist is a medical specialist who works with the immune system, the system in the body responsible for protecting it from infection and disease. The branch of medical science that this individual works in is known as immunology. The field requires an understanding of a variety of scientific fields, chief among them biology and chemistry.

A Ph.D. or M.D. is required to become an immunologist, with the specific degree required depending on the area of work. In the US, the American Board of Allergy and Immunology certifies these professionals.

Immunologists develop and administer medicines that can aid unhealthy immune systems.
Immunologists develop and administer medicines that can aid unhealthy immune systems.

When someone talks about an immunologist, he is usually thinking of the specialist who works in hospitals and medical offices, treating patients. This type of doctor holds a medical degree as either a general practice physician or pediatrician, but has specialized training in immunology. This medical professional will typically treat patients with autoimmune disorders or complicated allergies.

Pediatricians can specialize in immunology.
Pediatricians can specialize in immunology.

Allergic reactions of all types fall under this specialty. Patients may experience respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, or skin rashes. There are allergies for everything from drugs and food to environmental factors, such as pollen or even the sun.

Not all immunologists treat patients directly, and some focus on scientific research. These professionals direct their attention toward finding new treatments for various disorders of the immune system. They also perform continuing research to better understand this part of the body. A scientific researcher will work primarily within a laboratory setting.

Immunologists work on different ways to help people combat allergies.
Immunologists work on different ways to help people combat allergies.

Some immunology professionals may also choose to split their work between hands-on practice and research. They might spend part of their time in a laboratory performing research and put that research into practice by treating patients. Such individuals would likely specialize in a very specific area rather than working with all types of immunological disorders.

Scientific researchers must have an in-depth understanding of their area of study. A medical degree is not required for those who do not work directly with patients, but they are required to have a Ph.D. in their field.

Immunologists might work to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
Immunologists might work to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

A third option for immunologists is a career in education. As a college instructor, this person can educate the next generation of scientific researchers and immunological specialists. Those who are interested in teaching should have strong communication skills and the ability to share their knowledge clearly and effectively with others. This job requires either a Ph.D. or an M.D.

Discussion Comments

anon994198

Do Immunologists treat liver and spleen enlargement wherein laboratory test done to patient are all normal and the MRI and ultrasound results show the liver is really enlarged, but liver enzymes are normal and say the liver is functioning well?

anon316451

Does anybody happen to know if immunologists can help a Crohn's patient?

nextcorrea

Negative allergic reactions are fundamentally immune reactions so I would imagine that immunologists work with allergies in at least some capacity. You may want to contact an allergy clinic and see if the have an immunologists on staff. Surely they will have a dedicated allergy doctor that can help you with your condition.

They have made big breaks in allergy treatments lately and there is no reason to go on suffering

gravois

Do immunologists ever perform allergy testing? I have a terrible pollen allergy and I have been looking for any kind of relief for years. Maybe I need to see a specialist?

truman12

My dad has rheumatoid arthritis which is an auto immune disorder. He goes to see both an immunologist and a rheumatologist in order to get treatment. There seems to be some overlap between the expertise and the work that they do for my dad but I don''t know all the details.

What I can say for sure is that the treatment is working. Before my dad started seeing his 2 current doctors he was in almost constant, debilitating pain. Now, after only a few months with these doctors, he has a much greater quality of life and can do things that were impossible until only recently. A great doctor can really work miracles.

ZsaZsa56

Immunologists are really incredible doctors. There are so many conditions that effect the immune system in so many ways. The areas effected and the variety of symptoms are spread across a huge range. These kinds of doctors have to understand how every system in the body works because they are all subject to the forces of the immune system.

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    • Immunologists develop and administer medicines that can aid unhealthy immune systems.
      By: kyslynskyy
      Immunologists develop and administer medicines that can aid unhealthy immune systems.
    • Pediatricians can specialize in immunology.
      By: Magalice
      Pediatricians can specialize in immunology.
    • Immunologists work on different ways to help people combat allergies.
      By: volodina
      Immunologists work on different ways to help people combat allergies.
    • Immunologists might work to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
      By: Lsantilli
      Immunologists might work to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
    • An allergy immunology specialist helps patients to pinpoint the cause of their allergies.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      An allergy immunology specialist helps patients to pinpoint the cause of their allergies.