Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medicine in the East of England 

Allergy & Clinical Immunology is a rapidly expanding specialty with the  increasing  prevalence and diagnosis of allergic disease. There is therefore a corresponding need for an expansion in the numbers of suitably trained specialist in area . There is a burgeoning knowledge base, but much remains to be learned so there are many research opportunities, particularly in clinical areas. 

Clinical knowledge and skills across a wide spectrum of systemic and organ specific pathophysiology are essential and contribute to the challenges of this specialty. It includes the application of a variety of interesting diagnostic techniques, challenge tests and treatments including immunotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. Novel therapies are constantly in development.

Specialty from a trainee perspective

Training is based in a single centre, normally a teaching hospital. In the east of England, trainees are based in Addenbrooke’s Hospital. From a trainee’s point of view, this is one of the best centres to train in the UK, as it is a centre of excellence, with consultants who are leaders in the field of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, but are supportive and easily approachable. As a trainee you are encouraged to be involved in research, and gain a lot of experience within both fields.

Typical timetable:

Advantages of Allergy & Clinical Immunology as a specialty

• Outpatient based specialty
• No on calls
• Varied clinical work - each day and clinic is different (immunotherapy, drug challenge, general allergy, difficult asthma)
• Incorporates many different specialties-immunology, respiratory, ENT, paediatric, dermatology, gastroenterology
• MDT approach - working with specialist nurses and consultants from other specialties
• Management of acute medicine e.g. treating anaphylaxis and exacerbation of asthma
• Single centre training- therefore do not have to rotate during the 5 years
• Part of training involves experience through short attachments in other specialties such as dermatology and immunology which may be at other centres
• Research - trainees are encouraged to take part in clinical research (writing papers  and higher degrees) and in teaching
• High demand - there is an increase in the incidence of allergic disorders and the need for specialists is increasing, which should mean increased training numbers and consultant posts in the future. New consultant posts are being created. 
• Job satisfaction- a large part of choosing a field is to have job satisfaction. Patients are very grateful as allergic disorders such as food allergy affect the activities of daily living.