Immunology

What is an immunologist?

An immunologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the immune system, how it functions and what happens when it malfunctions. The immune system is made up of organs, cells, and proteins that work to defend the body against infection and illness. 

What do immunologists do?

Immunologists provide a wide range of services to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of the immune system. Our immunologists are leaders in their field with specific interests that span autoimmune disease, allergic conditions, and complex biologic therapies. 

An immunologist is an expert in:

• Allergy diagnosis and treatment, including allergies to food, drugs, and insects, anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis (hayfever), eczema, and allergy-related asthma
• Management of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, vasculitis, and other connective tissue diseases
• Treating immunodeficiency disorders, whether caused by a genetic condition (primary immunodeficiencies) or by an infection, reaction to medication, or due to another disease (secondary immunodeficiencies)
• Diagnostic testing through skin prick tests, blood tests for immune function and allergy markers, and genetic testing for inherited immune disorders

Our immunologists are also passionate about helping patients understand their condition, creating personalised treatment plans, and coordinating care with GPs and other specialists.

Reasons to see an immunologist

We commonly manage patients with a wide variety of immune-related conditions ranging from hayfever to life-threatening anaphylaxis and chronic autoimmune diseases. 

Common reasons to come under the care of an immunologist include for treatment of:

• Severe or persistent allergies to food, drugs, insect venom, or environmental triggers
• Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring urgent diagnosis and long-term management
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and vasculitis, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues
• Primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders involving frequent or severe infections due to a weakened or malfunctioning immune system
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as immune-related urticaria (hives)
• Asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema), especially when linked to allergies or not responding to standard treatments
• Unexplained symptoms such as recurrent fevers, rashes, or inflammation that may suggest immune system involvement
• Pre-transplant or post-transplant care, which requires evaluation and monitoring of immune function

Patients will also see an immunologist for treatment of certain conditions with biologic or immunosuppressive therapy.

Conditions not treated by an immunologist

• Chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome are not conditions treated at this practice.
• Immunologists do not primarily care for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, or autoimmune conditions mainly affecting the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthropathy. These conditions are treated by rheumatologists.

Do I need a referral to see an immunologist?

Yes, a valid referral from your GP or another specialist is needed to access a Medicare rebate. It also facilitates both the referring doctor and your immunologist in working together to provide you with the best care.

Meet Our Immunologists