University of South Florida Health’s new Center for Allergic Diseases is offering a once-a-month clinic aimed at coordinating care for children with complex allergic conditions.
The clinic brings allergy, dermatology, gastroenterology and nutrition specialists together in one place for a single patient visit. Providers evaluate patients, discuss complex cases, and develop treatment plans for overlapping conditions.
Pediatricians say children with severe eczema can also experience food allergies, while patients with gastrointestinal issues may need to see an allergist. That’s why the clinic is designed to streamline care for those cases, by reducing the need for multiple appointments with different specialists.
“We saw the need to all come together to help these patients so that we could meet in person and have these conversations and again, make it very convenient for patients rather than scheduling three different appointments three different times,” said Dr. Sharon Albers, professor and director of the USF Health Pediatric Dermatology Department.
For Monkea Wilson, the coordinated approach has helped her family navigate care for her 11-month-old daughter, Malani. Malani was recently diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. Her condition is connected to food allergies.
“So, she was currently throwing up,” Wilson said. “She wasn’t really gaining any weight.”
Wilson said her daughter also needed care for her skin because she had severe eczema. The mother appreciates the convenience of the new clinic.
“I don’t have to scatter everywhere because at this point, I didn’t know where to go,” Wilson said.
Albers said the collaboration helps patients and providers.
“There was just not the connection that we wanted for each other and for the patients, and to bring all three of us together, sit in a room together and help these patients,” Albers said.
The clinic is currently focused on established USF Health patients, with plans to expand.
USF Health Center for Allergic Diseases providers include: Dr. Amber Pepper in allergy and immunology; Dr. Sharon Albers in dermatology and cutaneous surgery; and Dr. Racha Khalaf and Nicole Misner in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.