Kandice VincentLiving with allergies can make you feel like a vampire constantly avoiding garlic or a cat coughing on its fur… but that barely scratches the surface.
Allergy specialists, or allergists, are medical experts who diagnose, treat, and help manage a wide range of conditions, including allergies, asthma, eczema, and more. They devise personalised treatment plans using medications, lifestyle adjustments, and lab tests like immunotherapy to improve your quality of life. With expert help from these reputable physicians, you can finally stop and smell the flowers.
How Much Does It Cost to Consult An Allergy Specialist in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting an allergy specialist as long as you provide your provincially-registered health card.Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
How We Chose the Best Allergy Specialists in Toronto
1. Dr. Gordon Sussman
Dr. Gordon Sussman, a seasoned medical professional, is the visionary behind Sussman Allergy, a renowned medical centre with over 30 years of service. It comprises a clinical practice with three physicians, a research centre (notably where DBV Technologies developed Viaskin), and a lab for allergy injections for immunotherapy patients.
Additionally, Dr. Sussman is a clinical immunologist and allergist at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto St Michael’s Hospital, and the University Health Network, and an associate professor at U of T, adding to his extensive experience.
Dr. Sussman is recognised for his significant contributions to his field, particularly his groundbreaking studies on rubber latex allergy, which led to a decrease in its use in hospitals worldwide. He and his team were also the first to discover that chronic hives aren’t linked to food allergies.
Pros
- Well-rounded in clinical practice, research, and education
- Well-respected physician in his field
- Over 40 years of experience in practice
- Actively contributes to medical advancement
- Impressive record of successful cases
Cons
- Hard to schedule due to high demand
- Unorganised office operations
- Some patients note a lack of bedside manners
Patient Reviews
A brilliant allergist, seeing him was worth the wait
“Dr. Sussman is a brilliant allergist, seeing him was worth the wait. He cares for his patients and he is knowledgeable in treating my ongoing unique condition. His staff is always friendly and went above and beyond in assisting me despite being extremely busy and bombarded.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Continuously follows up regarding my well-being
“Dr. Sussman is a caring, compassionate gentleman. He is very much in demand because he is the best. He takes the time to explain everything thoroughly and continuously follows up regarding my well-being. He gives me hope when hope is needed!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
2. Dr. Jason K. Lee
Dr. Jason K. Lee is a distinguished medical doctor who is the founder and one of the managing partners of Toronto Allergists, a group of physicians who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergy diseases and asthma. He was also affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital and North York General Hospital after obtaining two fellowships. This includes an Internal Medicine fellowship at the University of British Columbia and a Clinical Immunology and Allergy fellowship at the University of Toronto.
Notably, Dr. Lee is deeply involved in clinical trials, having published research involving urticaria, asthma, chronic cough, and eczema. This includes a ground-breaking study on the use of dupilumab, typically used for eczema, for patients with chronic urticaria who failed in responding to omalizumab. Thanks to his extensive background in research, he has played a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients with rare conditions.
Pros
- Has experience with a wide range of allergy diseases
- Solid network of medical affiliations
- Sought-after expert and speaker
- Committed and goal-oriented approach
- Consistently provides effective treatments
Cons
- Some delayed call-backs for appointments
- Complaints of unorganised info dissemination
Patient Reviews
He is calm to speak to and listens to any concerns, just overall professional!
“I went to Dr Lee and it was probably the best medical experience I’ve ever had. He explains how allergies actually affect the body and the changes that happen over time. He is calm to speak to and listens to any concerns, just overall professional! The wait times in the office are minimal if any. Staff are courteous and accurate.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Goes above and beyond any reasonable expectation for the care of his patients
“Dr. Lee is an amazing professional and human being, who goes above and beyond any reasonable expectation for the care of his patients. He has been managing my immunodeficiency for several years, coordinating with my hematologist at St. Michael’s, and very patiently addressed my concerns and made referrals as needed. He started me on sub-cutaneous IgG a few years ago, and that has helped reduce my previous recurrent infections.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr. Philip C. Ho
Dr. Philip C. Ho is an established specialist with a medical background dating back to the 70s. He earned his medical degree from the University of Hong Kong and furthered his journey in Toronto, becoming a fellow in Pediatrics at SickKids and achieving a diplomate designation from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Soon after, he engaged in clinical research at the Department of Immunology and Division of Clinical Allergy under SickKids. He has also co-published studies, some included in Comprehensive Immunology, a popular textbook on immunology.
Armed with extensive knowledge in his field, Dr. Ho has earned the trust of several patients over the years. He’s particularly known for his innovative approach and unwavering determination in diagnosing and developing unique treatment plans for each patient. This has earned him a reputation for providing effective strategies for managing a wide range of allergic diseases.
Pros
- Exhaustive and methodical diagnostics
- Optimises each appointment
- Develops holistic and detailed treatment plans
- Has a record of successful results
- Efficient and organised clinic staff
Cons
- Doesn’t offer immunotherapy injections
- Hit-or-miss bedside manners
- Particular with answers, may come off dismissive
Patient Reviews
He is kind, patient, thorough, and effective
“Dr. Phillip Ho helped me deal with chronic allergies I thought could not be cured and which were affecting my daily life to the point where I was using several boxes of tissues a week. He is kind, patient, thorough, and effective. Unlike many other doctors, he does not rush you through the appointment and takes the time to ask you what seems to be an exhaustive list of questions… He and his very competent staff are well worth it!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
4. Dr. Amiirah Aujnarain
Dr. Amiirah Aujnarain is both an allergist and pediatrician with a sunny personality. Similarly, she boasts a shining medical background from McMaster University, where she graduated with a master’s in immunology with distinction. Later, she earned her medical degree at the University of Ottawa in 2014 and completed her residency at SickKids, with sub-specialty training in their Allergy and Immunology program.
You can find Dr. Aujnarain at Kindercare’s Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) program where she excels at food immunotherapy for children with confirmed allergies. The program aims to desensitise patients by administering maintenance doses of their food allergens over a 6 to 12-month period. Additionally, she treats adults at Toronto Allergists using the same method.
As a delightful side note, Dr. Aujnarain shares helpful info about allergies on her Tik-Tok.
Pros
- Active in research for new therapies
- Specialises in biologic therapy for allergic diseases
- Warm and upbeat approach
- Proactive with follow-up care
- Short wait times
Cons
- Curt and unapproachable for some adult patients
- Some reports of rushed appointments
Patient Reviews
She was so patient, so kind… her warmth radiates throughout the clinic
“I traveled 5 hours to see Dr. Aujnarain from the north, and it was well worth the effort. She was so patient, so kind. Took her time in explaining my allergy test results in a way I could understand. Very knowledgeable and did I mention kind? Her warmth radiates throughout the clinic. I immediately felt comfortable discussing my various health conditions with her. Would highly recommend this Specialist to family and friends!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Very knowledgeable and patient… she took the time to explain everything
“Dr. Aujnarain was a breath of fresh air following a couple of experiences with other allergists that we’ve had. I brought in my son, who has been struggling with allergies for a few years now. Dr. A was very knowledgeable and patient. She took the time to explain everything and had a great sense of humour with my son, cheering him up and making sure he was completely comfortable the whole time.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
5. Dr. David Fahmy
Dr. David Fahmy completed his master’s in Health Science Education and a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at McMaster University, where he serves as an assistant professor and program director. Additionally, he completed a residency in internal medicine at U of T.
Today, he shares his expertise between two cities, making his services more accessible. He practises in Hamilton at the McMaster University Medical Centre and McMaster Downtown Ambulatory Care Clinic, as well as in Toronto at the Silver Birch Allergy Clinic and Toronto Allergists.
Despite his multiple locations, Dr. Fahmy takes great pride in dedicating time to patients and being punctual. He covers various common allergy diseases, including anaphylaxis, hives, and asthma, for both pediatric and adult patients. Moreover, he specialises in treating food, insect, and environmental allergies with a focus on immunotherapy.
Pros
- Treats a wide range of allergy diseases
- Wide reach with many clinic affiliations
- Kind and thorough during appointments
- Consistently punctual
Cons
- Not recommended for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
- Limited to general allergy diseases
Patient Reviews
Really took the time to look into my condition and find the best treatment!
“I had a great experience with Dr.Fahmy. I’ve been dealing with abdominal swells for years now, and Dr.Fahmy was finally able to diagnose me with Familial Mediterranean Fever. The diagnosis process has been so long and frustrating… Dr.Fahmy’s resident and himself really took the time to look into my condition and find the best treatment!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
A truly helpful and caring doctor who wants the best for his patients
“I came to see Dr. Fahmy for severe food allergies, worried about my allergies and eczema. He is a truly helpful and caring doctor who wants the best for his patients. I would recommend him to anyone with allergic conditions!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
