The 5 Best Allergists in Rhode Island
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists in Providence, East Providence, Warwick / Providence, and beyond.
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren't cutting it anymore, a board-certified allergist-immunologist can pinpoint exactly what you're reacting to and build a treatment plan — including immunotherapy that can reduce your sensitivity for good. Our editors researched allergists across Rhode Island and curated the five standouts below based on board certification, affiliations, peer recognition, and patient reputation. Before your visit, check today's pollen levels in Rhode Island so you can tell your doctor what was in the air when your symptoms flared.
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Tao Zheng, MD
Brown University Health / Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, RI
Board-certified in Allergy & Immunology (Adult & Pediatric)Dr. Zheng is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine and Director of the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School, with 30 years of academic practice at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital. Before joining Brown, she held faculty positions at Johns Hopkins and Yale, and her laboratory focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression from eczema to asthma and food allergy.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Atopic dermatitis · Food allergies · Pediatric immunology · Translational allergy research
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Russell A. Settipane, MD
Allergy & Asthma Centers of Rhode Island
East Providence, RI
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineDr. Settipane is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School and co-director of the Asthma, Nasal Disease and Allergy Research Center of New England, which has conducted more than 150 clinical trials. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Food Allergy and Director of the Eastern Allergy Conference, and has published more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters.
Areas of focus: Allergic rhinitis · Asthma · Food allergies · Clinical research
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Marcella R. Aquino, MD, FACAAI
Brown University Health / Rhode Island Hospital & Hasbro Children's Hospital
Providence, RI
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the ACAAI (FACAAI)Dr. Aquino is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Clinician Educator at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School, practicing at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital. She is the recipient of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's 2024 Woman in Allergy Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field.
Areas of focus: Allergic skin disease · Atopic dermatitis · Drug allergy · Allergic contact dermatitis · Pediatric allergy
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John F. Zwetchkenbaum, MD
Allergy & Asthma Physicians of Rhode Island (AAPRI)
Warwick / Providence, RI
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyDr. Zwetchkenbaum is the founder and chief allergist of Allergy & Asthma Physicians of Rhode Island, the only practice in the state to offer oral immunotherapy for food allergy. He earned his BS from Brown University, his MD from Boston University, and completed his allergy/immunology fellowship at National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine. He was recognized with a 2026 TopDoc award.
Areas of focus: Food allergies · Oral immunotherapy (OIT) · Asthma · Allergic rhinitis
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Alan D. Gaines, MD
Allergy & Asthma Centers of Rhode Island
Cumberland / East Providence / Warwick, RI
Board-certified in Allergy & Immunology (Adult & Pediatric)Dr. Gaines holds a BS from MIT and earned his MD from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has been in private practice in Rhode Island since 1988 and joined the Allergy and Asthma Centers in 2000, where he sees patients at multiple locations across the state. He completed his fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.
Areas of focus: Adult and pediatric allergy · Asthma · Allergic rhinitis · Immunotherapy
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How we chose the best allergists in Rhode Island
Our editorial team researched allergy and immunology specialists practicing across Rhode Island and selected these five based on:
- Board certification in Allergy & Immunology (ABAI)
- Hospital and academic affiliations with respected medical centers
- Peer recognition, including Top Doctor awards and professional society roles
- Practice reputation and years of experience treating allergy and asthma patients
- Geographic spread across Rhode Island's major metro areas
These listings are editorial picks, not paid placements or medical endorsements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Physician availability, insurance participation, and credentials change — always verify directly with the practice before booking. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good allergist in Rhode Island?
Look for board certification in Allergy & Immunology, hospital or academic affiliations, and an established practice. Every allergist on this list was vetted against those criteria.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan, not the state. Most PPO plans let you book directly; HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care physician.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A list of your symptoms and when they occur, your current medications, your insurance card, and any relevant medical records. A symptom diary matched against local pollen counts is especially useful for diagnosing seasonal allergies.
Track Rhode Island pollen before your visit
Allergists can diagnose you faster when you know which days your symptoms flared and what was in the air. MyPollenPal tracks daily tree, grass, and weed pollen levels for cities across Rhode Island.