The 2 Best Allergists in Nashville, TN
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists practicing in Nashville and Brentwood.
If over-the-counter antihistamines stopped working, or your symptoms run for months instead of weeks, a board-certified allergist-immunologist can test what you actually react to and treat the cause. That includes immunotherapy, which lowers your sensitivity over three to five years. Our editors picked the 2 specialists below from the wider Tennessee list based on board certification, hospital and academic affiliations, and peer recognition.
Allergists in Nashville at a Glance
- Specialists listed:
- 2, all board-certified in Allergy & Immunology
- Areas covered:
- Nashville and Brentwood
- Practices:
- Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus & Allergy Program, Heritage Medical Associates
- Local pollen season:
- Middle Tennessee tree season runs March through May with oak, hickory, and maple. Grass takes over in late May, and ragweed peaks in September. The Cumberland Basin holds it in place on still days.
Compare Nashville Allergists
| Allergist | Practice | Location | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derek A. Damin, MD | Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus & Allergy Program | Nashville, TN | Asthma, Allergic rhinitis, Drug allergy |
| Jennifer P. Ker, MD, MS | Heritage Medical Associates | Brentwood, TN | Asthma, Eczema, Food allergy |
- 1
Derek A. Damin, MD
Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus & Allergy Program
Nashville, TN
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineFellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI)Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FACAAI)AAAAI Teaching Allergist of the Year Award recipientAssistant Clinical Professor, University of Louisville School of MedicineDr. Damin completed his fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has practiced at Vanderbilt for over 20 years, also maintaining appointments at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. He has received the AAAAI Teaching Allergist of the Year Award, reflecting his commitment to medical education.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Allergic rhinitis · Drug allergy · Pediatric and adult allergy
Visit practice website → - 2
Jennifer P. Ker, MD, MS
Heritage Medical Associates
Brentwood, TN
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI)Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FACAAI)Dr. Ker completed both her Pediatrics residency and Allergy-Immunology fellowship at Vanderbilt University, where she received the Samuel R. Marney Jr. Award. She serves on the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods committee and has collaborated with the Tennessee Department of Health to update school guidelines for food allergy treatment.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Eczema · Food allergy · Allergic rhinitis · Sinusitis
Visit practice website →
Allergy Season in Nashville
Middle Tennessee tree season runs March through May with oak, hickory, and maple. Grass takes over in late May, and ragweed peaks in September. The Cumberland Basin holds it in place on still days.
Bring dates to your appointment. An allergist can narrow the list of suspects much faster when you can say “this started the second week of April” and match it against what was actually in the air.
- Today's pollen count in Nashville for tree, grass, and weed levels plus a 5-day forecast
- Nashville air quality for ozone and particle pollution, which make pollen symptoms worse
How We Picked These Nashville Allergists
Our editorial team reviewed allergy and immunology specialists practicing across Middle Tennessee and selected these 2 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 treating allergy and asthma patients
- Coverage across the metro, so the list is not all one hospital system
These listings are editorial picks, not paid placements or medical endorsements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Availability, insurance participation, and credentials change. Verify directly with the practice before booking. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best allergists in Nashville?
Our editors picked 2 board-certified allergist-immunologists practicing in Middle Tennessee: Derek A. Damin, MD at Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus & Allergy Program in Nashville; Jennifer P. Ker, MD, MS at Heritage Medical Associates in Brentwood. All are board-certified in Allergy & Immunology.
When is allergy season in Nashville?
Middle Tennessee tree season runs March through May with oak, hickory, and maple. Grass takes over in late May, and ragweed peaks in September. The Cumberland Basin holds it in place on still days.
See today's pollen count in Nashville →Do I need a referral to see an allergist in Nashville?
That depends on your insurance plan, not your city. Most PPO plans let you book straight with an allergist. HMO plans usually want a referral from your primary care doctor first. Call the practice or your insurer before you book.
How much does an allergist visit cost in Nashville?
A first visit with a specialist typically runs $150 to $300 without insurance, and skin testing for a panel of environmental allergens usually adds $200 to $1,000 depending on how many allergens are tested. With insurance you pay your specialist copay, though testing is often billed separately. Ask the office for a cost estimate and their billing codes when you book.
What should I bring to my first allergist appointment?
Bring a list of your symptoms and the dates they flared, every medication you take including over-the-counter ones, your insurance card, and any past test results. Stop antihistamines 5 to 7 days before skin testing, since they can blunt the results. Confirm the exact timing with the office.
Check Nashville pollen levels to match your flare dates →Are these Nashville allergists accepting new patients?
That changes month to month, so call the practice to check. These are editorial picks, not paid placements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Verify current credentials, availability, and insurance participation directly with the office before you book.
Allergists in Nearby Cities
Before You Call
Start a symptom log this week. Note the day, what you felt, and what the pollen count was. Two or three weeks of that turns a vague “my allergies are bad” into something an allergist can work from.
- Check Nashville pollen levels today
- See all Tennessee allergists
- Read our allergy guides on symptoms, seasons, and relief