The 5 Best Allergists in Virginia
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists in Charlottesville, Richmond, Fredericksburg / Fairfax / Manassas.
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 Virginia 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 Virginia so you can tell your doctor what was in the air when your symptoms flared.
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Larry Borish, MD
UVA Division of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Charlottesville, VA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyProfessor of Medicine, University of VirginiaFellow of the AAAAIDr. Larry Borish is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia and has been named a Best Doctor in America in Allergy/Immunology continuously since 2005. He trained at Harvard and Boston University and leads UVA's Severe Asthma Clinic, seeing patients from across western Virginia and beyond who have failed conventional therapies. He holds joint appointments in the Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, Microbiology, and the Carter Immunology Center.
Areas of focus: Severe asthma · Chronic sinusitis · Immune deficiency
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Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD
UVA Division of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Charlottesville, VA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyProfessor of Medicine, University of VirginiaChief, Division of Asthma, Allergy & ImmunologyPresident and CEO, American Board of Allergy and ImmunologyDr. Michael R. Nelson joined UVA as Division Chief in 2020 after 25 years of decorated service in the U.S. Army medical corps, including roles at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He is a nationally recognized expert in allergen immunotherapy and individual extract preparation, and currently serves as President and CEO of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Areas of focus: Allergen immunotherapy · Allergic rhinitis · Asthma · Vaccine health
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Emily C. McGowan, MD, PhD
UVA Division of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Charlottesville, VA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified by the American Board of Internal MedicineAssociate Professor, University of VirginiaFellow of the AAAAIDr. Emily C. McGowan is an Associate Professor in UVA's Division of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology with fellowship training from Johns Hopkins and a PhD in clinical investigation from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She founded the UVA EoE Cohort Study in 2017, which follows over 300 patients, and has received NIH/NIAID funding for her research into eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease epidemiology and disparities.
Areas of focus: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) · Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders · Hypereosinophilic syndrome
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Anne-Marie A. Irani, MD
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU / VCU Medical Center
Richmond, VA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in PediatricsProfessor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityChair, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, VCUDr. Anne-Marie Irani is a Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and chairs the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at the Medical College of Virginia campus. She received her medical degree from the American University of Beirut and has been in practice for more than 20 years, with a nationally recognized research focus on mast cell biology and food allergy immunotherapy, including peanut allergy treatments.
Areas of focus: Food allergy immunotherapy · Pediatric allergy · Mast cell biology
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Andrew S. Kim, MD
Allergy & Asthma Centers
Fredericksburg / Fairfax / Manassas, VA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineMedical Director, Allergy & Asthma CentersDr. Andrew S. Kim is the Medical Director of Allergy & Asthma Centers, one of Northern Virginia's largest multi-location allergy practices, with offices in Lorton, Manassas, and Fredericksburg. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and completed his fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, where he earned the Pillsbury Fellow Award. He has been consistently recognized as a Top Doctor by both Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Allergic rhinitis · Food allergies · Immunotherapy
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How we chose the best allergists in Virginia
Our editorial team researched allergy and immunology specialists practicing across Virginia 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 Virginia'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 Virginia?
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 Virginia 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 Virginia.