Allergist Burnout & Workforce Trends: 2026 AAP Survey Data

Philadelphia — Despite more than four in ten allergists and immunologists reporting burnout, a recent survey reveals a surprisingly high level of career satisfaction within the specialty. The findings, presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting, offer a nuanced picture of the current workforce, highlighting both challenges and enduring fulfillment. This marks the first comprehensive AAP survey of allergists and immunologists since 1998, providing a crucial update on demographic shifts and professional experiences.

A Changing Landscape in Allergy and Immunology

The survey, encompassing 582 nonretired clinicians, indicates a growing diversity within the field. While 56.8% of respondents identified as male, the proportion of women practicing allergy and immunology has increased significantly since 1998, rising from 24% to 39%. Similarly, representation of clinicians identifying as Black increased from 1% to 2.2% and those of Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin grew from 4% to 5%. These demographic shifts reflect broader trends in medical education and practice, and signal a more inclusive professional environment. Previous research has already documented increasing equity for women in allergy and immunology training and faculty positions.

The practice landscape has too evolved. In 1998, solo practices were the most common setting for allergists and immunologists (30.4%). Now, specialty group practices are dominant, with 35.6% of respondents working in such environments, followed by academic institutions and hospitals. This shift suggests a trend toward consolidation and increased collaboration within the specialty.

Time Allocation and Professional Activities

The survey data reveals how allergists and immunologists allocate their time. A substantial 72.5% of clinician time is dedicated to direct patient care and related tasks. Additional time is spent on administration and leadership (9.2%), clinical research (6.3%), teaching (4.8%), basic science research (2.6%), and other medical work (2.5%). This breakdown underscores the multifaceted nature of the profession, extending beyond direct clinical duties.

The majority of respondents (81%) treat both adults and children, while the remaining 19% focus solely on adult patients. Practice locations are primarily suburban (52.6%), followed by urban (38%) and rural (6%) settings.

Burnout and Career Satisfaction: A Paradox?

Despite the high level of engagement in diverse professional activities, 41.7% of respondents reported experiencing burnout. This figure, while concerning, aligns with findings from other studies of physicians. The primary drivers of burnout identified in the survey include prior authorization and insurance hassles, documentation burdens, and work-life conflict – challenges familiar to many healthcare professionals. Strategies for navigating physician burnout have been explored in recent publications.

Interestingly, despite the prevalence of burnout, most respondents expressed satisfaction with their careers. A significant majority indicated they would choose their current specialty again if starting their careers anew. This suggests a deep-seated commitment to the field, even in the face of significant professional stressors.

Academic Appointments and Professional Memberships

The survey also examined academic affiliations. 41.2% of respondents hold academic appointments but are not on a tenure track, while 8.2% have tenure-track positions. The distribution of academic titles reflects a range of involvement in academic medicine, with assistant professor (37.7%), associate professor (26.3%), full professor (18.7%), and adjunct professor (7.3%) positions represented.

Professional engagement remains high, with 96.8% of respondents being members of the AAAAI. Membership in the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) was reported by 78.6%, and 26.7% held membership in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 95.2% of respondents reported board certification, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining professional standards.

Looking Ahead: Further Analysis and Workforce Planning

Dr. Theresa Bingemann, allergy and immunology fellowship program director at the University of Rochester Medical Center, emphasized the wealth of data collected in this survey. While her presentation at the AAAAI meeting focused on key demographic and practice trends, the survey also gathered information on training and certification, barriers to care, the importance of social determinants of health, telehealth, compensation, discrimination and harassment, retirement plans, educational debt, competition, and job choice.

“There’s a wealth of information that we’re hoping to publish,” Bingemann stated. Future publications will likely provide a more detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing allergists and immunologists, informing workforce planning and educational initiatives. The AAP plans to continue conducting workforce surveys to monitor trends and adapt to the evolving needs of the field.

For more information: Theresa Bingemann, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, can be reached at [email protected].