Becoming an allergist, a specialist in allergies and immunological diseases, requires a rigorous and structured educational path. This profession requires not only in-depth knowledge of immune mechanisms, but also the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of allergic conditions. Let's take a step-by-step look at the steps you need to take before you can practice this specialty, which is essential to the well-being of the French.
Initial stages of medical training to become an allergist
After high school
In our allergist job description, we discussed the academic route to becoming an allergist, but didn't go into any further detail. To enter higher education, the aspiring allergist must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:
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The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
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Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
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Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
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Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
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Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
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The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
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The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
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Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
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At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
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The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
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The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM): a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
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Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Examen Classant National (ECN)
After six years' study to become an allergist, students in the health field take part in a national competitive examination for all medical students. At the end of the examination, students choose their specialty. The order of priority is determined by ranking.
Specialization in allergology
Once this first cycle is complete, future allergists begin a phase of training focused on specialization. This lasts 4 years and is part of a co-DES in internal medicine and immunology. It includes practical internships in pneumology, dermatology, pediatrics and - of course - allergology. This period of specialization enables future allergists to focus on all the theoretical and practical fields specific to this discipline, while developing parallel and complementary knowledge. To complete this period, they must also defend a thesis.
Careers and professional opportunities in allergology
Once they have completed their specialization, allergists have a wide range of career opportunities available to them . They can work in hospitals, private practices or health centers. Some also choose to specialize further, focusing on specific areas such as pediatric allergy, food allergy or immunotherapy. Finally, they may decide to take an active part in research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge about allergic diseases and appropriate treatments.
In conclusion, the path to becoming an allergist is a long and demanding one, the only way to ensure total expertise in a subject that can put patients' lives at stake. From initial training to specialized studies, each stage is crucial to developing the skills needed for this profession. In return, allergists will enjoy a stimulating, well-paid career at the cutting edge of technological progress.
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