How to Become An Immunologist In South Africa

An immunologist treats health issues brought on by immune system problems. Also known as allergists, immunologists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and work to prevent immune system disorders.

Is an immunologist a doctor?

An immunologist treats health issues brought on by immune system problems. Also known as allergists, immunologists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and work to prevent immune system disorders. You may see an immunologist if you have food or seasonal allergies, hay fever, eczema or an autoimmune disease.

What is a immunologist doctor?

An allergist / immunologist (commonly referred to as an allergist) is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders including primary immunodeficiency disorders.

What does an immunologist study?

Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.

Who Employs Immunologists? Where Do They Work?

There are a number of organizations within clinical, academic and industrial settings that are interested in employing the skills, knowledge and competencies of immunologists, including:

Colleges and Universities: Academic institutions employ immunologists to undertake original research in the field of medicine and immunology, as well as to teach courses, and supervise graduate students in their research.

Hospitals and Clinics: Clinical immunologists are hired by healthcare facilities to diagnose patients that suffer from immunological disorders, as well as manage their care.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnical Companies: Immunologists are employed by pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies in order to help them further their understanding of the immune system; this knowledge can then be applied to researching and developing new medical products and therapies.

How to Become An Immunologist In South Africa

Education Needed to Become an Immunologist

To get a job as an immunologist you need an advanced degree, specifically a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree. Scientific research immunologists are required to have a Ph.D., while physicians are required to have an M.D. as well as two to three more years of specialty training and study in an immunology program.

If you start taking an interest in this field as a possible profession during your undergraduate or high school years, be sure to take courses in university that will allow you to develop a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics.

General Job Description of an Immunologist

Immunologists are responsible for studying the functions of the body’s immune system for the purpose of developing new medical therapies, treatments and vaccines, and for finding ways to improve methods for treating different conditions.

In order to effectively develop these new products and methods, immunologists must investigate the development and effects of abnormal immune responses from the body, which are associated with a variety of conditions including autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, allergies and transplant rejection.

Typical Job Duties

• Plan and perform experiments and studies

• Analyze and interpret the results of studies

• Prepare detailed reports based on the results of studies

• Present reports at conventions, seminars, universities and other appropriate platforms

• May confer with general physicians regarding a patient’s medical history

• Examine patients

• Diagnose and treat a wide variety of immune system disorders

Certification Needed to Become an Immunologist

Certification in South Africa: To gain a Certificate of Special Competence in Clinical Immunology and Allergy in South Africa, you must first complete an M.D. program.

Upon completion of an M.D. program, you must complete 2 years of approved residency in immunology and allergy, not more than one of which may be undertaken during training for certification in pediatrics or internal medicine.

Skills Required to Become an Immunologist

To be an effective immunologist, you’ll need a certain set of skills, in addition to your specialized knowledge and training. These skills include:

Patience: Immunologists need to have patience in the work activities; compiling data, analyzing the data, and preparing well articulated scientific reports can take time, and be very frustrating.

Communication Skills: Being able to properly communicate findings to other professionals in the field of immunology (and general medicine) is a crucial part of being an immunologist.

Organization: Sometimes the daily tasks of immunologists can be overwhelming; it is important to stay organized and have work prioritized.

Computer Skills: Being proficient in the use of computers is very important for immunologists, as they must use them for keeping track of data and communicating with other immunologists and professionals in their field.

Stamina: The work of immunologists can be very demanding, and they must be able to remain focused and have the ability to pay attention to details after working for several hours.

How many years does it take to become an immunologist In South Africa?

All told, becoming an immunologist requires at least 9 years of post-baccalaureate education. Scientific research and university faculty positions require a Ph.

Where can I study immunology in South Africa?

Here are the best global universities for immunology in South Africa

University of Cape Town.

University of Witwatersrand.

University of KwaZulu Natal.

Stellenbosch University.

University of Pretoria.

What qualifications do you need to become an immunologist In South Africa?

NHS clinical immunologists usually need a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject. Most biomedical scientists enter with a degree in biomedical science with a specialty in immunology. Some jobs, especially those based in universities, need a postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD.

How much do immunologist make in South Africa?

R2,591,871 (ZAR)/yr.

Is an immunologist a doctor In South Africa?

An immunologist treats health issues brought on by immune system problems. Also known as allergists, immunologists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and work to prevent immune system disorders. You may see an immunologist if you have food or seasonal allergies, hay fever, eczema or an autoimmune disease.

How hard is Immunology In South Africa?

The students found immunology to be complex and difficult to relate to clinically. They also indicated that they are less likely to apply learnt immunological principles/concepts in their future practice of medicine. Immunology is a challenging subject that may be overwhelming for medical students.

What does an immunologist study In South Africa?

Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.

How much do immunologist make per month?

In private medical institutions like Fortis Healthcare or Siemens Healthineers, the salaries of radiologists tend to be just as high or even higher than those offered by government medical colleges. ₹ 1.5 lakhs per month is a common standard remuneration provided in respected private medical establishments.

What does an immunologist do daily In South Africa?

Medical immunologists typically work in private offices, clinics or hospitals, coordinating with other providers to diagnose and treat immunological issues. Job duties include conducting and evaluating diagnostic tests, balancing risks and benefits to establish treatment plans and conducting immunological therapies.