June 02, 2026
Mayo Clinic's Allergic Diseases program in Rochester, Minnesota, has been designated a World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence. This distinction places the program among a select group of global leaders in allergy and clinical immunology and further validates its commitment to advancing patient care, research and education in a rapidly evolving specialty.
The WAO Center of Excellence designation is awarded to institutions that demonstrate sustained excellence in managing complex and refractory allergic conditions, contributing meaningful scientific advancements and disseminating knowledge through structured educational initiatives. WAO Centers of Excellence function as both a referral hub for challenging cases and a driver of innovation in the field.
Managing complex conditions
Allergic diseases that appear refractory to standard evaluation and management protocols commonly require coordinated expertise among specialties such as pulmonology, dermatology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology and other multidisciplinary services. Mayo Clinic's team approach and the integration of Allergic Diseases within the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine facilitate this collaboration, enabling comprehensive evaluation and management of complex conditions such as severe asthma, drug hypersensitivity, refractory chronic rhinosinusitis and immunologic syndromes.
"This WAO Center of Excellence designation underscores the strength of our integrated, multidisciplinary model of care, ensuring that patients benefit from seamless coordination among experts, which is central to achieving optimal outcomes," says Elina Jerschow, M.D., M.S., chair of Allergic Diseases at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Accelerating scientific advancements
Mayo Clinic Allergic Diseases has an active and collaborative research portfolio spanning clinical trials, translational research and population health studies. Investigators are contributing to advances in biologic therapies, drug desensitization protocols and the understanding of immune mechanisms underlying allergic disease.
"Our research efforts are closely integrated with clinical care, allowing us to accelerate the development of new therapies and refine how we manage complex allergic diseases to efficiently and directly benefit patients," says Thanai Pongdee, M.D., an allergist-immunologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Disseminating knowledge through education
Mayo Clinic Allergic Diseases provides a robust educational environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary training. Fellows and residents benefit from structured exposure to a vast array of specialties, reflecting the multisystem nature of allergic disease. This cross-training model fosters a deeper understanding of complex pathophysiology while strengthening clinical decision-making across specialties. Learners are embedded in a collaborative care setting, participating in multidisciplinary case discussions and gaining experience with both common and highly complex conditions. The result is a training experience that prepares clinicians to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care and to adapt to the evolving landscape of allergy and immunology. The program also prioritizes continuing medical education for its faculty.
"By investing in lifelong learning and fostering collaboration across disciplines, our program ensures that both trainees and faculty remain at the forefront of innovation, continuously advancing the quality of care for patients with allergic and immunologic diseases," explains John B. Hagan, M.D., an allergist-immunologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
A trusted partner
The WAO Centers of Excellence designation signals a commitment to maintaining rigorous standards over time. These centers are expected to demonstrate ongoing productivity, quality improvement and engagement with the global allergy community. As the Allergic Diseases program celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, its goal is to continue to establish and promote international standards for the evaluation and management of allergic diseases.
"We are honored to help fulfill the purpose of the WAO Centers of Excellence — to intensify and accelerate multidisciplinary scientific and clinical innovation, education and advocacy worldwide — and to serve as a trusted partner in managing challenging allergic diseases," Dr. Jerschow says.
For more information
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.