The allergist in the new millennium

Allergy and immunology emerged as a distinct research area and clinical spe cialty in the early 20th century. As the 21st century approaches, the evolu tion of clinical and academic life in American medicine produces unique cha llenges for this field and its practitioners, educators, and investigators. How we reached our current state and a personal view of the future for the clinician and the academician in this field are discussed.