Development of clinical immunology and allergy in the UK--common problems and solutions

Despite major advances in immunological science there is comparatively little expertise in clinical immunology in British medical schools and the health service. There is no logical reason why clinical immunology and allergy should be considered separately and a joint approach toward the correction of these deficiencies is required. The most immediate service needs are for the appointment of more laboratory-based consultant immunologists to develop and coordinate clinical services in each centre in conjunction with organ-based specialists who should receive specific training in immunology. Key developments in the science and technology of immunology point toward novel ways of diagnosing, treating, and preventing immunological disorders. Academic units have an important role in exploiting these basic advances as speedily and effectively as possible and teaching contemporary immunology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A reduction in the morbidity of any of the common immunologically-mediated diseases would produce considerably savings for the health service.