However, as children transition into adolescence, Wong’s role changes. “Part of the visits during adolescence is ensuring each patient really understands their conditions. I want to empower them to administer some treatments themselves, or ask questions about food allergens at a friend’s home or at restaurants,” she says.
As patients enter adulthood, Wong helps them assess drug allergies during pregnancy or how to treat their allergic or immunologic condition while experiencing other health conditions.
“I see a variety of patients in different life stages, with unique life circumstances, including their occupations, goals, and primary concerns,” says Wong. “To be able to provide lifelong, longitudinal care is very special and rewarding.”
In addition to her clinical work, Wong is actively involved in several quality improvement projects aimed at improving patient outcomes. For example, she led a quality improvement initiative in the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital to reduce the use of first-generation antihistamines, which are associated with adverse short- and long-term side effects. The study, which was recently published in Pediatrics, found that implementing a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative significantly reduced the use of first-generation antihistamines and increased the use of second-generation antihistamines, which are safer, better tolerated, and equally effective alternatives.
“Allergy and immunology is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving,” Wong says. “We have so much new information, which means that our recommendations to patients in terms of prevention and treatment are always evolving. It also means we need to ensure updated recommendations reach every patient.”
This commitment to evidence-based medicine is also central to her approach to training students, residents, and fellows. “Great teaching is so important to make sure our learners and trainees establish good evidence-based practices,” she says.
Wong originally came to Yale for her residency and subsequently completed her fellowship in allergy and immunology. “I have had wonderful mentors who guided me from day one in residency throughout my fellowship and transition to faculty,” Wong says. “Yale is such a collaborative and collegial community. The people make it feel like home and create a wonderful place to work.”
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