On TikTok and Instagram, Dr. Zachary Rubin has become a science-based viral sensation. The Illinois allergist gets our attention with his bow ties, head of unruly curls and, mostly, his compassionate explanations of all manner of allergy issues.
And now, the allergy communicator has published his first book, called All About Allergies. Allergic Living’s Editor Gwen Smith sits down with Dr. Rubin for an engaging video chat about the book – from what it covers to why he felt it was essential to write.
In the conversation, Dr. Rubin explains how his prolific work in social media has actually made him a better allergist. As well, it has brought him patient referrals from across the United States.
“A lot of my patients find me from social media, and they already know who I am. So when I meet them for the first time, we’ve already established a rapport, a type of relationship already built on trust,” Dr. Rubin says in the video.
“Because I make it a point that when I create content, that it’s evidence-based, nuanced and cuts through the fear and misinformation.”
Allergies as Butt of Jokes
It took him a year to write All About Allergies, which is already a bestseller. Dr. Rubin says he is now spending a lot of time promoting “and explaining to people why this resource matters.” He is determined to change the way allergic diseases are so often spoken of, so often trivialized.
“Especially food allergies and asthma are often the butt of jokes, and that is stemming from the fact that people just don’t understand the nuance and the way that these diseases can impact people,” he tells Gwen. “It’s not just a minor nuisance, but can be a potentially life-threatening situation.”
On food allergy testing, he warns against broad panel testing. He cautions that can lead to false positives and extra food avoidance in patients who already have a few allergies to deal with.
Gwen and Dr. Rubin also discuss that in the book, he takes the time to explain the basic mechanisms of the immune system and how allergies arise. As well, Dr. Rubin gives his views on the widespread hesitation to use epinephrine when it’s needed in an allergic reaction.
We hope you enjoy this thought-provoking video. The book All About Allergies is published by Plume, an imprint of Penguin Random House. It can be found at your favorite online or retail bookseller. Find Dr. Rubin at @Rubin_Allergy online.
Related Reading:
Dr. Rubin’s Take: It’s Time to Move on From Benadryl for Allergies
Dr. Rubin’s Take: There’s No Such Thing as a Hypoallergenic Dog
