Dr. Ann Elaine Clarke – Allergist / Immunologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Ann Elaine Clarke is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at an allergy and immunology clinic in Calgary in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Clarke’s focus is on accurately diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and immune disorders, utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and therapies to improve patient outcomes.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in 1984. Following her medical qualification, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. With extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology, she has become an experienced Allergist / Immunologist. Dr. Clarke holds all necessary certifications to practice in Alberta, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education in her field.

Driven by a philosophy of personalized and compassionate care, Dr. Clarke is dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses and tailored management plans for her patients. She empowers individuals with knowledge about their conditions and self-management strategies, utilizing evidence-based approaches and the latest advancements in allergy and immunology. Her goal is to enhance quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated treatment. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on respecting each patient's unique needs and concerns.

Dr. Ann Clarke provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Dr. Clarke manages patients often experience recurrent, severe, or unusual infections, requiring specialized diagnosis and management.

• Secondary Immunodeficiencies (e.g., due to HIV, Medications): Weakened immune function resulting from other diseases (like HIV/AIDS, certain cancers) or treatments (like chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroids, immunosuppressants).
• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD): Examples include Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), X-linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
• Recurrent Infections (Evaluation for Underlying Immunodeficiency): Investigation of individuals who suffer from infections more frequently, severely, or for longer durations than expected.

Respiratory Allergies

Dr. Clarke manages allergic reactions affecting the airways, commonly triggered by airborne allergens like pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Often coexists with allergic rhinitis.
• Allergic Asthma: Requires identification of allergic triggers and a comprehensive asthma management plan.
• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Treated with antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and allergen immunotherapy.

Skin Allergies and Dermatitis

Dr. Clarke manages inflammatory skin conditions often triggered or exacerbated by allergic reactions to environmental substances, foods, or direct contact with irritants/allergens.

• Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): Patch testing can help identify specific allergens in allergic contact dermatitis.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic, itchy inflammatory skin condition commonly starting in childhood, often associated with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma.
• Angioedema: Can occur with urticaria or independently, and may be allergic or hereditary.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Ann Clarke is necessary.

• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): A specialized treatment offered at select centres to desensitize individuals to specific food allergens by gradually ingesting increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision.
• Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Identification of potential triggers (allergic or non-allergic).
• Management of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Sinusitis: Management of chronic sinusitis related to allergies.
• Comprehensive Allergy and Immunology Consultation: Consultation for complex or difficult-to-manage allergic or immune disorders.
• Blood Tests for Allergy (e.g., Specific IgE testing): Useful when skin testing is not feasible or to supplement skin test results.
• Consultation for Autoimmune Conditions with Allergic/Immunologic Overlap: Often involves a multidisciplinary team approach.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Clarke.

Allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and relevant international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Clarke primarily practices at an allergy and immunology clinic located in the SW: Bankview, South Calgary (Marda Loop area) neighborhood of Calgary, Alberta. The clinic is conveniently situated near Chinook Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for those with mobility needs.

When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Clarke?

A consultation with Dr. Clarke is recommended if you need specialized allergy testing, are considering allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops), have a suspected immunodeficiency, or require expert management for conditions like anaphylaxis, chronic urticaria, or complex allergic disorders. Your primary care physician can help determine if a referral is appropriate.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Clarke?

Dr. Clarke treats a wide spectrum of allergic and immunologic conditions. Common ones include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergies, drug allergies, insect sting allergies, atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), angioedema, and primary immunodeficiency diseases. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Clarke?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Clarke for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Clarke has relevant medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your specific health concerns. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (403) 955-8196.

What types of allergy testing does Dr. Clarke perform?

Dr. Clarke may perform several types of allergy tests to help identify your specific triggers. The most common is skin prick testing, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin. Blood tests (like Specific IgE tests) may also be used. For contact dermatitis, patch testing might be done. Depending on the suspected allergy (e.g., food or drug), supervised oral challenges could be considered in a controlled setting. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Clarke?

If an immunodeficiency is suspected (e.g., due to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections), Dr. Clarke will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically involves a detailed medical and family history, physical examination, and specialized laboratory tests to assess different components of the immune system (like antibody levels, white blood cell counts and function). The goal is to identify any underlying immune system weakness and develop an appropriate management plan.

1820 Richmond Rd SW
Calgary, AB T2T 5C7

Office Phone: (403) 955-8920 | Office Fax: (403) 955-8196

Dr. Clarke is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Clarke, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Clarke's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ebe7c071-eed8-4fea-9e1b-7d97cbede0b1&i=304