About
Dr. Peter Ho 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Ho’s focus is on the accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive management of a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment strategies.
He earned his MB BS degree from the University of New South Wales (United Kingdom). Following his initial medical qualification, he completed residency training, typically in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, and subsequently pursued a specialized fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Dr. Ho is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and adherence to Canadian standards of practice.
Dr. Ho’s professional philosophy centers on delivering precise diagnosis and personalized management plans for each patient. He is dedicated to empowering his patients with knowledge about their conditions and self-management strategies. Utilizing the latest evidence-based approaches and advancements in allergy and immunology, his goal is to improve quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. He works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and integrated care, providing all patient communication and care primarily in English. Dr. Ho is committed to the health and well-being of his patients in Vancouver, offering thorough and compassionate allergy and immunology services.
Dr. Peter Ho provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Skin Allergies and Dermatitis
Dr. Ho manages inflammatory skin conditions often triggered or exacerbated by allergic reactions to environmental substances, foods, or direct contact with irritants/allergens.
- Angioedema: Requires prompt evaluation and management, including emergency preparedness.
- Urticaria (Hives) - Acute and Chronic: Can be triggered by allergens, infections, medications, or be idiopathic (unknown cause).
- Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): Management includes avoiding the offending substance and using topical treatments.
Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies
Dr. Ho manages venom immunotherapy can be life-saving for severe insect sting allergies.
- Latex Allergy: Symptoms can range from skin irritation to anaphylaxis upon contact or inhalation of latex particles.
- Mast Cell Disorders (e.g., Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Diagnosis can be complex and may involve tryptase levels and bone marrow biopsy.
- Insect Sting Allergies (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, Fire Ant): Diagnosis involves skin testing or blood tests for venom-specific IgE.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Dr. Ho manages patients who often experience recurrent, severe, or unusual infections, requiring specialized diagnosis and management.
- Humoral (Antibody) Deficiencies: Leads to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, especially of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Peter Ho is necessary.
- Asthma Diagnosis and Management: Comprehensive care for asthma, including diagnosis, personalized treatment plans with inhalers and other medications.
- Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Identification of potential triggers (allergic or non-allergic).
- Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis: Helps pinpoint triggers for skin rashes.
- Management of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Sinusitis: Improving quality of life for patients with respiratory allergies.
- Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma: Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you can exhale.
- 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.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Ho.
All allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) 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. Ho primarily practices at an allergy and immunology clinic situated in Vancouver's vibrant neighbourhoods of Renfrew-Collingwood West and Killarney East. The clinic is conveniently located near the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood, easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront) services. The facility is fully equipped to conduct allergy testing and consultations in a professional, welcoming environment. Patients can expect a supportive setting with convenient parking options nearby, ensuring easy access for those seeking expert allergy and immunology care in Vancouver.
- What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Ho?
- If an immunodeficiency is suspected (e.g., due to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections), Dr. Ho will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically involves a detailed medical and family history, a 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.
- What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Ho specialize in?
- An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Ho, is a medical doctor (MD) who has specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders. This includes conditions like hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives, primary immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases with immunologic components. Dr. Ho specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- Does Dr. Ho offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?
- Yes, Allergist / Immunologists like Dr. Ho often prescribe and manage allergen immunotherapy. This treatment, available as allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or under-the-tongue tablets/drops (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT for certain allergens), helps your body build tolerance to specific allergens over time, reducing symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma, or insect sting allergies. He can determine if immunotherapy is a suitable option for you. Dr. Ho specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- Are services from Dr. Ho covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Ho, such as consultations, diagnostic allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens when indicated), and management of asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). Consultations with an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Ho, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens) and management of conditions like asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) and some newer biologic medications may have specific coverage criteria or require special authorization. It is recommended to confirm coverage details with Dr. Ho's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What types of allergy testing does Dr. Ho perform?
- To diagnose allergies, Dr. Ho can utilize various testing methods. These often include skin tests for common environmental and food allergens, blood tests to measure allergy antibodies, and sometimes patch tests for skin contact allergies. The specific tests chosen will depend on your medical history and symptoms.
- How does Dr. Ho help manage food allergies?
- For food allergies, Dr. Ho focuses on precise diagnosis, clear guidance on avoiding the trigger food(s), and ensuring you are prepared for accidental exposures with an emergency plan and epinephrine. Ongoing support and education for patients and families are key components of care.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Ho?
- Dr. Ho 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. Dr. Ho specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
3-3039 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5J6
Office Phone: (604) 430-1438 | Office Fax: (604) 343-2960
Dr. Ho is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Ho, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Ho's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/353818/Ho%2CPeter