Dr. Peter Small – Allergist / Immunologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Peter Small is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at Hôp général juif - Sir M.B. Davis in Montréal, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment. As a skilled Allergist / Immunologist, he focuses on accurate diagnosis, tailored management strategies, and ongoing support for those living with allergies and immune disorders.

Dr. Small holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including a residency in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, followed by a specialized fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. With over 49 years of experience practicing as an Allergist / Immunologist since 1975, he has accumulated a wealth of clinical expertise. He has obtained the necessary certifications and maintains active involvement in professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in his field.

His professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. Dr. Small is dedicated to empowering patients with knowledge about their health, utilizing evidence-based approaches and the latest treatment options. His goal is to improve quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, integrated care. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Small provides allergy and immunology consultations and treatments in French, ensuring accessible communication for his diverse patient community.

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

Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies

Dr. Small manages allergic reactions to various specific triggers, including insect venoms, latex, or other less common allergens.

• Alpha-Gal Allergy (Red Meat Allergy): Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after meat consumption.
• Insect Sting Allergies (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, Fire Ant): Allergic reactions to the venom of stinging insects, ranging from large local reactions to systemic anaphylaxis.
• Mast Cell Disorders (e.g., Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Managed with medications to control mast cell mediator release and symptoms.

Skin Allergies and Dermatitis

Dr. Small manages includes atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and urticaria (hives).

• Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): Patch testing can help identify specific allergens in allergic contact dermatitis.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Characterized by dry, red, itchy patches of skin.
• Angioedema: Requires prompt evaluation and management, including emergency preparedness.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Dr. Small 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).
• Recurrent Infections (Evaluation for Underlying Immunodeficiency): Aims to identify if an underlying immune system is involved.
• Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD): A group of over 400 rare, chronic disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or functions improperly.

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

• Management of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Sinusitis: Improving quality of life for patients with respiratory allergies.
• Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Tablets/Drops): Includes subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) for environmental allergens and insect stings.
• Insect Sting (Venom) Allergy Diagnosis and Immunotherapy: Venom immunotherapy (allergy shots) to prevent severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) to future stings.
• Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Management with antihistamines, other medications, and avoidance strategies.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): Requires careful patient selection and close monitoring.
• Food Allergy Diagnosis and Management: Guidance on label reading and navigating food environments.

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

Allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Small primarily practices at the Hôp général juif - Sir M.B. Davis, located in Montréal's vibrant Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Plateau Mont-Royal Shopping & Dining options, easily accessible via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services, including métro and bus routes. The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, offering a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Patients usually find convenient parking options in proximity to the clinic, making visits straightforward and comfortable.

Are services from Dr. Small covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for allergies, asthma, and immune disorders provided by Dr. Small under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) is covered. This typically includes appointments and medically indicated diagnostic tests. However, some specific treatments like allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops) or certain advanced biologics may have varying coverage criteria or require special authorization. Consultations with an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Small, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Small's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Small?

Dr. Small 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. He 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. Small?

An evaluation for immunodeficiency by Dr. Small aims to determine if your immune system is functioning properly. It includes reviewing your history of infections, performing a physical exam, and ordering specific blood tests to measure immune cells and their activity. This helps to diagnose conditions like primary immunodeficiencies.

Does Dr. Small offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?

Yes, Allergist / Immunologists like Dr. Small 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, based on a thorough evaluation.

What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Small specialize in?

Dr. Small is an Allergist and Immunologist, a physician expert in the body's immune system and its reactions. He manages a wide range of conditions from common allergies and asthma to complex immune deficiency diseases and related systemic disorders. He is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care tailored to each individual's needs.

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

You should consider seeing an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Small if you experience persistent allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes), asthma that is difficult to control, recurrent infections, severe reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, or have chronic skin conditions like eczema or hives. A referral from your family doctor is typically necessary to access specialized allergy and immunology services.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Small?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another healthcare provider is generally required for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)). This process helps ensure that Dr. Small has relevant medical information and that the consultation is appropriate for your health needs. The clinic's fax number for referrals is usually (514) 340-7589.

Hôp général juif - Sir M.B. Davis
3755 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Office Phone: (514) 340-8222 | Office Fax: (514) 340-7589

Dr. Small is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in Quebec. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Small, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Small's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=72116