At Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, our physicians are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic, asthmatic, and immunologic diseases. Our Physician Spotlights showcase our doctors and let you learn a little bit more about them and what they like to do when they are not seeing patients. Dr. Kevin Schaffer is a board-certified allergist who sees patients at our Sandy Springs and Snellville locations. Learn more about Dr. Schaffer below.
Q: How long have you been an allergist?
A: I have been an allergist since 1993 and have been with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma since 2006.
Q: What inspired you to become a physician?
A: My father was a physician. He did so much good for so many people and I wanted to do the same.
Q: What other career fields did you consider?
A: I briefly considered becoming a news anchor or an attorney.
Q: What made you choose your specialty?
A: I had allergies and asthma as a child. I once had a bad asthma attack which was treated with a quick resolution—I knew then I wanted to be able to help people in the same situation. I later received allergy injections that cured my symptoms—which again reinforced my desire to help others with the same problems.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Spending time with patients and helping them improve their quality of life is the most rewarding part of my job.
Q: What makes you look forward to work every day?
A: Helping to make people feel better and spending time with people whom I have known for many years.Q: What have you learned from your patients?
A: That’s a short question with many answers. Primarily, I have learned that it’s important to listen and keep an open mind when caring for people. It’s also important not to judge others. We don’t know what other people are feeling and experiencing.
Q: Tell us about a patient who had a profound impact on your life and work.
A: There are so many, it’s hard to choose. I once had a patient with a complex allergic problem. He had seen many doctors including a well-known, extensively accomplished allergist who I knew and respected greatly. I couldn’t imagine I’d be able to help. He was struggling emotionally to resolve the issue and I really wanted to help. By taking time and listening carefully, I was able to help resolve the issue. This encounter resulted in confidence and helped to shape the way I approach and practice medicine.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: For fun outside of work, I like to spend time with family and friends, exercise, yoga, hiking and travel. I have been fortunate to be blessed with a wonderful family and friends. My wife’s sense of adventure has resulted in travelling to places all over the world. My children have inherited this love of travel and I hope to continue to enjoy many more great times seeing more of the world.
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Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, the largest allergy practice in Georgia, has been the premier provider of quality care and research in the field of allergies, asthma, and immunology for more than 45 years. The practice’s board certified allergists and specially trained nurse practitioners are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic, asthmatic, and immunologic diseases. Atlanta Allergy & Asthma is the only National Allergy Bureau certified pollen counting station in the Atlanta area.