In this episode, our podcast host Dr Nina Markovic speaks with Dr Helen Evans-Howells, known as “Dr Helen Allergy”, a GP with a special interest in allergy and a deeply personal connection to the field.

Dr Helen shares how her son’s food allergies inspired her to retrain in allergy medicine and ultimately establish her own private allergy practice. We discuss the realities of working within food allergy care, the challenges she encountered within the NHS, and the importance of building accessible, community-focused allergy support.

The conversation explores Dr Helen’s work with organisations including Anaphylaxis UK and the Sadie Bristow Foundation, her large online allergy community, and her involvement with the international Food Allergy Support Team (FAST), where clinicians collaborate, exchange experience and discuss approaches to food allergy treatment.

We also take a deeper look at oral immunotherapy (OIT) and why successful treatment involves far more than simply increasing a dose. Dr Helen discusses the psychological aspects of food allergy, shared decision-making with children and families, patient motivation, adherence, and the importance of considering quality of life alongside clinical outcomes.

A thoughtful conversation about the evolving landscape of food allergy care and what truly patient-centred, best-practice management can look like.

This podcast is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment decisions with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.