We are excited to feature Dr. Mark McCabe in our alumni spotlight! A 2021 graduate of our Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program, Dr. McCabe is now practicing in Tyler, Texas at Allergy Partners, where he is making a meaningful impact on patients and the field alike. With a dedication to advancing care and a passion for patient-centered medicine, Dr. McCabe exemplifies the values of our program. We sat down with Dr. McCabe for a little Q&A. Read on to learn more about his journey, achievements, and advice for current fellows!
My journey into the field of Allergy was serendipitous. To be honest, I cannot confidently say I knew Allergy was a unique field of medicine until I was in medical school. At the end of my first year, I selected an elective in Allergy at the recommendation of my roommate. I was hooked. As an avid outdoorsman, I was intrigued that there was a branch of medicine that required knowledge of plants and stinging insects. It was gratifying to turn clinical history into testable theories and then, with allergy skin testing, have answers in a matter of minutes. Perhaps most importantly of all, I appreciated the preventative focus of this field. From there I stayed engaged in the field of Allergy as much as I could through medical school and residency. I was grateful to come back to UTMB for my fellowship training.
My fellowship experience was unique as it was punctuated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I think everyone can agree that was a strange time in medicine. By far, though, my most bizarre experience in fellowship had nothing to do with the pandemic. As UTMB works with the Center for Polar Medical Operations, I imagine I am on a short list of physicians that have performed an Allergy and Immunology medical consultation to Antarctica.
I have been in private practice in Tyler, Texas for the last 3 years with Allergy Partners. In addition to patient care, I have tried to stay engaged with the fellowship program. I spoke to the current fellows recently about careers paths in the field of Allergy after graduation. I am supported by my lovely wife Haley and kept on my toes by my busy daughter Natalie. We are looking forward to our baby boy’s arrival this spring.