Grand Rapids Allergy has been serving the community for over 40 years. Their goal is to provide the highest quality of care to patients and their families, so they can experience life without the barriers of allergic disease. Uncontrolled allergies, asthma and eczema can interfere with the ability to rest, work, play, and learn. GRA providers are passionate about partnering with patients to identify allergic triggers and create safe, effective care plans. In addition to the three board-certified Allergists, the team includes four certified Family Nurse Practitioners, a Registered Dietitian is on staff to assist with diet related issues and meal planning at home, and a Certified Asthma Educator is available to help patients understand asthma management. At GRA, shared decision making is a priority so that patients feel supported when exploring options for care with a dedicated clinical team. GRA is open and welcoming to new adult and pediatric patients.
Their allergen injection schedule does not require an appointment. The office is open during the lunch hour for convenience. Allergy shots are given Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30am through 4:30pm and Tuesday from 7:30am through 6:00pm.
Dr. Karyn Gell, MD
Dr. Gell joined Grand Rapids Allergy in 1992, a practice established by her father, Dr. Leonard “Pete” Gell and they worked together for ten years prior to his retirement. Dr. Karyn Gell earned her Medical Degree from Michigan State College of Human Medicine, followed by internship and residency at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She earned her degree in allergy at the University of Michigan and she is Board Certified in both adult and pediatric allergy and clinical immunology.
Dr. Gell’s primary interest is patient-focused treatment of families and patients of all ages with allergic disease. She values education and enjoys teaching staff, medical and nursing students and resident physicians.
Dr. Christine Schafer, MD
Dr. Schafer joined Grand Rapids Allergy in 2001 after a military career in the U.S. Air Force. She graduated from the Uniformed Services University Medical School, followed by Residency in Pediatrics at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Dr. Schafer completed her Fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at Wilford Hall in San Antonio. She is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology as well as the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Schafer provides exceptional care for patients of all ages.
Dr. Schafer is active in the West Michigan community, having participated in asthma screenings, food allergy awareness events and education for local businesses. She is involved in physician education and mentoring as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
Dr. Sara Uekert, MD
Dr. Uekert is a native of Grand Rapids and graduated from Calvin College. She received her Medical Degree from Wayne State University and her degree in Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Dr. Uekert is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Pediatrics. She cares for patients of all ages in daily practice and is the only local Allergist that performs aspirin desensitization.
Dr. Uekert has a strong interest in food allergy. She established the GRA Food Allergy Center of Excellence in 2005 to provide a forum for patients and families with food allergy to gain knowledge and support. GRA is open and welcoming to new adult and pediatric patients. Referrals can be made by contacting the practice or through Great Lakes Health Connect Referral Application.