Dr. Sara Bluestein’s interest in medicine dates back to childhood. She initially dreamed of high-kicking among the footlights as a member of the Radio City Rockettes. Once she realized she wouldn’t reach the typical Rockettes height requirement, her pediatrician suggested she consider becoming a doctor who could care for the dancers. This sparked an idea that stuck and would one day find her stepping into the field of healthcare.
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology, Dr. Bluestein earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. During her residency training at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, she became drawn to allergy and immunology.
While caring for an asthmatic patient, Dr. Bluestein realized the drastic impact the disease could have on someone. This particular child had missed 30% of the school year due to asthma care, which called for an array of sick days, doctor’s visits, and inpatient admissions.
“I realized this is where I wanted to make a difference in taking the time to educate patients and understand barriers to care,” Dr. Bluestein says. “The field of allergy and immunology allows me to care for patients from infancy to adulthood and follow them over time. It gives me the opportunity to get to know patients and tailor a specific health plan to optimize both treatment and quality of life.”
Her passion for the specialty led her to complete an allergy and immunology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It was there she received the Sam Marney Award for Excellence in Allergy & Immunology Training.
Today she treats patients of all ages facing asthma, and allergic and immunologic conditions. Food and drug allergies, eczema, and hives are among her special interests. Board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, Dr. Bluestein stays on top of the latest developments and best practices in her field as a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
“The most challenging part of my job is also the most exciting part,” she explains. “Allergy and immunology is a dynamic, constantly changing field as research progresses and drives the development of novel therapies and diagnostics. This allows me to continually learn and improve patient care.”
At home, she and her husband raise their two children, love on their family dog, and spend time outdoors whenever they can. The latter includes trail hiking, perusing farmer’s markets, and cheering on their favorite teams at sporting events.
Dr. Bluestein can be found at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma’s Austell and Northlake locations.