Specialist Spotlight: Meet Dr. Michael Hollie, Board-Certified Allergist

What inspired you to pursue medicine and ultimately choose allergy and immunology?

I’ve always enjoyed science, especially how it relates to the human body. I also like how medicine is always changing. There’s always something new to learn and apply to help patients, and I find the constant learning rewarding.

Originally, I went to college thinking I might become a pharmacist, but I quickly realized I wanted more direct interaction with patients. As I trained, I became particularly interested in allergy and immunology. It felt like the right fit because it allows me to treat both respiratory and allergic conditions, many of which improve significantly with the right diagnosis and treatment. Seeing improvements in patients’ quality of life is what makes my work meaningful.

 

What is your training and educational background?

I began my pediatric residency at Loma Linda University in California. After getting married, I transferred to the children’s hospital in Chattanooga (my wife’s hometown) to finish residency.

We later moved to Denver, where I completed a fellowship in allergy, asthma and immunology at National Jewish Hospital, a world-renowned center in the field. After finishing my fellowship, I served three years in the Air Force in Phoenix, Arizona.

We returned to Chattanooga in 1993, and it has been home ever since.

 

What areas of allergy and asthma care are you most passionate about? What makes your work rewarding for you?

I enjoy all aspects of allergy and immunology, and I treat a wide range of conditions including rhinitis, insect sting allergies, hives and food allergies (and the list goes on). However, I’m especially passionate about asthma care. I like working with patients who have poorly controlled asthma, evaluating their underlying causes and developing effective treatment plans. Seeing transformation in patients as they go through treatment is what I find most rewarding, and I love hearing patients say they wish they had come in sooner because of how much better their quality of life becomes.

 

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

I always start by listening carefully and fully understanding each patient’s concerns. If I don’t take the time to hear them, I haven’t done my job.

The next step is evaluation, whether that involves allergy testing, lung function testing, imaging or other diagnostics as needed. This gives me a clearer picture of what’s driving their symptoms.

Personalization is also a critical part of the process. I look at detailed history and environmental factors like home, work, hobbies and daily activities—anything that could be contributing to symptoms or exposures.

Once all of this information is gathered, I create a personalized treatment plan focused on improving overall quality of life.

 

What does a typical day at the Allergy & Asthma Group of Galen look like for you?

My top priority throughout the day is seeing patients, understanding their concerns and developing individualized treatment plans.

Another important part of the day involves responding to patient needs outside of visits. We strive to return phone calls the same day whenever possible, and many patients tell us this level of responsiveness is uncommon elsewhere. From front to back, our entire team is committed to patient care.

We occasionally meet with pharmaceutical representatives, but patient care is always our main focus.

 

You have a day off work to spend in Chattanooga. How will you spend the day?

I would likely spend the day outdoors. Some of my favorite spots include the biology trails at Southern Adventist University, the Greenway, the riverwalk and trails at Volkswagen Park.

 

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. We like hiking, biking and kayaking and often plan our vacations around outdoor experiences, whether in the mountains, lakes or beaches.

We also spend a lot of time with our three young grandchildren who live nearby. We see them weekly, and that time together is a big source of joy for us.

 

Are you involved in any community work outside of your practice?

Yes! We’re very involved in our church.

I also started a program called “Dinner with the Doctor” in 2012. It’s an educational program focused on how nutrition and lifestyle impact chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and weight management.

I’ve also spoken internationally on nutrition and worked with the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, which promotes nutrition as a tool for preventing and managing chronic disease.

 

What’s a fun fact patients would be surprised to learn about you?

I follow a whole food, plant-based diet. What started as a personal interest in nutrition has become a big part of my daily life!

 

Can you share a memorable patient success story that reflects the impact of your work?

One memorable case is a young patient with severe eczema who suffered from years of poor sleep, discomfort and trouble focusing.

A new treatment became available, but he wasn’t old enough for it at first. Once he became eligible, we started the treatment. Six months later, he said, “These have been the best six months of my life.”

That’s why I do what I do.

 

When should someone seek professional care instead of managing symptoms at home?

At-home allergy testing isn’t reliable. I would discourage it.

Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays can be a reasonable first step, but if they aren’t effective at controlling symptoms, I recommend seeing an allergy specialist.

The main factor to consider is your quality of life. If your symptoms interfere with sleep, school, work or daily activities, that’s your sign to get evaluated.

 

For patients who may be hesitant, what should they know about allergy testing and treatment?

It’s common to feel nervous, but there are many misconceptions about allergy testing. In reality, it’s straightforward! Skin testing uses small plastic applicators, similar to toothpicks, to do quick tests on the arms or back. These cause brief, light sensations with minimal discomfort.

Lung function testing is also simple and involves breathing into a machine. In some cases, X-rays are used, but the overall process is quick, safe and manageable.

My advice is to talk openly with a qualified allergy specialist about any concerns you may have. They can explain the process, help you feel more comfortable and give you the clear answers you need. Of course, I am happy to serve anyone in that way.