Her dedication to her profession has truly been an example of a life well lived. Dr. Doris Rapp has devoted her career to providing research, information and solutions for those affected by atypical forms of allergies.
She has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions, including her most recent, the Safe Harbor Humanitarian Of the Year Award, given in October 2004 for outstanding contributions to humanity by promoting the use of truly safe and effective mental health treatments.
Dr. Rapp is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric allergy. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo until January 1996. She practiced traditional allergy medicine for 18 years and then, in 1975, began incorporating the principles of environmental medicine in her pediatric allergy practice. Additionally she is a certified specialist in Environmental Medicine.
Dr. Doris has also been a prolific writer since her first article was published in 1960. Since then she has published 29 medical articles, authored eight chapters in medical texts, written eleven books and three booklets about allergy. She has also produced numerous educational videotapes and audiotapes for the public, educators and physicians.
When Blacktie spoke recently with Dr. Rapp, she emphasized that “Without a doubt, multiple body areas and a wide range of symptoms can be produced in allergic patients who have unrecognized and atypical forms of allergies. With appropriate allergy treatment for dust, pollen, molds, foods, hormones and certain chemicals, it is surprisingly helpful in relieving many acute and chronic physical, emotional and learning problems in both children and adults, and in only 4 to 14 days.”
And she is adamant that “There are answers available for these disorders that don't involve using unsafe drugs! There are practical, simple, fast and inexpensive solutions to many of the challenging physical, emotional, behavioral and memory problems that can occur in children. A change in diet, an air purifier, getting rid of chemicals in the home are all quick ways to make a change.”
She continues, “I appeared on The Phil Donahue Show three times from 1988 to 1992. On one of these shows I had 140,000 written responses, more than he had ever had for any previous show! Many parents sent tear stained letters of thanks because they finally had some clue as to why their children were such a challenge, and knew how to treat them without the use of drugs! It was very moving.”
The method of allergy testing that Dr. Rapp uses is called Provocation/Neutralization. This diagnostic testing and treatment method can produce, and then relieve, symptoms in a few minutes. The identical reactions of which patients complain can be easily reproduced by asking patients to eat offending foods or to smell offending odors. Single-and double-blinded studies indicate changes in the brain waves, immunological blood factors, psychological tests, writing and drawing, all occur during Provocation/Neutralization allergy testing and treatment. She finds it easy to demonstrate the exact symptoms that dust, molds, pollen, foods and chemicals can cause in children.
As she explains, “The more we know, the more we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by taking some often easy and inexpensive precautions. We simply have to make better choices.”
Dr. Rapp first knew she wanted to become a doctor when she was only four years old. “My mother also encouraged me to follow my dream, even though we certainly had absolutely no funds for my education.” She attended medical school at New York University, and fulfilled her internship, residency, and fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, with scholarships and hard work. A board-certified environmental medical specialist and pediatric allergist, Dr. Rapp served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She practiced traditional allergy medicine for 18 years and then, after learning about environmental medicine in 1975, began to incorporate the principles of environmental medicine into her pediatric allergy practice.
In 1996 she moved to Phoenix, Arizona. What she appreciates the most about the area is the warm, sunny, dry weather and the many alternative approaches to medicine in this area. If doctors always do as they have in the past, they will always have the same results. Many in this area have vision and original ideas that can help and not hurt. Even though she is now 78 years old, her positive attitude and healthy lifestyle keep her very active. “I play tennis at least four times a week and ride my bike, roller blade and ride a Vespa. Fortunately I feel great! ”
Dr. Rapp is also passionate and committed to her Health Research Foundation. Through the foundation she hopes to conduct breakthrough studies into the underlying causes of hyperactivity, allergies, autism, and memory problems in children. “We also want to make doctor visits and vitamins available to poor children who suffer from these symptoms, but can’t afford treatment. We also hope to share more information with parents and doctors so they know how there are fast, easy and practical ways to cope with these problems.”
Finally, Dr. Doris Rapp would like people to know that we must find and eliminate the cause of illness, not simply try one drug after another to mask symptoms. If you have a nail in your shoe the answer is not a Band-Aid, but to pull out the nail. Parents often can figure out why their children are ill on their own. A one- week diet can detect food allergies at no cost and an air purifier can relieve dust, mold, pollen and chemical sensitivities. It can be returned for a refund if it’s not helpful in a month. These two choices can improve the behavior and activity problems of many children in 4 to 14 days by 70 to 100%. It is so much better than the “off limit” drugs that can so seriously harm some children.
What are your volunteer activities? Teaching and meeting with different groups to help inform and educate them.
Which social event is your favorite? Christmas
Favorite Restaurant? Tandoori’s (Indian food)
Who is your hero and why? Madame Curie and George Washington Carver, because they started out with nothing, sacrificed and became successful contributing immensely to help others.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Phil Donahue
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Meryl Streep, Ingrid Bergman
What gives a woman/man style? The way they dress and speak.
Do you have any Pets? Yes, 2 adorable dog children
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? That I was very active, busy and not a good housekeeper.
What words describe you best? Caring, generous, helpful and sharing.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Delightful, charming, intellectual, passionate, humorous, enthusiastic.
What was your first job? Waitress in a restaurant and working for a veterinarian.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Too critical and impatient.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lazy, vulgar, rude, not caring, selfish.
What is your greatest indulgence? Tennis, milk chocolate, ice cream.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Given: My time and knowledge to the public, especially the video tapes that showed so many mothers they were not bad and their children were not bad, dumb or lazy. They simply had missed allergies. Received: A healthy body, mind and attitude to recognize how not to miss an opportunity to help others from my mother.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My first Dog named Teddy.
What is your current state of mind? Positive, passionate, eager.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My books and educational material for the public and doctors.
What is your most treasured possession? My tennis racquet and my lap top computer
What is the quality you most like in people? A smile and happy positive outlook.
Favorite books / Writers? Spiritual & medical books, Breakthrough to Creativity by Karagula and Edgar Cayce’s life.
That is the best advice you have ever received? You can become a doctor even if you do not have any money, but you must be willing to work very hard to accomplish your goal. (My mother)