Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence:
OAAC’s Centennial Celebration
For 100 years, the Oklahoma Asthma and Allergy Clinic has been a trusted leader in allergy and asthma care, helping patients across Oklahoma breathe easier and live healthier lives. Our clinic was founded in 1925 as the Balyeat Hay Fever and Asthma Clinic and now stands as one of the oldest and largest physician-owned practices of allergic diseases and asthma in the United States.
What started as a one-physician practice has grown into a leader in allergy and asthma treatment in Oklahoma, the region and the nation. The clinic boasts nine board-certified allergists and three nurse practitioners. Today, OAAC remains dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care. Its main office remains on the Oklahoma Health Center campus, with three additional locations in Norman, Edmond and Yukon.
Reaching this 100-year milestone is a testament to the dedication of our physicians, who understand and value the rare relationship they share with both the clinic and the Oklahoma City community.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
As we celebrate our centennial year, we take a moment to reflect on our rich history and the milestones that have shaped our clinic.
OAAC’s journey began with Dr. Ray Balyeat, a pioneer in allergy treatment who played a crucial role in advancing the field in its early days. The treatment of allergies using extracts was at its beginning and asthma medications were in their infancy. When the demand for specialized care grew, the clinic expanded, eventually welcoming esteemed physicians Drs. George Bozalis, Richard Huff, Vernon Cushing and George Winn.
By 1980, OAAC had moved to its current location at the Oklahoma Health Center, and by 1995 officially changed its name to the Oklahoma Asthma and Allergy Clinic.
Advancing Allergy and Asthma Care
From the origins of Dr. Balyeat cultivating plant extracts for allergy testing to now adopting the latest medical advancements, OAAC has remained at the forefront of allergy and asthma treatment. Dedicated to ensuring high-quality care for all, our clinic was the only allergy specialist group in Oklahoma City to see all patients regardless of insurance coverage before 2023. This group has cared for veterans, Medicare and Medicaid members, Indian Health Service members and those without insurance.
Driven by our providers’ dedication to inclusive care, OAAC has been honored with several recognitions over the years, such as:
- Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics
- The Oklahoman’s Top Workplace in OKC
- Community’s Choice Award for Top Allergy Clinic (annually)
- 405 Magazine’s Best OKC Allergy Clinic
- Journal Record’s Reader’s Rankings Award (2024)
- The Oklahoman’s 2024 Official Community’s Choice Award
Additionally, as an active member of the Oklahoma City Innovation District, OAAC remains committed to advancing the field of allergy and asthma treatment through collaboration, research and cutting-edge, compassionate care.
University Partnerships
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond patient care. Through partnerships with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and other institutions, OAAC has contributed to numerous research projects specific to allergy and asthma. Most recently, the clinic has contributed research in reviewing the following projects:
- Skin testing reactivity studies that influenced modern allergy testing protocols.
- Research on the impact of food allergies on children in collaboration with Oklahoma State University.
- Partnered with an OUHSC team studying key factors impacting hospital admission rates for children with asthma.
- Research on the spread of invasive fire ants in Oklahoma.
- Development of a real-time pollen count monitor and pollen prediction model, leveraging atmospheric data to enhance allergy forecasting.
Educating the Next Generation of Allergy Specialists
Our physicians are also dedicated educators, serving as members of the clinical faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Mentorship of medical students, resident physicians and fellows has long been a core part of the clinic’s mission.
Dr. Gregory Metz, a nationally recognized speaker and leader in allergy and asthma care, has contributed significantly to medical education. His involvement includes:
- Delivering Dermatology Grand Round Lectures since 2013
- Presenting lectures for asthma educators at OU and Children’s Hospital
- Providing instruction to OU Internal Medicine residents and Pulmonary fellows
Dr. Bret Haymore served on the OU Admissions Subcommittee from 2016 to 2022 and currently sits on the Volunteer Faculty Advisory Board. Dr. Laura Chong has also been an active Volunteer Faculty Advisory Board member for many years.
For more than a decade, OAAC also sponsored a speaker for the Annual Grand Rounds lectureship, bringing expert knowledge to students and physicians alike. The clinic has also partnered with the OUHSC College of Nursing to help ensure that nurses receive essential training in allergy and asthma care.
A Commitment to Research and Education
A testament to OAAC’s lasting impact on medical education is the Bozalis-Miller Professorship in Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy at OU. Established in 2002 through an initial contribution from Stuart C. Miller, this endowed position supports groundbreaking research and academic excellence. The endowment, which grew significantly through reinvestments and matching contributions, now exceeds $1 million, reinforcing OAAC’s commitment to shaping the future of allergy and asthma care. The professorship has been held by esteemed physicians, including Dr. Ira Targoff (2015-2018) and Dr. Carol Webb (since 2018).
Giving Back to the Oklahoma Community
At OAAC, we believe in making a lasting impact beyond the walls of our clinics. We take pride in supporting the Oklahoma community through charitable efforts, including providing free certified pollen and mold reports that help thousands of Oklahomans manage their allergies each day.
Our providers and staff have also partnered with local organizations over the years to raise funds, donate supplies and give back in meaningful ways. We are especially proud of our contributions to:
Cavett Kids Foundation
Supporting programs and camps for children with chronic illnesses for over 15 years.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of OKC
Donating food pantry items and financial assistance to help families of hospitalized children.
Toby Keith Foundation
Raising and donating funds to help support OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for children with cancer.
Positive Tomorrows
Donating school supplies and financial assistance to help families experiencing homelessness educate their children and create pathways to success.
Additionally, our team has a long-standing tradition of supporting community organizations such as the Allied Arts, United Way, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the OKC Museum of Art.
Thank You for 100 Years
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to the team of health professionals at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic, whose dedication to improving lives through exceptional care has allowed our clinic to maintain operations for the past century. To our patients and the Oklahoma community, we thank you. Your trust and support have been the foundation of our success. Here’s to the next 100 years of innovation, excellence and compassionate, patient-centered care.
