About Us

"

Board Certified Allergists

ABAI-certified allergists and “board certification in allergy” are not the same.

Allergic and immunologic diseases often affect more than the ears, nose, and throat. Allergists and clinical immunologists certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology diagnose and treat the full spectrum of allergic and immunologic diseases. Eligibility for ABAI certification requires completing a three-year residency in pediatrics or internal medicine and then a two-year allergy and immunology fellowship. ABAI-accredited fellowship training emphasizes the evidence-based diagnosis and management of allergic and immunologic issues.

Allergic issues such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, recurrent bronchitis, eczema, food allergies, contact dermatitis, etc., and immune problems often do not occur alone. Therefore, focusing only on a patient’s allergic nasal or sinus symptoms often results in improper diagnosis or mismanagement of other allergic or immune problems.

ABAI Certification Verification

Is your allergy provider ABAI-certified?

ABAI Provider Search

Why Choose Us

As ABAI-certified providers, we have the most comprehensive and evidence-based allergy and immunology-specific training to diagnose and manage your allergy and immune concerns… all of them.
R

4 Years of Medical School

R

3-year Pediatric or Adult Internal Medicine Residency Training

R

Minimum of 2 years of Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Training

Meet the Doctors

Bina Joseph, MD

Dr. Bina Joseph has been practicing in Lafayette, Louisiana since 1995. In addition to her multiple board certifications, she has published numerous articles in nationally recognized journals, and has been a speaker at many conferences on subjects related to her field.

Education
  • Medical School | Kasturba Medical College | 1988
  • Residency | Pediatrics Loyola University, Illinois | 1989-1990
  • Internship | Pediatrics Wayne/Oakland Child and Adolescent, Michigan | 1990-1992
  • Fellowship | Allergy, Asthma & Immunology University of Wisconsin | 1993-1995
Licensure & Board Certifications
  • American Board of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Professional Organizations
  • American Medical Association
  • LA State Medical Society
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
  • Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Andrew Collins, MD, FAAP

Andrew D. Collins, MD is a Lafayette native specializing in adult and pediatric allergy and immunology. After graduating from Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Thomas More in Lafayette, he attended LSU, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in philosophy. Dr. Collins earned an MS in cell and molecular biology from Tulane University before graduating from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 2010.

Dr. Collins then completed his three-year pediatric residency at Duke University Hospital in 2013 and his two-year allergy and immunology fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2015. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI).

In addition, Dr. Collins is a dedicated husband and father to his wife, Lindsey, and their three children. Dr. Collins savors quality time spent with his family and hobbies alike, enjoying the game of chess, strumming on guitar strings, or improving his golf swing. Dr. Collins is an avid supporter of the LSU Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Education
  • BS in Biological Sciences and Minor in Philosophy | Louisiana State University | 2001 – 2005
  • MS in Cell and Molecular Biology | Tulane University | 2005 – 2006
  • Medical School | Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans | 2006 – 2010
  • Pediatrics Residency | Duke University Hospital | 2010-2013
  • Fellowship | Allergy and Immunology Washington University School of Medicine | 2013 – 2015
Licensure & Board Certifications
  • Diplomat of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology
  • Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Louisiana State Medical license
Professional Organizations
  • American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • American Contact Dermatitis Society

History of Our Practice

Dr. Bernard Fruge founded Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center of SWLA in September 1989. Dr. Fruge is a native of Eunice, LA. After graduating from LSU medical school and finishing his internal medicine and pediatrics residency, Dr. Fruge completed his allergy and immunology fellowship at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. After practicing briefly in Atlanta, he decided to move his family and practice back home in Louisiana. Dr. Fruge opened his satellite clinic location in affiliation with The Children’s Clinic in Lake Charles in December 1990. Dr. Bina Joseph joined AAICSWLA in October 1995, followed by Dr. Andrew Collins joining in November 2016.

After thirty-four years of caring for patients throughout Acadiana, Dr. Fruge retired in March of 2023. Dr. Fruge can now spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He looks forward to traveling much more, especially to California and North Carolina.