Derek Chu

Dr. Derek Chu is a Clinician Scientist in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at McMaster University, Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, & Impact. At McMaster University Medical Centre, a large quaternary teaching hospital, Dr. Chu directs the challenge clinic for allergy diagnosis, research and treatment. Dr. Chu has held multiple awards from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR),. Dr. Chu completed his combined MD-PhD on immunologic mechanisms of peanut allergy and anaphylaxis before completing board-certified specialization in Internal Medicine, and Pediatric and Adult Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Dr. Chu serves on the Joint Task Force for Allergy Practice Parameters, and multiple international initiatives to improve outcomes in Allergy-Immunology

The focus of Dr. Chu’s research is (1) the optimal prevention and treatment of food allergy and anaphylaxis, and (2) evidence-synthesis and guideline development in Allergy-Immunology. Dr. Chu is an investigator on observational studies to understand and quantify critical factors in food allergy and anaphylaxis and is developing new treatments through RCTs such as the TITAN registry and TRADE RCT. These works are done in close collaboration with fundamental scientists to also understand immunological mechanisms of disease and pioneer new therapeutic approaches. Dr. Chu also plays a key role as methodologist and expert advisor in developing international clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses in Allergy-Immunology, including the diagnosis and management of food allergy and anaphylaxis, vaccine allergy, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, and COVID-19. He is a member of the GRADE Working Group, eCOVID Recommendation Map, Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats, Core Outcomes in Food Allergy, and International Breastfeeding and Allergy Initiative.