For over twenty years, Dakota Allergy & Asthma has been an important–and proud–part of the Sioux Falls area community. Over the years, we’ve been delighted to help countless patients manage their allergy and asthma symptoms so they can breathe a little bit easier. We’ve even had the pleasure and joy of watching some patients grow up right before our very eyes!

Many of our patients wonder about the story behind Dakota Allergy & Asthma. They want to know how we started and why we decided to call Sioux Falls home. And knowing that history can help patients better understand the values that guide our patient care philosophy, helping patients feel better prepared for their appointments, their treatments, and their experience.

Founded as an Allergy Clinic for the 21st Century

For Dakota Allergy & Asthma’s founding physician, Dr. Mark E. Bubak, allergies were an instant source of fascination. “The science involved with allergy is exciting,” Dr. Bubak said. “I really got exposed to allergy first hand in medical school.” After that, Dr. Bubak connected with other allergists and eventually went on to become a board-certified allergist himself.

Making a Home in Sioux Falls, SD

While Dr. Bubak was practicing[1]  at the Allergy Department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, he knew that his home state of South Dakota had a significant need for allergy care. That’s because the state experiences some unique challenges. First, care is incredibly spread out. There were only four board certified allergists across the entire state, which meant that patients had to travel significant distances to find the reliable treatments.

There are also socioeconomic challenges unique to such a rural state. Dr. Bubak knew that the right kind of clinic could help relieve some of these challenges. And opening a clinic in Sioux Falls would offer the community a sorely needed medical resource. So, Dr. Bubak began the process of founding Dakota Allergy & Asthma. We opened our doors in January 2001 and have been helping patients ever since!

How Asthma and Allergy Care Are Related

So, why did Dr. Bubak’s new clinic focus on allergy and asthma treatment? Why not one or the other?

The answer is that allergies and asthma symptoms are closely related. Both sets of symptoms are a result of how certain people’s immune systems react to the world. In fact, asthma is genetically related to allergic nasal and eye symptoms (as well as atopic dermatitis rashes). 

Because the diagnosis and treatment for these conditions are also closely related, it makes sense to have one centralized location where patients can get care for asthma and allergy related issues.

The Values That Guide Dakota Allergy & Asthma

At Dakota Allergy & Asthma, every member of our team is committed to the idea that the needs of the patient come first. That’s our guiding principle! It’s a lesson that Dr. Bubak adopted from the Mayo Clinic, where he trained and practiced .

At Dakota Allergy & Asthma, we strive to:

• Provide proven, effective allergy evaluation and treatment programs.
• Work together with your other doctors and providers.
• Participate with most insurance carriers to make it easier for you to find and receive allergy relief.

The patient is a vital part of this process. As such, we work hard to help ensure patients are actively involved in their own care!

Staying Up to Date on the Latest Treatments

To Dr. Bubak, the science involved in allergy treatment is very exciting. Which means keeping his skills sharp and knowledge up to date is something that Dr. Bubak looks forward to. He attends conferences, workshops, and seminars on new technologies, reads many allergy journals, and participates in a Maintenance of Certification program that’s designed to ensure Dr. Bubak is knowledgeable of the latest treatment techniques and methodologies.

Dr. Bubak is the only South Dakota allergist to have passed his board certification three times, something that also helps him deliver the best possible care to every Dakota Allergy & Asthma patient.

Helping Provide What Patients Truly Value

Of course, it’s not just Dr. Bubak who helps patients! Today, Dakota Allergy & Asthma has grown, with several providers now delivering care to patients. Dr. Rebecca Durón, another board-certified allergist who joined in 2024, and the specially trained Nurse Practitioners Lindsey Peterson, CNP and Daniel Lindquist, CNP fill out the Dakota Allergy & Asthma Team.

With the growing team, Dakota Allergy & Asthma has been able to expand the services we provide. We’re committed to providing the complete allergy and asthma solutions our patients need, all under one roof, with the personalized care they deserve. We also offer comprehensive testing and management for penicillin allergies, as well as expanded food allergy services, including testing, challenges, and even oral immunotherapy.

While our clinic remains independent, allergists at Dakota Allergy & Asthma are on the medical staff at both Avera and Sanford healthcare systems. With everyone on our team working together, we’re better able to ensure every patient has access to top quality care!

And it’s not just providers. It takes real teamwork to care for each and every patient. Any good allergist must also have a top-notch team that includes nursing staff, receptionists, schedulers, nurse practitioners, billing staff, housekeeping, and respiratory therapy specialists. We also work with an extensive network of labs, specialists, and insurance staff to make sure you get the care you need. That’s a lot of people dedicated to ensuring your patient experience is a positive one!

We’re all working together to deliver something that patients truly value: relief from allergy and asthma symptoms. That’s why Dakota Allergy & Asthma was founded, after all, and it’s why we continue to serve patients nearly 25 years later.

Get your asthma and allergy care from a reliable, board-certified allergist who’s been serving the Sioux Falls community for over two decades. Make your appointment at Dakota Allergy & Asthma today!