National Allergy & ENT was the first allergy group in South Carolina and was opened in 1961 by Dr. Charles Banov. Dr. Banov was in solo practice for many years in downtown Charleston and the history of his practice is documented in the book Office Upstairs, A Doctor's Journey. Dr. Albert Finn joined the practice in the 90's. Dr. Allen Kaplan later joined the practice which was then changed to National Allergy, Asthma, and Urticaria Centers of Charleston. This name was chosen because our practice was the nation's only specialized treatment and research facility for the allergic skin diseases of urticaria and angioedema. Dr. Kaplan came to our practice after being the former Director of the Allergic Disease section of the (NIH)!