Dr. Mark La Shell is a board-certified allergist/immunologist with over 25 years of experience as a physician. He treats patients, from infants to adults, for a variety of conditions including allergic asthma, chronic cough, persistent nasal congestion, eczema, environmental and food allergies, hives, seasonal allergies, and more. A full list of conditions Dr. La Shell treats and the procedures he performs is available here.
“As a provider with JCMG, my goal is to provide a safe and trusting environment where patients feel heard, understood, and valued. I am committed to delivering compassionate care that is tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances.” – Dr. Mark La Shell
Dr. La Shell’s addition to JCMG introduced a new specialty to the group. The JCMG Allergy, Asthma & Immunology clinic is now located on the second floor of the JCMG Medical Building next to Internal Medicine.
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Dr. La Shell’s decision to become a physician was driven by a deep-rooted passion to heal, help, and learn. He completed his Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University where he proudly led the rowing team as president (Go Icabods!). He then earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University Kansas School of Medicine. Most of Dr. La Shell’s professional journey was dedicated to the United States Air Force, initially serving as a pediatrician and later specializing as an allergist/immunologist after completing his fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center in Texas. He retired from the Air Force in 2018 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
As a provider with JCMG, Dr. La Shell is committed to empowering his patients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their conditions effectively and improve their quality of life. He works with his patients towards achieving optimal health outcomes and enhancing overall well-being.
“I believe that medicine offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The ability to alleviate suffering, to bring comfort during difficult times, and to see the impact of my work on my patients’ health and quality of life is incredibly rewarding.”
When he is not at JCMG helping patients navigate their health challenges, Dr. La Shell enjoys reading and cherishes time spent with family, including his wife, Kat, and their 2 French Bulldogs, Maui and Daisy. He remains connected to the Air Force through the “Sneeze List,” an organization he founded to bring together United States Air Force allergists from across the globe. Through this initiative, Dr. La Shell promotes collaboration, connection, and stays up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
Dr. La Shell strives to provide the highest standard of care in diagnosing and treating allergies and immunological disorders in mid-Missouri.
Adult and Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Fellowship – Active Duty, 59th Medical Wing, Wilford Hall Medical Center, TX
Doctor of Medicine – University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS
Bachelor of Arts – Washburn University, Topeka, KS
Board Certified, Adult and Pediatric Allergy/Immunology
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Clinical Research Award, 3rd place, Wilford Hall
Air Force Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
1st place Radiology Recognition Award, St Christopher’s
La Shell MS. The beta agonist paradox: Why is albuterol overuse dangerous? Kaiser Permanente Washington October 2017
La Shell MS. Asthma diagnosis in four easy steps; Kaiser Permanente Washington September 2017
La Shell MS. Peanut Allergy Prevention: The LEAP Study; Kaiser Permanente Washington May 2016
La Shell MS, Calabria CW, Quinn JM. Imported Fire Ant Field Reaction and Immunotherapy Safety Characteristics: The IFACS Study. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2010 June;125(6):1294-9
La Shell MS, Otto HF, Whisman BA, Waibel KH, White AA, Calabria CW. Allergy to pumpkin and cross-reactivity to pollens and other foods. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2010 Feb;104(2):178-80
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS. Transient Dermatographism Presenting Within the First Eighteen Hours After Birth in an Otherwise Healthy Newborn. Pediatric Dermatology 2008 Jan-Feb;25(1):130-1
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS, Guerra A. Pruritus, Papules, and Perspiration. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2007 Mar;98(3):299-02
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS. Heparin Hypersensitivity: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2004 Sept;93(3):304-5
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS. Antibiotics for the Allergist: Part 2. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2009 Jan; 102:1–8.
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS. Antibiotics for the Allergist: Part 1. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2008 Dec;101(6):559-67
La Shell MS, Calabria CW, Quinn JM. The Safety of Imported Fire Ant Whole Body Extract Immunotherapy: Characterizing Systemic Reactions and Identifying Risk Factors. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2009 Feb;123, S242
La Shell MS, Calabria CW, Whisman B, White A. Anaphylaxis to 6% hydroxyethyl starch reconstituted in balanced electrolyte and glucose solution (Hextend®) Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2009 Jan;102, S27-8
La Shell MS, Tankersley MS. Angioedema and a Strawberry Slushy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2005 Jan;94, S147-8
Steigelman DA, La Shell MS. Alternatives to chlorinated pools for those with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2011 Aug;107(2):183-4
La Shell MS, Calabria CW. History taking requires interaction and skin testing requires appropriate screening Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2009 Aug;124(2):388-9
La Shell MS, Calabria CW. Correspondence regarding: Sublingual-oral administration of standardized allergenic extracts: phase 1 safety and dosing results. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 2008 Oct;101(4):445
La Shell MS, Calabria CW. Correspondence regarding: Dexamethasone for bronchiolitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 2007 Oct 18;357(16):1659
La Shell MS (2018/19, ongoing) Spirometry interpretation for Primary Care, online CME series; Kaiser Permanente Washington
LaShell MS (2017 May) Asthma Diagnosis Kaiser Permanente Washington MedicalStaff Videoconference Series
LaShell MS (2016 April) Asthma & Food Allergy Updates. Best Approaches in Primary Care CME, Group Health Cooperative, Kauai, HI
La Shell MS. (2015 December). Common Sense Asthma Management Group Health Cooperative Primary Care CME, Cedarbrook, Seatac WA
La Shell MS. (2015 July). Anaphylaxis. Group Health Cooperative Medical Staff Videoconference Series
La Shell MS. (2013 May). Adverse Food Reactions. Group Health Cooperative Medical Staff Videoconference Series
La Shell MS. (2012 May). Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Overview, Genetics, Food Allergy Relationship. University of Washington Allergy/Immunology Teaching Series
La Shell MS, Calabria CW, Quinn JM (2009 March). The Safety of Imported Fire Ant Whole Body Extract Immunotherapy. 23rd Annual Harold S. Nelson Symposium , Washington D.C.
La Shell MS (2000 January). Pediatric Obesity: A Growing Problem. Presentation to the professional staff at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
La Shell MS (1995 April). Comparison of Swedish and US Healthcare Systems. Paper presented at the International Medical Students’ Congress of the University of Silesian Medical School, Katowice, Poland.
