The College’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting brought together nearly 2,000 health care providers in person in Anaheim, California and an additional 530 through our Livestream program. I’m always impressed by the variety of educational opportunities offered on each day of the meeting. Participants had their pick of sessions on topics ranging from anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, biologics, coding, EOE, OIT and more.
The meeting began with Thursday’s program, a full day dedicated to the latest science in mast cell biology and anaphylaxis. The ProCon debate was a highlight! Experts took sides on whether the associations of mast cell disease and hereditary alpha tryptasemia with protean manifestations such as POTS and Ehlers Danlos are real or not, and whether we should be suspecting these mast cell diseases in patients with various symptoms.
Our hands-on workshops are second to none. Workshops provided a full spectrum of instruction and hands-on techniques in patch testing, punch versus shave biopsy, performing a rhinolaryngologic exam and SQ immunoglobulin infusion.
Attendees enjoyed our social events, including Friday evening’s Welcome Reception, which was held outside in beautiful weather in the Grand Plaza and Saturday night’s exciting FIT Bowl.
The Annual Meeting was also the perfect time to recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the allergy/immunology specialty and the College. Our 2023 award recipients included:
- Gold Headed Cane: Gary N. Gross, MD, FACAAI
- Distinguished Fellows: David B. Engler, MD, FACAAI and David B. K. Golden, MD, FACAAI
- International Distinguished Fellow: Stephen R. Durham, MD
- Distinguished Service Awards: Bryan L. Martin, DO, FACAAI, Mary Carol Badat, MAdED, and Gregory E. Lund
- Woman in Allergy Award: Aikaterini Anagnostou, MD, MSc, PhD, FACAAI
- Executive Medical Director Award: Linda Cullison
- Education Council Award: Gerald B. Lee, MD, FACAAI
- Clemens von Pirquet Awards: First place – Jennifer C. Li, MD; Second place – Ari Heffes-Doon, MD; Third place – Irene Yuan, MD
During the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, we celebrated 2022-23 ACAAI President Kathleen R. May, MD, FACAAI and welcomed Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., MD, PhD, FACAAI as 2023-24 President. James M. Tracy, DO, FACAAI was elected President-elect, Cherie Y. Zachary, MD, FACAAI was elected Vice President, and Kelly M. Maples, MD, FACAAI was elected Treasurer. Drs. Aikaterini Anagnostou, Brian T. Kelly, and Mervat Nassef were elected to the Board of Regents. In addition, Kylie Jungles, MD was elected by our Fellows in Training as the Junior FIT representative. Dr. Vinh Nguyen, last year’s Junior FIT representative, became the Senior FIT representative.
Plenaries featured a distinguished lineup of experts who addressed allergy/immunology issues.
Trending Topics in Allergy and Immunology
During the Presidential Plenary that was held on Saturday, Nov. 11, speakers covered hot topics in allergy/immunology. In his Bela Schick lecture “Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine,” David R. Stukus, MD, FACAAI gave an inspiring talk about staying well and being strategic in life and in work.
The Buzz on Biologics: To Asthma and Beyond
On Sunday, Nov. 12, speakers explored biologics for asthma, allergic skins conditions and food allergies. John J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACAAI presented an excellent overview on biologics for asthma – including hopes for the future – in his Edward J. O’Connell lecture “Biologics for Asthma: 20 Years Since the First Approval and Where We Are Headed in 20 Years.”
Don’t Be Scared of the Skin: Practical Pearls to Treat Urticaria and Atopic Dermatitis
Attendees were updated on the most recent guidelines and practice parameters related to allergic dermatologic diseases on Monday, Nov. 13.
Don’t forget — all Annual Meeting registrants, whether they attended in person or participated via Livestream, will have access to our On Demand program at no charge for general meeting sessions. The On Demand program content will be available in the next few weeks and will provide viewers with the ability to view and obtain credit for more than 60 hours of presentations.
It was wonderful to see so many of you in Anaheim and to celebrate being together at the Welcome Reception. The College is looking forward to next year’s meeting, Oct. 24 – 28 in Boston.
