The College’s 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, with the theme of “Advancing Allergy/Immunology Discovery,” brought together more than 2,000 health care providers in person in Boston and nearly 500 participants through our Livestream program. I’m always impressed by the variety of high-quality sessions offered on each day of the meeting that provide a full scope of educational opportunities.
Thursday’s full-day program kicked off the meeting. Participants enjoyed a full day dedicated to the latest science in the diagnosis and management of asthma, ending with the ProCon debate, where experts discussed diagnostic testing and the use of biologics as first-line therapies.
Workshops provided a full spectrum of instruction and hands-on techniques in anaphylaxis case simulations, patch testing, punch versus shave biopsy, performing a rhinolaryngologic exam and SQ immunoglobulin infusion.
The meeting’s social events were a chance for attendees to relax and reconnect. The Welcome Reception highlighted Boston’s many unique neighborhoods with exceptional food and décor from each of the induvial areas of the city. Participants were able to taste their way around the Waterfront, North End, Chinatown and of course – Fenway Park! The FIT Bowl is always exciting! Drs. Veronica Alix and Vishaka Hatcher from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center came out on top after mastering tough (and entertaining) questions against the other teams.
As in years past, the media took great interest in the news coming out of the College’s Annual Meeting. Stories ran in outlets such as MSN, US News & World Report, Yahoo! News, United Press International, Drugs.com, Medscape, MedPage Today and Healio. Media covered topics ranging from anaphylaxis treatment, efficacy of elimination diets for atopic dermatitis, risk of developing EoE and penicillin allergy delabeling.
The Annual Meeting also gave us the opportunity to recognize several outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the allergy/immunology specialty and the College. Our 2024 award recipients included:
- Gold Headed Cane: Luz S. Fonacier, MD, FACAAI
- Distinguished Fellows: Luz S. Fonacier, MD, FACAAI and Alnoor A. Malick, MD, FACAAI
- International Distinguished Fellow: Elham M. Hossny, MD
- Distinguished Service Awards: Mitchell H. Grayson, MD, FACAAI, Gerald B. Lee, MD, FACAAI, and Jay A. Lieberman, MD, FACAAI
- Woman in Allergy Award: Marcella R. Aquino, MD, FACAAI
- Executive Medical Director Award: Gina Steiner, MS
- Education Council Award: David A. Khan, MD, FACAAI
- Clemens von Pirquet Awards: First place Krishan D. Chhiba, MD, PhD; Second place – Phillip J. Link, MD; Third place – Charlene M. Dunaway Altamirano, MD, PhD
- Annals Distinguished Author Awards: Hugh Sampson, MD, Thomas Bieber, MD, PhD, MDRA, and William Busse, MD
During the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, James M. Tracy, DO, FACAAI became 2024-25 President. Cherie Y. Zachary, MD, FACAAI was elected President-elect, David R. Stukus, MD, FACAAI was elected Vice President, and Kelly M. Maples, MD, FACAAI was elected Treasurer.
Drs. Karla E. Adams, Tania Elliott, and Niraj C. Patel were elected to the Board of Regents. In addition, Dr. Amber N. Hardeman, MD, MPH, MBA was elected by our Fellows-in-Training as the Junior FIT representative on the Board. Dr. Kylie Jungles, last year’s Junior FIT representative, became the Senior FIT representative.
Plenaries held throughout the week featured a distinguished lineup of experts who addressed allergy/immunology issues.
Presidential Plenary – Community-based Research in Allergy/Immunology: Studies That Directly Improve Patient Care
This year’s Presidential Plenary featured Drs. Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., Thomas B. Casale, Stanley J. Szefler and Michael E. Wechler and presented the process and pathways involved in taking cutting-edge research through establishing efficacy to applications for direct patient care.
Practical Drug Allergy
Drug allergy experts provided practical, clinical guidance on various drug allergy topics. Mariana C. Castells, MD, PhD, FACAAI, gave the Edward J. O’Connell Lecture “How to Physically Set Up a Desensitization Protocol for Biologics and Chemotherapeutic Agents.”
The 2025 Severe or Difficult-to-Control Asthma Practice Parameter: A Sneak Preview
Attendees got a preview of the upcoming severe asthma parameter, including the latest science and possible recommendations regarding severe asthma. Melinda M. Rathkopf, MD, MBA, FACAAI gave the Bela Schick Lecture “Don’t Be Afraid To Pivot: Changing Your Career Rather Than Abandoning It.”
View photos of some of the highlights of the meeting!
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 50 hours of presentations.
The Annual Meeting Program Committee met to start the evaluation of the annual meeting and pass the responsibility of chair from Dr. Jay Lieberman to Dr. Kristin Sokol. I must give a huge “thank you” to Dr. Jay Lieberman for his great leadership during the past two annual meetings. We have truly been blessed by fantastic leaders, and this meeting in Boston was a prime example of that!
Save the date for next year’s Annual Meeting, Nov. 6-10 in Orlando, FL.
