I am pleased to announce the recipients of the College’s first Pathways to Practice (P2P) grants. Following extensive review and discussion, the ACAAI Fellowship Support Initiative Task Force unanimously agreed to award 2026–27 P2P funding to the following four training programs:
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University– Training Program Director Dr. Kathleen May
- University of California San Diego– Training Program Director Dr. Alexander Kim
- University of Iowa– Training Program Director Dr. Amy Dowden
- University of Puerto Rico– Training Program Director Dr. Sylvette Nazario
The goal of the P2P program is to address a critical challenge facing our specialty – the growing shortage of practicing allergists across the United States and its territories. This initiative is designed to expand access to high-quality allergy and immunology care in communities nationwide by supporting fellows who are committed to practicing allergy and immunology, with particular emphasis on those entering community-based practice in the U.S.
This five-year program, supported by the College, will directly support the training of 16 new allergy and immunology fellows through four competitive $250,000 (two-year) grants awarded each year, beginning with fellowship positions starting in 2026. While the P2P initiative will not entirely solve the workforce shortage, it is a tangible and meaningful start – built on the strong leadership and vision of the College.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the College’s Board of Regents for supporting this important initiative, as well as to the workgroup (led by Dr. Maureen Petersen) and our staff for their great work in developing and launching this program so quickly.
Application information regarding next year’s awards (for 2027–28) will be announced in the spring.
