Our Strike Force traveled to Washington, DC earlier this month to advocate for the critically important role allergists play in our country’s health care system. We spent two days meeting with congressional leaders and Congressmen and Senators from our own states. Representatives were receptive to our discussions, which included physician-focused payment models and surprise billing issues. David Lang, MD, the Academy’s president and Tom Fleisher, MD, the Academy’s executive vice president joined us for some of these important meetings. On the second day we collaborated with our partners at the Allergy and Asthma Network, teaming up with patients for the annual Allergy and Asthma Day on Capitol Hill. During these meetings, our discussions focused on access to care, affordable medications, increased funding for research, health equity and labeling cross contamination on food labels. It was a worthwhile trip, and I thank all the volunteers who joined us. The Strike Force trip is the culmination of the Advocacy Council’s year-long efforts.
I’m proud to announce an exciting change to this year’s President’s Welcome Reception at the Annual Meeting in Houston. The event this year will be off site – at Minute Maid Park – home of the Houston Astros! The park is within walking distance from our meeting hotels. The main event will be in the park’s Union Station lobby, the grand entrance to Minute Maid Park, with an open bar and great food. You’ll get a great view of the field by stepping into areas of the covered concourse level. We will also have access to the infield warning track and the dugouts. The Welcome Reception is Friday, Nov. 8, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, and open to all meeting attendees. See you there!
Minute Maid Park is the site of the 2019 Annual Meeting President’s Welcome Reception.
The College will soon enter the world of podcasting! Free to members, AllergyTalk is a new way for you to hear the latest news and information in the field of allergy and immunology. These bi-monthly podcasts are hosted by Gerald Lee, MD and Merin Kalangara, MD. Each podcast will include a guest who will discuss key articles from the current issue of AllergyWatch. The first episode’s guest is Stanley Fineman, MD, MBA, FACAAI, editor-in-chief of AllergyWatch. Stay tuned to College Insider for news on the launch of this exciting new series.
Todd Mahr, MD, FACAAI
College president
