Nearly 300 members are currently volunteering their time and expertise to serve on College committees. Their work ranges from Board of Regents-directed initiatives to committee-initiated projects. Here are a few examples of how our committees’ work continues to equip the College to support practicing allergists:
- Board-directed initiatives – Aside from enhancing our member educational offerings on the College Learning Connection, committees are expanding our practice management resources and elevating the College’s profile as a trusted source of information on allergy and asthma.
- Committee-initiated projects – A few of the College’s science committees have surveyed our members to gain insights related to diagnostic and treatment practices. Their findings have been or may be used to publish Annals articles, inform guidelines and develop new resources for practicing allergists. The Immunotherapy and Diagnostics Committee has conducted three separate surveys (five years apart) since 2008 to determine perceptions and practice of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). The last survey, implemented in 2018, looked at how the trends have changed over the last 10 years with the availability of new FDA-approved products. The results will be published in Annals later this year. Most recently, the Food Allergy Committee administered surveys to assess practices related to skin testing, epinephrine auto-injector prescription and oral food challenges. The Asthma Committee is also planning a membership survey on the use and experience with biologics for severe asthma. These, too, will result in new publications and help guide the College in developing timely recommendations.
- Member-directed inquiries – An important benefit of being a member of the College is having access to a vast network of experts in allergy and immunology. The Ask the Expert section of our website allows members to submit inquiries on issues they’re facing, including challenging patient cases. Their inquiries are directed to the College’s executive medical director, who works in conjunction with relevant committees to provide a response.
These are just a few examples of how committees are making a difference. Do you have ideas you’d like to bring to the table with your committee? We have a few tips on brainstorming projects and boosting your involvement.
The College is currently taking applications for committee openings in November. Have you checked when your committee term is up? Access your member profile to find out and see if there are other committees you’d like to join. Applications are due by April 15.
