The Women in Allergy Committee is dedicated to providing practical tools, resources and mentorship opportunities to help women allergists navigate the various stages of their careers.
One of the committee’s flagship initiatives is the “Breaking the Mold” conversation series. These interactive, member-focused Zoom chats explore topics like leadership strategies, contract negotiations, work/life balance and much more. A few highlights include:
“If I knew then what I know now…”
Drs. Maureen Petersen and Melinda Rathkopf kicked off the year by sharing lessons they’ve learned on their career journeys. They discussed how they define success, strategies for setting healthy professional boundaries, and the importance of mentorship. Watch their conversation!
“Ask me anything” panel
Earlier this spring, the committee brought together a panel of three allergists who shared perspectives from various career stages. Dr. Luz Fonacier discussed her extensive career experiences in academic practice, Dr. Meagan Shepherd offered mid-career insights in private practice, and Dr. Amika Sood discussed her early-career academic experience. Watch their presentation!
Exploring diverse career pathways
Most recently, the committee convened a dynamic panel exploring the different career pathways within the allergy/immunology specialty. Watch the presentation for a discussion that featured a look into five different sectors, with insights from:
- Private practice/Academic – Leena Padhye, MD, FACAAI, allergist in private practice
- Military/Government – Sarah Spriet, DO, FACAAI, Staff Allergist & Clinical Immunologist at Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center
- FDA – Suyoung “Tina” Chang, MD, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Pharmaceutical/Industry – Jodi Shroba, MSN, CPNP, Medical Science Liaison, DBV Technologies
- Advocacy/CEO/consulting – Karen Rance, DNP, CPNP, Chief Medical Officer, Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform
Looking ahead: future sessions
Mark your calendar and keep an eye on your inbox for future “Breaking the Mold” conversations:
- Aug. 4 – Tools for Efficiency: This session will focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into daily practice, including the use of AI scribes, Open Evidence, and other AI research assistants.
- Oct. 6 – Navigating the ACAAI Annual Meeting: This webinar is designed to help members maximize their experience and get the most out of the meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
For more information on previous discussion topics and additional resources, visit the Women in Allergy Committee’s web page.
