The College’s virtual 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting wrapped up yesterday, and I am thrilled that it was a such big success. I know we all missed seeing each other in person, but the virtual meeting’s education, networking and special events were an excellent alternative to meeting live.
I was honored to be installed as College president on Saturday evening, and I’d like to congratulate our officers:
- President-elect: Mark Corbett, MD, FACCAI
- Vice President: Kathleen May, MD, FACAAI
- Treasurer: James M. Tracy, DO, FACAAI
I’s also like to welcome our newest members of the Board of Regents:
- Joseph Forester, DO, FACAAI
- Maureen Petersen, MD, FACAAI
- David Stukus, MD, FACAAI
- Christopher Foster, MD (Jr. FIT Rep)
I am proud to be the first Asian American president of the College and the fourth woman president of the ACAAI. I am equally proud to be one of three women in national medical association leadership positions who are allergists. Along with me, Dr. Susan Bailey is currently president of the American Medical Association and Dr. Mary Beth Fasano is president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Luz Fonacier, MD, FACAAI
As my tenure as president begins, I am ready to lead the College to innovate, diversify and expand. The College continues to expand its membership and diversify its leadership.
The growth of women in the allergy profession is phenomenal. College membership is now made up of 42% women, and current new committee appointments are 58% women. But only 5% of leadership positions are held by women. Over the upcoming year, I will focus on ways to increase diversity in leadership positions, keeping in mind that diversity is not only in gender or race, but also in geography, culture and practice of medicine.
Another important priority area for the College is to address disparities in health care – they do exist and need our attention.
COVID-19 has affected our specialty, practices, and personal lives. We’ve been forced to innovate, diversify and expand in ways unimaginable just a few months ago. We have survived, and the College will continue to develop resources to help our members – and their practices – thrive through the pandemic and beyond.
The College’s advocacy efforts are one of our greatest strengths. We are the advocacy leader of the practicing allergist, and we will continue to advocate in Washington on behalf of our members.
It’s exciting to belong to a specialty with so much promise. Our practice has expanded, and we’re involved in so many clinical areas – from immunotherapy to biologics, and from asthma to allergic dermatosis. I look forward to being a part of our continued expansion, which will provide even more opportunities to help our patients live their best lives.
Luz Fonacier, MD, FACAAI
President
