Share
Search
result
Helping to Craft a Strategic Plan to Move the AAAAI Forward
Helping to Craft a Strategic Plan to Move the AAAAI Forward
Jordon Jaggers, MD
In order to move the AAAAI and the allergy/immunology field forward, every three years the AAAAI develops a new strategic plan with input from a variety of AAAAI members. In 2024, Jordon Jaggers, MD, Fellow-In-Training (FIT) Committee Vice Chair, was one of those members.
“Participating as a FIT at the strategic planning meeting was a great experience and extremely eye-opening to see how organizations plan and are successful with their goals,” Dr. Jaggers said. “Being a part of the strategic planning meeting was important to me because it is essential to identify goals of the AAAAI and align these with FIT experiences offered. Additionally, it gives FITs a voice in developing these goals for the AAAAI.”
A strategic plan is crucial to achieving long-term goals. It provides a roadmap by defining priorities and outlining actions, and ensures AAAAI leaders are all working towards a common vision. In order to develop a plan that addresses the needs of allergist/immunologists at all stages of their careers, selected AAAAI leaders met September 14-15 in Milwaukee, WI to discuss priorities for the coming years. AAAAI leaders also worked with a consultant to help them define goals and the action steps needed to make those goals a reality.
Christina G. Kwong, MD, FAAAAI
Christina G. Kwong, MD, FAAAAI, who is a past chair of the New Allergist and Immunologist Assembly (NAIA), also participated in the strategic planning meeting. “It’s a big task to come up with a strategic plan, and this meeting was just one step in the process. Everyone knew that this had to be approached with thoughtfulness and in the context of teamwork. A lot was accomplished in a short time at the meeting,” she said.
With so many facets of the specialty to consider, developing a strategic plan can be overwhelming. This year, attendees at the strategic planning meeting also had data from the 2024 AAAAI Membership Needs Assessment to consider. The input from that survey was essential for helping to narrow down priorities in order to focus on programs and services that will benefit the most AAAAI members.
“At first, it seemed daunting to come up with top priority goals, given the breadth of our specialty,” said Dr. Kwong. “But through focused work and the process, it all suddenly came together by the end! I felt like I got to see magic happen while realizing it isn’t magic.”
Dr. Jaggers recalls being surprised by how so many members with their variety of ideas and different visions for the AAAAI were able to come together to develop a comprehensive plan that will serve all members of the AAAAI. “It was incredible to watch how goals and action items were consolidated to help advance the AAAAI and best serve members and the community,” she said.
While not every AAAAI member can attend these strategic planning meetings, there are numerous ways to get involved that will allow your voice to be heard. “I would recommend individuals get involved in committees and continue to network at AAAAI events to help drive change,” said Dr. Jaggers. “Everyone is very open to new members and new ideas, no matter what stage of your career you are in!”
The 2025-2028 strategic plan was approved by the AAAAI Board of Directors during the November Board meeting, and will be introduced to the membership during the AAAAI Annual Business Meeting during the 2025 AAAAI / WAO Joint Congress on March 3, from 8:15 to 9:15 am.
