Laura Ann Wang, MD, Tackles Drug Allergies in Pregnant Women as Inaugural VAMPSS FIT

Laura Ann Wang, MD, a third year fellow at Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver first became interested in clinical medicine because of her background in healthcare policy and public health.

Laura Ann Wang, MD

While her research interests have evolved over time, she’s found that drug allergy and safety research, particularly in relation to pregnancy and the neonatal period, combines her interests in public health and clinical outcomes. So when the new Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Surveillance System (VAMPSS) FIT position was announced, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“I hope that my time in the VAMPSS FIT Program will help me develop the skills necessary to become an expert in drug allergy, safety and outcomes research,” said Dr. Wang, who was selected earlier this summer as the first VAMPSS FIT.

“A/I providers play a more important role during pregnancy than they may realize, especially since allergic diseases are common in women of childbearing age and can change during the course of a pregnancy,” Dr. Wang explained. “A/I providers work closely with their patients to help monitor these conditions, ensure they are on the safest and most effective medications during pregnancy, and adjust medication regimens to keep patients healthy. Optimal control of allergic conditions, such as asthma, is important for both the health of the mother and the baby.” Dr. Wang is still finalizing the details of her project, but has been examining the outcomes of infants who are born to mothers colonized with group B streptococcus and have a penicillin allergy label at her institution. “I am interested in looking at this on a population level,” she added. “Additionally, I will participate in ongoing VAMPSS studies on drug safety in pregnancy.” The VAMPSS FIT Program provides additional scholarly activity regarding the interface between allergy/immunology and reproductive medicine. The VAMPSS FIT Program will begin accepting applications for the 2023 program on November 1.

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