Leaders Preview the Transformative Education Programmed by the 2023 Interest Section Forums

The chairs of each of the interest sections highlighted what you can look forward to at this year’s forums.

Amal H. Assa’ad, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the Food Allergy and Eosinophilic (FAED) Interest Section is excited about not only the fascinating topics being covered at this year’s Annual Meeting, but the new educational formats. “We will host a ‘Then and Now’ session at the FAED Interest Section Forum featuring your favorite speakers on the past, present and future of food allergy and eosinophilic disorders,” she explained. “We’re also excited about our wide variety of sessions throughout the Annual Meeting, capping with a plenary on Monday addressing racial aspects, laboratory advances and cutting edge therapies.”

The focus of the Asthma, Diagnosis and Treatment (ADT) Interest Section Forum is Food as Medicine for Asthma. According to ADT Chair Sharmilee M. Nyenhuis, MD, FAAAAI, “speakers will review the evidence surrounding changes in diet and impact on asthma and also discuss emerging evidence of specific diets and dietary components that can aid in the management of asthma.”

Chair of the Anaphylaxis Dermatology & Drug Allergy (ADDA) Interest Section, Kimberly G. Blumenthal, MD, MSc, FAAAAI, is hoping for a variety of attendees, including members of committees associated with ADDA. “This year’s interest section forum will feature ‘The Role of Pollutants in the Dysbiosis of Atopic Dermatitis.’ In this presentation, Ian Myles, MD, MPH, will describe how pollutants manipulate the microbiome and result in distinct atopic dermatitis phenotype.”

Rebecca Scherzer, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the Basic and Clinical Immunology Interest Section (BCI), is excited about all of the topics programmed by BCI this year. “Please join us at the BCI forum to learn what the next best steps are when faced with the conundrum of ‘I Found a Handful of Variants of Uncertain Significance, Now What?’ This important topic is one that we are all challenged with in our field. In addition to our Interest Section Forum, BCI has programmed sessions on cutting edge topics throughout the meeting.”

Another cutting-edge topic this year is technology’s role in medicine. “The Health, Equity, Technology & Quality (HETQ) Interest Section welcomes you to join an exciting session on artificial intelligence for the allergist/immunologist,” interest section Chair Princess U. Ogbogu, MD FAAAAI, said. “Artificial intelligence is no longer just for sci-fi movies. Artificial intelligence-powered medical technologies are rapidly evolving to create applicable solutions for medical practice. Come learn how this technology can be applied across the spectrum of research and clinical care to transform the field of allergy and immunology.”

By attending the Immunotherapy, Rhinitis, Sinusitis and Ocular Disease (IRSO) Interest Section forum, attendees will be able to ask questions directly to researchers. Chair Patricia A. Takach, MD FAAAAI, explained: “An expert panel of major thought leaders and researchers will discuss the targets and research of biologic therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps known for debilitating features and high recurrence rates after surgery. Panelists will address Omalizumab, Mepolizumab and Dupilumab and will compare biologic to nonbiologic therapy.”

The work of the interest sections goes far beyond education at the Annual Meeting. Mechanisms of Asthma and Allergic Inflammation (MAAI) Interest Section Chair Roma Sehmi, PhD, FAAAAI, said their mission “is to support integration of clinical, basic and translational research in mechanisms of asthma, allergy, and immunological disorders. By developing mechanistic sessions for the Annual Meeting, advances in basic scientific discoveries and application to clinical medicine are highlighted. Join us to promote and enrich your career by interacting with like-minded colleagues while shaping the future of the AAAAI.”

The Environmental & Occupational Respiratory Diseases (EORD) Interest Section Forum will review the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of occupational and irritant-induced asthma.

Each Interest Section Forum is held concurrently on Sunday, February 26 from 3:30 until 4:30 pm. Stop by one of these fascinating sessions to learn more about the important work of the interest sections and the education they’re spearheading.