President’s Message

Frank S. Virant, MD, FAAAAI

This special feature sets the tone for an issue grounded in the strength of our community: our science, our advocacy and our leadership. You’ll meet the candidates stepping forward to lead the AAAAI as Secretary-Treasurer and At-Large Directors—each offering thoughtful visions for the future and a deep commitment to our mission. (If you have not yet voted, please vote today.)

You’ll also read how AAAAI members are combating myths and misinformation with trusted, evidence-based resources for patients and the public—a message that aligns directly with Dr. Fauci’s call for clearer, stronger scientific communication.

Dear Friends,

In this issue of Impact, we have the privilege of bringing you something truly extraordinary: an in-depth conversation with Anthony Fauci, MD, FAAAAI. I am honored to announce that Dr. Fauci will accept the 2026 AAAAI Distinguished Scientist Award at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. His wisdom, candor and extraordinary legacy—shaped over more than five decades of scientific discovery, patient care and public service—offer powerful inspiration for all of us in allergy/immunology. His reflections on scientific integrity, collaboration, misinformation, AI and the future of biomedical research could not be timelier nor more essential to our specialty.

This issue also highlights the remarkable work of AAAAI-funded investigators pushing the boundaries of discovery, including Dr. Onyinye Iweala’s groundbreaking contributions to alpha-gal syndrome and mast cell disorders.

As we look ahead to the 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, themed Advancing Precision Medicine from Discovery to Patient Care, I hope you’ll take note of the exciting plenaries, the integrated Practice Management Course, the energy of Discovery, and the opportunity to gather together as a community committed to our future.

I encourage you to spend time with Dr. Fauci’s interview. His message is a powerful reminder of why our work and collective voice matters. At a moment of rapid change and profound challenge, the AAAAI remains a beacon of scientific excellence, clinical leadership and advocacy for our patients. Thank you for being an essential part of this community.

Sincerely, Frank S. Virant, MD, FAAAAI

AAAAI President president@aaaai.org Find more inspiring stories of how AAAAI members are advancing our specialty and improving patient care in past issues of Impact on the Member Publications page of the AAAAI website. Do you have an inspiring story to offer for consideration, or know someone who does? Reach out to Impact editor, April Presnell.