President’s Message

Wildfire Season Brings Heightened Challenges to Our Work

Once again, it is wildfire season, a time of year that brings heightened challenges to our work as allergist/immunologists. What was once a problem only some regions had to deal with is now affecting most of the country at one time or another. Smoke and pollutants can travel hundreds of miles, affecting the air quality and health of communities. For those of us caring for patients with respiratory and allergic diseases, these environmental factors add a complex layer to our work.

In this issue of Impact, Elizabeth C. Matsui, MD, MHS, FAAAAI, who has dedicated much of her career to understanding the effects of environmental exposures on allergic diseases, shares her insights on the implications of wildfires for our patients. Dr. Matsui has seen firsthand the challenges these environmental changes present, and her expertise offers valuable guidance for caring for patients affected by these environmental impacts.

Paul V. Williams, MD, FAAAAI

In this issue, we also feature the inspiring story of Mohamed S. Yassin, MD, FAAAAI, who began his solo practice in allergy/immunology 32 years ago. Like many of you who have embarked on the path of running a small practice, Dr. Yassin encountered numerous challenges, from the professional isolation that can come with working independently to the constant need for up-to-date knowledge and resources. In this feature, he tells us how he found the connections, education and support he needed to not only overcome these obstacles but to thrive in his practice because of his engagement with the AAAAI. Now, Dr. Yassin is using all he learned to help other small practices. Dr. Yassin’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected with our professional community – and giving back to it.

The AAAAI, along with other organizations like the AMA, plays a critical role in advocating for our specialty and providing the resources we need to succeed. Dr. Yassin’s experience underscores the benefits of dual membership with the AAAAI and AMA, which together address both the specific challenges of allergy/immunology and the broader issues facing healthcare professionals today.

Finally, I encourage you to take a closer look at the AAAAI interest sections through the stories of Jill A. Poole, MD, FAAAAI, Angela Haczku, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, and Kimberly G. Blumenthal, MD, MSc, FAAAAI. They share their experiences and discuss how involvement in interest sections has positively impacted their careers. Their stories are a reminder of the opportunities within our organization to grow professionally and personally, and I urge you to consider getting more involved.

As always, thank you for your dedication to our specialty and for your continued commitment to the AAAAI.

Sincerely,

Paul V. Williams, 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.

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