President’s Message

Dear Colleagues,

One of the greatest strengths of the allergy/immunology community is that we never stop building. We build new knowledge through research. We build better care through innovation. We build stronger communities through mentorship and advocacy. Together, those efforts create a healthier future for our patients and for our specialty.

This issue of Impact highlights several examples of how our members are doing exactly that.

Carla M. Davis, MD, FAAAAI

You will read about physicians whose work is transforming patient care in very different but equally meaningful ways. Dr. Kimberly Blumenthal's pioneering research in drug allergy continues to reshape how we evaluate penicillin allergy, helping patients receive the safest and most effective therapies while advancing antimicrobial stewardship. As we approach National Penicillin Allergy Day on September 28, her work reminds us that research doesn't end in the laboratory. It changes clinical practice and improves lives.

Innovation also means finding new ways to support patients beyond the exam room. Dr. Michael Pistiner's Food Allergy Buddies Program demonstrates the power of peer mentorship by connecting children and teens with food allergies in ways that build confidence, foster independence and create lasting friendships. By strengthening both patients and families, this program reminds us that community itself can be an important part of care.

You will also hear about Dr. Anju Peters’ first experience advocating on Capitol Hill. Her story is an important reminder that advocacy is not reserved for a handful of experienced voices. Whether meeting with legislators, using AAAAI Advocate to contact elected officials or encouraging patients to share their experiences, each of us has the ability to influence policies that affect the care we provide every day.

Finally, you'll read about the remarkable evolution of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice and the visionary leadership of founding Editor-in-Chief Michael Schatz, MD, MS, FAAAAI. Over the past 13 years, Dr. Schatz has helped shape JACI: In Practice into one of our specialty's most respected clinical resources, ensuring that practicing allergist/immunologists have access to evidence that directly informs patient care.

Although these stories focus on different aspects of our profession, they are united by a common purpose. Progress happens when people are willing to invest their time, expertise and passion in something larger than themselves. Whether advancing research, mentoring the next generation, building trusted clinical resources or advocating for our patients, every contribution strengthens our specialty and expands our ability to improve lives.

Thank you for the many ways you continue to advance allergy/immunology through your dedication, your expertise and your commitment to excellence. I hope the stories in this issue inspire you as much as they inspired me and remind you that, together, we are building an even stronger future for our specialty.

Sincerely, Carla M. Davis, 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.