Dear colleagues:
Monthly Monitor
From the Executive Committee
By: Thomas B. Casale, MD, FAAAAI
2007-2008 President
The focus of my message in the September issue of AAAAI News is on member involvement. Your participation in Interest Section and committee activities is vital to the health of the Academy and the specialty as a whole. The President, Executive Committee and Board of Directors help set the course, but the committees steer the ship.
Since my tenure as President began, many of you have let me know that in order to “steer the ship” you need more information regarding the “course” or direction leadership is taking. I agree.
Starting with this edition, the President’s Message in eNews will become a Monthly Monitor of what is happening at the AAAAI executive level. When decisive decisions are made by the Executive Committee, you will learn about them in a timely manner through this column. It is my intent that this action will encourage more of you to take action as well by joining your peers through committee and Interest Section involvement.
Executive Committee Updates
Board Review Course
The AAAAI and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have been developing new and improved options for the Certification/Maintenance of Certification Board Review Course. Starting in 2008, the AAAAI will host the live Course. In 2009, we will host the Course online. In 2010 and 2011, the ACAAI will host the Course live and online respectively.
2008 Annual Meeting Complimentary Exhibitors
Cooperation with lay organizations is important to the AAAAI. In this spirit, the following have been granted complimentary exhibit space at the 2008 Annual Meeting:
- Allergy and Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN-MA)
- American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI)
- American Latex Allergy Association (ALERT)
- American Lung Association (ALA)
- American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
- European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)
- Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS)
- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
- Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF)
- Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (JCAAI)
- National Exzema Association (NEA)
- The Mastocytosis Society
- World Allergy Organization (WAO)
New AADMC Editor
The Executive Committee approved the appointment of Phillip Lieberman, MD, FAAAAI as the new AADMC Editor, and wishes to thank Burton Zweiman, MD, FAAAAI for his tremendous service to the profession through his many years as Editor.
Joint GME Task Force
Stephen McGeady, MD has accepted an appointment to the Joint Graduate Medical Education (GME) Task Force. This GME Task Force plans to focus on initiatives having an impact on the national level.
Increase Investment in JCAAI Washington Services
Approval was granted to increase spending for the Joint Council on Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s services in Washington, D.C. on behalf of our specialty.
Loan Limit Letter
The Executive Committee approved endorsing a sign-on letter urging an increase in the aggregate combined Stafford loan limit for health professions students. This affects students in programs leading to degrees in a variety of medicines including allopathic and osteopathic.
Commission to End Health Care Disparities
Approval was granted for travel support to send representatives to the Commission to End Health Disparities meeting in October, 2007.
Practice Management Workshop
The Executive Committee reviewed the evaluations for the Practice Management Workshop held in Washington July 20-22. The course was well attended and received outstanding reviews. The Executive Committee approved continuing to hold this course on an annual basis to help support practitioners.
The Joint Xolair Task Force Report
The Executive Committee approved the report and recommended submission to the JACI, pending final review by the College’s Board. We feel this will give practitioners useful guidelines to manage patients treated with Xolair, taking into account the new FDA black box warning.
Insect Monograph
The Executive Committee approved the development of CD’s containing the Insect Monograph. The monograph will be free to Program Directors and FITs, with a small fee to members.
Sincerely,
Thomas B. Casale, MD, FAAAAI
AAAAI President
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