Dear colleagues:

The Board of Directors was very pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the recent Federation of Regional, State and Local Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Societies (RSLAAIS) Leadership Forum. This year, members of the Executive Committee were extended an invitation to attend, and all were present. This provided an excellent opportunity for the AAAAI leadership to hear the concerns and issues faced by practitioners throughout the country.

There was a great sense of camaraderie between the members of the seven regions, as well as with members of the Executive Committee. Frank and open discussion occurred at many levels, which will strengthen the AAAAI and its ability to better collaborate with the RSLs and their prioritized areas of exploration.

Many of the major points discussed are synergistic with priorities also identified by the AAAAI Board:

• Everyone values the importance of the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (JCAAI) and believes we should collectively work to strengthen the JCAAI in order to help the RSLs deal with vital economic issues.
• The AAAAI Web site was an important part of the two-day discussion. RSL leadership was clear in their plea to the AAAAI that this valuable tool needs to keep pace with Internet technology and to be easier to navigate for members and patients alike. Many of the resources desired by RSL members are currently available on the Web site, but not always easily accessible. The November issue of AAAAI News will include a four-page section with navigation tips for members to take full advantage of www.aaaai.org. Additionally, the Board of Directors will be addressing a report from the Web Editors to consider revamping the site to better meet the needs of our membership, patients and the media.
• Given the many new changes in pharmaceutical support and conflict of interest issues, we all recognize the need to reduce redundancies, pool resources and formalize cooperative relationships with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the JCAAI.
• The future of our specialty was also discussed and recommendations were made regarding how we, as a professional society, can help secure the growth and vitality of our field. In this effort, the RSLs have been big proponents and have created innovative methods to support the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Education and Research Trust (ART). During the dinner meeting we heard from RSLAAIS Vice Chair Daniel G. Steinberg, MD, FAAAAI, who spearheaded a new cooperative buying program to benefit the ART, and from Louis M. Mendelson, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the ART Board of Trustees. In addition, attendees demonstrated their enthusiasm by pledging more than $15,000 to the ART.

The Executive Committee left the Forum with a stronger appreciation of the issues faced by the rank and file members of the AAAAI. Just as important, members and Federation Governors have formed a close working relationship with the AAAAI leadership. All involved hope to strengthen these ties through open communication and collaboration.

Sincerely,

Hugh A. Sampson, MD, FAAAAI
AAAAI President