Networking,Interdisciplinary Care,and AI: Key themes from ACAAI 2025
Meta Description: Leading allergists discuss the importance of networking,collaborative care,and emerging technologies like AI at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting.
The connections that colleagues forge at medical conferences are as vital as the educational sessions themselves, according to experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting.A recent discussion with Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, MD, allergy/immunology division director and fellowship program director at Nicklaus Children’s hospital, and Payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI, owner of the Ease Allergy Clinic in Brooklyn, New York, and cohost of The Itch podcast, highlighted the multifaceted benefits these gatherings provide.
“I’ve attended some great sessions on updates and treatment of allergic diseases and immunologic diseases, and I think that’s one of the reasons I’m so excited every year to come to the American Co
llaboration with specialists in fields like otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. “We need to be communicating with our other colleagues…and we need to all be in dialog in order to better care for our patients,” she said. Furthermore, a holistic approach to patient care is gaining traction, considering not only the disease state but also mental and physical health, including nutrition and exercise.
The evolution of the allergy and immunology specialty itself was also a topic of discussion. Hernandez-Trujillo noted the significant advancements in understanding the underlying mechanisms of allergic and immunologic diseases over the past two decades. “We definitely have gained a huge understanding that we didn’t have 20 years ago…and a lot of times they come together,” she said. “For me, it’s just exciting to see that really over time, we continue to understand so we’re able to treat and have better, more precise treatment of our patients.”
Professionally, Gupta observed a trend toward physician diversification as a strategy to combat burnout. “I find that a lot of physicians, in order to prevent burnout, are trying to seek other opportunities, such as consulting, doing advisory boards, speaking and doing educational initiatives, like the podcast that I do,” she explained. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field also emerged as a prominent theme at the conference, with attendees eager to explore its applications.
Looking ahead,Hernandez-Trujillo encouraged younger allergists and immunologists to actively engage with the specialty.”One of the things I recommend, especially to newer allergists or young allergists, is to get involved,” she advised. “Find your passion and keep the fire lit, because when you first graduate, it’s common to have imposter syndrome. But the longer you do it, the more you realize we have so much to offer.” She highlighted the power and influence of women in allergy and medicine.
Advocacy was also identified as a crucial role for allergists, especially for younger generations. Hernandez-Trujillo emphasized the need to educate both patients and other healthcare professionals about allergic diseases.”we need to just break down the disease, understand it, and then we’re able to treat it better,” she said.
However, accessibility to these valuable conferences remains a challenge. Gupta pointed out that current meetings likely only reach 5% to 10% of practicing allergists. “We need to think about ways to bring people into conferences,but then also to bring the conference to people,” she stated,advocating for alternative educational formats beyond traditional in-person events.
For more information,Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo,MD,can be reached at [email protected], and payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI, can be reached at [email protected].
Sources/Disclosures
Source: Healio Interviews.
Disclosures: Hernandez-Trujillo and gupta report no relevant financial disclosures.
