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Newsworthy Sessions News Releases Preliminary Program Statistics Staff Contacts AAAAI Media Center AAAAI Home		AAAAI 2008 Annual Meeting attracted thousands, showcased new research PHILADELPHIA - Thousands of medical specialists and scientists gathered here at a forum to discuss new research on asthma and allergies - afflictions that combined affect more than 70 million Americans. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2008 Annual Meeting was held March 14-18. The event drew 7,750 attendees form around the world, including 5,450 registered delegates - an increase of 5 percent over 2007. More than 1,000 scientific abstracts were presented over the five-day meeting. Topics, ranging from research into causes of allergies and asthma to new treatment options, gave insight into improving diagnosis and patient care. The meeting also featured two popular keynote addresses from leaders in medical research and government. Lord Robert Winston, a world leader in stem cell research, discussed ethical issues surrounding the emerging science. Lack of public education is the biggest obstacle to acceptance of genetic research, Winston, emeritus professor of fertility studies at Imperial College in London, told AAAAI delegates during his address Saturday, March 15. Five-term Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, who serves on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed the future of health care in his address Monday, March 17. Specter, who has waged a personal battle with Hodgkin's disease, said funding for biomedical research must continue. Nearly 60 members of the media attended the meeting to cover abstract sessions, keynote addresses and three press conferences. They represented a range of media outlets from local to international. An increasing number of online journalists also joined the traditional print and broadcast media. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. The AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. <back>
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