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Academy News: January 2004RSLAAIS News 
Leadership Forum update Regional, State and Local Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society (RSLAAIS or RSLs) Leadership Forums have been held in Regions 6 and 7, and were well received. The Region 2 Leadership Forum will be held in June 2004. The forums are funded through a grant from Schering-Plough. Candidates for open governor positions The governors of Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6 are at the end of their terms in office. Candidates are now being approached to represent these regions. Conference call news Region 6 presidents have expressed an interest in returning to conference calls on a monthly basis. On a recent conference call, Jennifer Scharpf, of the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), presented IDF information to the members. Highlights from the presentation follow: The IDF is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of improving the diagnosis and treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases through research, education and advocacy. IDF was founded in 1980 and is governed by a board of trustees. A Medical Advisory Committee compromised of 20 leading clinical immunologists guides the medical and scientific programs of the IDF. Consulting Immunologist Program The IDFs Consulting Immunologist Program offers physicians a free consultation or second opinion for the diagnosis and treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases. The Consulting Immunologist faculty consists of leading clinical immunologists from across the Unites States, specializing in primary immune deficiency diseases. Approximately 100 consulting immunologist calls are answered annually, with 60% of the calls from allergists. For more information on the Consulting Immunologist Program, call (877) 666-0866, e-mail tb@primaryimmune.org, or visit the IDF Web site at www.primaryimmune.org. A consulting immunologist will return the call within 48 hours. Research Grants and Fellowship Program IDF funds approximately $400,000 in research grants annually and funds one fellow at $50,000 per year. Deadlines and applications for the grants and fellowship programs are available on the IDF Web site at www.primaryimmune.org. Visiting Professor Program IDF provides approximately 12 Visiting Professor Programs annually. Teaching and community hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to submit applications for an expert clinical immunologist to lead Grand Rounds and other educational activities. The institutions awarded a Visiting Professor Program select the professor and the educational agenda. USID Net Research Consortium On October 3, 2003, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it awarded a $12.8 million, five-year research contract for primary immune deficiency diseases to the U.S. Immunodeficiency Network (USID Net), a consortium of world-renowned researchers. The IDF will provide administrative support to USID Net. Diagnostic and clinical care guidelines for primary immune deficiency In 2004, IDF will develop comprehensive, evidence-based diagnostic and clinical care guidelines for select primary immune deficiency diseases. The guidelines will include recommendations, strategies and other information that will assist physicians and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care for primary immune deficiency diseases. IDF aims to develop the guidelines with the assistance and cooperation of professional societies, such as the AAAAI, federal agencies and other healthcare agencies. National conference In June 2003, IDF held it second national conference in Baltimore, MD. The conference attracted over 1,300 attendees, including patients and families, physicians, allied health professionals, industry representatives and government officials. The conference offered two full days of educational programming for patients, and a one-day professional education program, accredited for physicians and nurses. The next IDF National Conference will be held June 23-25, 2005 in Orlando, Florida. Volunteer support network IDF has a network of over 100 training volunteers throughout the country that provide peer support to patients and families, and coordinate local educational activities in their states. IDF hosts approximately 20 local and regional patient-education meetings annually. Compassionate Care IGIV Program In 2002, IDF initiated a Compassionate Care IGIV Program, offering a temporary, free supply of IGIV to patients experiencing a health insurance or financial crisis. IDF has assisted over 100 patients since the programs inception. Physicians and patients may contact IDF at (800) 296-4433 to apply for the assistance program. Patient advocacy IDF has a full-time patient advocate and board certified genetic counselor to provide casework to patients and family members. Patient education publications and Web site IDF offers a variety of patient educational materials and publications free of charge. IDF also launched a redesigned Web site in April 2003 at www.primaryimmune.org. Public policy program IDF maintains a full-scale federal public policy program, and is active in state legislative initiatives to ensure access to health care and a safe and adequate blood supply. |
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