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Academy News: April 2005
RSL Update
 RSLs complete busy, productive year
By Sandra M. Gawchik, DO, FAAAAI, 2004-2005 Chair
The past year has been a successful time for the Regional, State and Local Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Societies (RSLAAIS or RSLs). This was the first year that leadership forums were held in seven designated regions throughout the country. These leadership forums have allowed each of the regional governors, AAAAI leadership and staff to interact one-on-one with leaders of nearly 70 allergy societies throughout the country.
2005 RSL forums
The information and good will the forums have generated will be a foundation on which the RSLAAIS can continue to grow. These leadership forums will continue through 2005, supported by an unrestricted grant from Schering-Plough. Meeting dates and locations have already been established. Regional leaders, please watch for an invitation the meeting in your area:
Region 1 (Northeast): August 13-14
Location: Cambridge, MA
Region 2 (Mideast): September 16-17
Location: The Capital Hilton, Washington, DC
Region 3 (Southeast): October 1-2
Location: Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, FL
Region 4 (Midwest): October 7-8
Location: Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Milwaukee, WI
Region 5 (Mid South): September 9-10
Location: Hilton Americas Houston, Houston, TX
Region 6 (Rocky Mountain): May 13-14
Location: Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Region 7 (Western): June 3-4
Location: Hilton San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
To date, the leadership members participating in the forums have been delighted to have an opportunity to exchange ideas. The forums are an opportunity for:
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AAAAI leaders to learn about the concerns and needs of allergist/immunologists around the country
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Local leaders to learn about AAAAI resources and receive assistance for resources needed on a local level
Common issues were raised across all seven forums. These issues included assistance with the CME process, advice on running organizations, information on forging relationships with training programs and medical schools, and concern for the image of the allergist/immunologist among the public and other healthcare professionals.
It is important for all of us to be involved in our local allergy societies. If issues or new ideas arise, your regionally elected governor is a conduit through which your voice can be heard. The effectiveness of the governor is directly tied to leaders and other constituents in the region.
Region realignment and update
Realignment of several regions occurred this past year. Hawaii is now part of the Western Region (Region 7), Mississippi part of Mid South (Region 5), and Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama are now part of the Southeast Region (Region 3).
We welcome to three newly elected governors for Region 1 (Northeast), Region 4 (Midwest), and Region 7 (Western):
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Daniel G. Steinberg, MD, FAAAAI, Chestnut Hill, MA, will be taking over the governorship of Region 1 from Kevin P. McGrath, MD, FAAAAI. Steinberg’s experience at the state and regional level will make him an asset to our current team of governors.
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James M. Tracy, DO, FAAAAI, Omaha, NE, in Region 4, brings the experience of guiding his state society through a total reorganization and reinvigoration. Tracy replaces Malcolm N. Blumenthal, MD, FAAAAI.
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Vincent C. Tubiolo, MD, FAAAAI, Santa Barbara, CA, rounds out the new governors and is located in the Western Region (Region 7). As a front-line allergist, Tubiolo sees what is happening first hand, and will be able to translate that into how it affects the practicing physicians in his region, and throughout the country. He replaces Sheldon L. Spector, MD, FAAAAI.
The new governors will be joining the Federation Board along with the continuing governors: Timothy J. Craig, DO, FAAAAI, Hershey, PA; Dennis K. Ledford, MD, FAAAAI, Tampa, FL; Donald C. Fournier, MD, FAAAAI, Texarkana, TX; and Michael H. Clayton, MD, FAAAAI, Albuquerque, NM.
Training program partnership
The Federation of the RSLAAIS is also working to generate a dynamic interaction between the RSL societies and training programs. The survival of the specialty is dependent on training our younger physicians to replace the aging academic faculty. A letter has been sent to all new allergists and fellows-in-training to encourage them to join an RSL. If you would like to be involved with this initiative on a regional, state or local level, please contact your regional governor.
As my term as chair comes to a close, I want to thank the regional governors, my vice chair, the RSL representatives to the AAAAI Board, and staff for a fabulous term.
New leadership team
Hugh H. Windom, MD, FAAAAI, will be your new chair through 2007. He is in private practice in Florida and is the immediate past chair of the Education and Research Trust (ERT) Board of Trustees. Windom will be writing future columns updating you on RSL news. Paul V. Williams, MD, FAAAAI, past governor of Region 6, is the incoming vice chair for 2005-2007.
In closing, thank you for a wonderful term. It’s been my pleasure to serve as chair.
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