Chrysalis Project

If you are a medical student or internal medicine and/or pediatric resident in the United States or Canada, your future includes a big decision about the path you choose.

The Chrysalis Project presents a great opportunity to explore a career in allergy / immunology. The core of the project is a program that takes place during the AAAAI Annual Meeting, the premier allergy / immunology event of the year. In addition, the best news is that accepted applicants attend this program and the AAAAI Annual Meeting free of charge.

The Program
Allergy / immunology represents a vibrant, challenging career path for physicians interested in working with patients of all ages with a wide range of allergic and immunologic diseases. The didactic content includes both pathogenesis and treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders and cutting-edge research. Additionally, the program offers a Career Paths in allergy and Immunology session, which explores career options in academia, government, private practice and industry. The program also hosts a small group hot topic case discussion session reviewing three different cases. The environment is interactive and informal allowing participants to ask questions. Selected participants are paired with both an allergy / immunology faculty member and fellow-in-training (FIT) mentor who can answer questions about the specialty and guide them through the educational sessions and events. There are additional opportunities to meet with AAAAI Board Members and allergy / immunology training program directors and allergy / immunology faculty during the Chrysalis Project Program reception.

Chrysalis Project Program Application
The purpose of the Chrysalis Project is to provide U.S. and Canadian medical students and internal medicine and/or pediatric residents with the opportunity to explore allergy / immunology and increase interest in the subspecialty. The application typically is available at 8:00 am CT on August 3, 2026 and closes on October 23, 2026 at 11:59 am CT. The application will be added to the Grants, Awards, and Scholarships page when it opens and removed when closed.

To qualify for the Chrysalis Project, applicants must be an AAAAI member or have applied for membership before applying for the award. The links to the membership applications are below:
• Medical Student Member
• Resident Member

Applicants must also fall into one of the following categories to be considered for the program:
• MD, PhD students during research training years
• 3rd and 4th year medical students
• 1st year residents in IM, Peds or MedPeds
• 2nd year residents in IM, Peds or MedPeds, particularly those without an allergy / immunology training program at their institution
• 3rd year MedPeds resident or 3rd year IM or Peds resident who is participating in a chief year at their institution

Selected participants receive the following benefits:
• A fellow-in-training (FIT) mentor
• An allergy / immunology faculty mentor
• Up to four nights lodging at the Chrysalis Project assigned hotel
• Roundtrip coach airfare up to $800.00
• A $300.00 stipend to cover meals and ground transportation expenses

Please note the Chrysalis Project is a recruitment program, with priority given to medical students and junior residents who are unsure of their career path, rather than senior residents who are already committed to applying for allergy / immunology fellowship. These residents' applications will still be reviewed and considered for any open slots. Individuals previously selected for the Chrysalis Project are not eligible to participate in the program a second time.

Participant selection into the program is based on various factors, including the number of applications received, the number of applications from the same institution, and if there is an allergy / immunology training program at the applicant's institution. The strength of the letter from a faculty member (allergy / immunology or non-allergy / immunology) also carries weight during the review process. The applicant's personal statement should include any research experience, publications, presentations, career goals, lack of exposure to the field and specific reason(s) of interest in the field. Eligible applicants who are the first author on an accepted abstract/case report for oral presentation are automatically awarded a program slot. Accepted abstracts and case reports will not guarantee acceptance into the program, although submissions and scores will be taken into consideration.

Prior to submitting your application, please note the following additional information and tips:
• When selecting a faculty member for your application, consider who will best describe you, your interest in the specialty, and who can speak to why you should be selected for the program. Keep in mind that this letter should be uploaded when applying, not emailed separately, so give the individual you are asking plenty of time to complete your request. The prompt question for the faculty letter is “Please describe your experience working with the applicant and discuss why you think the applicant would benefit from the Chrysalis Project program. Given the number of applications received and the competitiveness of program, the details and strength of the letter can make a difference in the application process.” 
• Your personal statement should promote yourself to the reviewers. It is your opportunity to highlight yourself, your interest in exploring the field, any exposure you have had to the field and whether you have access to the field at your current or previous institutions. 
• Be sure to submit an updated version of your CV.
• Given the competitiveness of the program, consider submitting an application to the medical student and resident travel scholarship application as well. 
• Register for the AAAAI Annual Meeting, as well as the two Chrysalis Project sessions open to all medical student and resident attendees (Chrysalis Project Program: Didactic and Chrysalis Project Program: Career Paths in Allergy and Immunology sessions.

Allergy / immunology represents a vibrant, challenging career path for physicians and allied health professionals interested in working with patients of all ages with a wide range of allergic and immunologic diseases. The AAAAI can guide you down your career path.

Find out why these AAAAI members selected a career in allergy / immunology.

2027 Chrysalis Project Program
New Orleans, LA
February 18-20, 2027 (Program dates)
February 19-22, 2027 (Annual Meeting dates)

Chrysalis Project Program Schedule

Thursday, February 18, 2027
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Participant Welcome: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (selected participants only)

Friday, February 19, 2027
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Didactic Session: 7:00 am to 11:05 am 
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Class Photo: 11:15 am to 11:30 am (selected participants only)
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Hot Topic Discussion Luncheon Session: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm (selected participants only)
•    President/President-Elect Reception: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (selected participants only)

Saturday, February 20, 2027
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Career Paths in Allergy and Immunology Session: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm 
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Luncheon with FIT Mentors: 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm (selected participants only)
•    Chrysalis Project Program: Reception: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (selected participants only)  

For more information on the Chrysalis Project, contact Mari Durán or (414) 272-6071.




7/1/2026