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2025 AAAAI Honorary Award Recipients

Allied Health Professionals Recognition Award

• Opposition to a 2.8%25 cut in physician payment, urging CMS to mitigate annual reductions in the PFS conversion factor due to rising costs and lower reimbursement for reduced access to care, citing venom immunotherapy as an example • A stakeholder letter urging Congress to ensure Medicare payments to clinicians are adjusted annually for inflation • A coalition letter urging CMS to finalize non-chemotherapy complex drug administration coding changes, A coalition letter urging HHS to address the Self-Administered Drug (SAD) Exclusion List, which limits access to physician-administered medications
Ms. Gregory is being recognized for her service to the allergy / immunology allied health community as a leader, mentor, educator and compassionate healthcare provider. Karen has also served on countless AAAAI committees such as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee along with being past chair of the Allied Health Professional Assembly.
Karen L. Gregory, DNP, APRN, CNS, RRT, AE-C, FAARC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advance Practice Provider
Assistant Professor
Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Georgetown University, School of Nursing, Washington, DC

Distinguished Clinician Award

Banerji
Dr. Banerji is being recognized for her significant and lasting contribution to the field of drug allergy in both investigation and clinical care. Along with growing and establishing a drug program at Massachusetts General Hospital and being the current director for the drug allergy program. Aleena has also implemented novel algorithms and protocols to allow for drug allergy evaluations. While also being an accomplished clinical researcher and being publishing more than100 times and serving as principal investigator on 19 clinical trials.
Aleena Banerji, MD, FAAAAI
Professor, Harvard Medical School
Clinical Massachusetts General Hospital
Director, MGH Allergy and Immunology Unit

Distinguished Scientist Award

Schleimer
Dr. Schleimer is being recognized for his work in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and other allergic diseases, as well as his research into the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids. Robert’s research has helped determine the mechanisms that drive allergic diseases and has led to a better understanding of how the treatments used to manage these diseases function in reducing the burden of allergic disease.
Robert P. Schleimer, PhD, FAAAAI
The Patterson Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Div. Allergy/Immunology
Northwestern University Feinberg School Medicine

Distinguished Service Award

Ballas
Dr. Ballas is being recognized for his service  as the Editor-in-Chief of the JACI since 2015, along with serving on the Board of Directors (2007-2011), the In-Training Examination Committee, Abstract Subcommittee, Annual Meeting Program Committee and numerous other AAAAI committees. Zuhair does this all while continuing his research on the role of natural killer (NK) cells in health and disease with a specific focus on their role in tumor surveillance, inflammatory disorders and immunodeficiency.
Zuhair K. Ballas, MD, FAAAAI
Professor    
University of Iowa and the Iowa City VA        

Mentorship Award

Zoratti
Dr. Zoratti is being recognized for his profound impact on the professional development of his mentees by consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to their growth and success and always going above and beyond to provide guidance and support. Edward has always  encouraged his mentees to think critically and independently and to pursue their own research interests. He also serves as  a resource for professional development, regularly offering opportunities to present research and attend conferences, his guidance has made for better physicians, and better allergists.
Edward M. Zoratti, MD, FAAAAI
Senior Staff Physician, Henry Ford Health
Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI    

Practice Champion of the Year Award

Announced in November 2024

President’s Award

Stukus
Dr. Stukus is being recognized with the 2025 President’s Award for his passion for providing the public with accurate information and advice while working tirelessly to dispel myths and misinformation regarding healthcare David has created nearly 120 informative podcasts that have explored the latest insights and developments in allergy / immunology, as well as giving a platform to highlight the work of the AAAAI.
David R. Stukus, MD, FAAAAI
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine

RSLAAIS Leadership Award

Sussman
Dr. Sussman is being recognized for being an outstanding physician and leader in New Mexico since 1992. While attracting and retaining many young physicians within the allergy / immunology specialty by being an example of what a caring, inquisitive and thoughtful doctor should be. Jim is also highly involved in the AAAAI serving as Governor of Region 6 of the RSL, is past RSL Assembly Chair and is currently the Chair of the Office of Practice Management.
James H. Sussman, DO, FAAAAI
Staff Physician    
Allergy Partners of New Mexico    

Special Recognition Award

LEONARD BERNSTEIN
I. Leonard Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI
Bernstein Allergy Group
Deceased

David Bernstein
David I. Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI
Emeritus Professor of Medicine
Associate Director of Allergy Immunology Training Program
University of Cincinnati and Bernstein Allergy Group and Clinical Research Center

Jonathan Bernstein
Jonathan A. Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI
Professor of Medicine
University of Cincinnati; Bernstein Allergy Group and Clinical Research Center

The Bernstein Family is being recognized for their sterling example of what scientific and analytic ability combined with true patient rapport and compassion embodies. They collectively, have done so much not only for the field of allergy / immunology but also for the AAAAI; from being on numerous committees to David being named the 2019 Distinguished Clinician and both I. Leonard and Jonathan served as AAAAI President.

9/20/2024