2026 AAAAI Honorary Award Recipients
Allied Health Professionals Recognition Award
Dr. Venter is being recognized for her unparalleled leadership and global impact in the field of food allergy nutrition. As a registered dietitian across three continents and a Professor of Pediatrics, she has helped advance the science and practice of food allergy management through groundbreaking research and education. Along with authoring key review papers, book chapters and co-editing a leading textbook, she has directly shaped international guidelines, including those from NIAID, AAAAI, EAACI and the WAO. Dr. Venter has helped improve the lives of countless patients and families.
Carina Venter, PhD, RD
Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
University of Colorado/Children’s Hospital Colorado
Distinguished Clinician Award
Dr. Greenhawt is being recognized for his exceptional and transformative contributions to the field of allergy / immunology as a globally recognized expert in food allergies. His groundbreaking work has reshaped clinical practice and health policy, including major guidelines in food allergy prevention, vaccine allergy and anaphylaxis management. Dr. Greenhawt has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, an extraordinary testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing the evidence, science and understanding of allergic conditions. Through his dedication, intellectual rigor and talent for clear, engaging communication, he has elevated the standard of care in allergy / immunology and continues to inspire clinicians and researchers throughout the specialty.
Matthew J. Greenhawt, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAAAI
Chief Medical Officer
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Distinguished Clinician Award
Dr. Wang is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field of allergy / immunology. Her excellence in patient care, mentorship, research and leadership has set a remarkable standard. A compassionate and highly skilled clinician, Dr. Wang has defined the gold standard in the clinical management of pediatric allergic disorders, earning the deep respect of her patients through her empathy, clear communication and clinical expertise. Her groundbreaking research in food allergy therapeutics has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also directly shaped clinical practice, contributing to several FDA-approved treatments that will leave a lasting impact on the specialty.
Julie Wang, MD, FAAAAI
Professor of Pediatrics
Jaffe Food Allergy Institute
Division of Allergy and Immunology
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Distinguished Scientist Award
Dr. Fauci is being recognized for his extraordinary contributions to combat both the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. His groundbreaking research and visionary guidance were instrumental in advancing the world’s understanding of HIV/AIDS and in developing therapies that transformed a once-fatal illness into a manageable chronic condition. Likewise, Dr. Fauci’s leadership during the COVID-19 crisis was pivotal - saving countless lives and driving the unprecedentedly rapid and effective development of a vaccine, marking a historic achievement in global public health
Anthony S. Fauci, MD, FAAAAI
Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States
Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Read This Special Q&A with Anthony Fauci, MD, FAAAAI
In this feature spotlight piece, Dr. Fauci, one of the great scientists of our age, discusses his illustrious career. Read this exciting piece to hear his thoughts on the role of the AAAAI, the impacts of artificial intelligence, challenges facing medical research and so much more.
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Koepke is being recognized for his extraordinary 40-year commitment to advancing education within the field of allergy / immunology. Since 1986, he has selflessly led the “Introductory Rhinolaryngoscopy Workshop with Hands-On Learning” at the AAAAI Annual Meeting, providing invaluable instruction that has become a foundational experience for countless allergists. Through Dr. Koepke’s committee work, scholarly contributions and advocacy within regional and national societies he has left participants empowered with essential skills they’ll use for their whole careers.
Jerald W. Koepke, MD, FAAAAI
Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers, P.C., Retired
Clinical Professor Emeritus
University of Colorado Department of Pediatrics
Lifetime Contribution to the AAAAI and A/I Specialty Award
Dr. Lieberman is being recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Contribution to the AAAAI and A/I Specialty Award for his extraordinary contributions to the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. Over his distinguished career spanning decades, he has exemplified leadership, scholarship and service. From Dr. Lieberman’s tenure as President of the AAAAI to his academic leadership as Division Chief of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Tennessee, he has shaped the field in profound ways. Through dedication as a mentor and educator, he has influenced generations of clinicians and researchers. Dr. Lieberman’s prolific academic output, comprising of more than 100 research publications, nearly 300 chapters and reviews, and numerous national and international presentations, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing the A/I profession. Along with his leadership in developing key clinical guidelines, including the 2015 Anaphylaxis Practice Parameter and his role as a trusted voice through AAAAI’s “Ask the Expert”, Dr. Lieberman has cemented his impact on clinical practice and public education. His tireless dedication, enduring influence, visionary leadership and remarkable generosity of spirit define Dr. Lieberman’s legacy in the AAAAI and the allergy / immunology specialty.
Phillip L. Lieberman, MD, FAAAAI
Clinical Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics - Divisions of Allergy and Immunology, retired
University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Read About the Extraordinary 60-Year Career of Phil Lieberman, MD, FAAAAI
In this incredible interview, Dr. Lieberman gives highlights from his remarkable 60-year career in allergy / immunology, discussing how he entered the field, how it has changed and who helped him along the way. He will receive the Lifetime Contribution to the AAAAI and Allergy / Immunology Specialty Award in 2026.
Mentorship Award
Dr. Banerji is being recognized for her exceptional leadership and the profound impact she has had on the professional development, growth and values of her mentees. She has consistently created meaningful opportunities for them to present their work and encourages active involvement in professional societies such as the AAAAI. Dr. Banerji’s mentorship stands out not only for its expert guidance, but also for the deep respect, unwavering support and dedicated advocacy she has offered, qualities that have left a lasting and transformative impression on her mentees.
Aleena Banerji, MD, FAAAAI
Professor, Harvard Medical School
Clinical Massachusetts General Hospital
Director, MGH Allergy and Immunology Unit
Practice Champion of the Year Award
Announced in December 2025.
RSLAAIS Leadership Award
Dr. Bansal, is being recognized for her exceptional leadership, dedication and invaluable contributions to the AAAAI community. As an active member of the AAAAI Board of Directors and an advisor to the RSL committee, her insightful and enthusiastic participation has helped shaped key initiatives and guide the committee’s work in meaningful ways. Dr. Bansal has been a steadfast advocate for both patient rights and the professional needs of AAAAI members, consistently lending her voice to critical issues. Along with her deep expertise in medical coding which has made her an indispensable resource, earning Dr. Bansal, the well-deserved title of “coding corner mentor”.
Priya Bansal, MD, FAAAAI
Allergist and Immunologist
Rare Diseases Specialist
Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center
Special Recognition Award
Dr. Ledford is being recognized for his outstanding leadership, lifelong dedication and transformative contributions to the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. Whether as a clinician, educator, mentor or collaborator, he has embodied humility, kindness and brilliance in all aspects of his work. Along with decades of service to the AAAAI as a Past President, Board Member, contributor to the AAAAI’s “Ask the Expert” forum and founding the AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk; he has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical standards and educational initiatives across the specialty while encouraging new generations of allergists / immunologists to give back. His legacy is one of selfless service and enduring impact.
Dennis K. Ledford, MD, FAAAAI
Section Chief Allergy/Immunology James A. Haley VA Hospital, Ellsworth and Mabel Simmons Professor of Allergy/Immunology
US Veterans Health Administration and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida