This program will provide an up-to-date review of recent studies supporting the use of allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, allowing the attendee to be fully versed on recent studies related to the mechanism, efficacy and safety of both subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy. Issues impacting clinical practice will be reviewed, including patient adherence, patient selection and mitigating factors in favor of particular immunotherapy formats, based on both U.S. and international published data.

Moderator: Warner W. Carr, MD, FACAAI

This symposium will help the learner know what to investigate when referred a patient for anaphylaxis and no obvious trigger can be identified. The attendee will leave with a good approach to the differential diagnosis of recurrent idiopathic anaphylaxis and be able to initiate the appropriate management strategy for the same.

Moderator: Anne K. Ellis, MD, MSc, FACAAI, and Nicole M. Chase, MD

Limit 54. Seats Available on first-come, first-served basis.

Whether you are just getting started or a seasoned veteran, this exciting new interactive learning opportunity has something for you. Choose three of the six topics and spend 25 minutes with each expert addressing a phase of allergy practice. The expert will give a five-minute overview of the topic and will then answer questions and facilitate discussion with the table participants for 20 minutes.

Table Rotations: 8:05 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am

Moderator: Kevin P. McGrath, MD, FACAAI

For some patients, use of rush or cluster immunotherapy can result in greater adherence and ultimate success. Identifying this patient population and preparing for potential side effects and practical impediments to their use of immunotherapy is essential in comprehensive allergy care.

Moderator: Ira Finegold, MD, FACAAI, and Joseph P. Forester, DO, FACAAI

Biologic therapy is increasingly important in the armamentarium of the allergist/immunologist. New biologics have been approved for treatment of severe asthma and new indications are being investigated including CRS and food allergy.

Moderators: Jay A. Lieberman, MD, FACAAI, and William C. Anderson, MD

This symposium has been designed to aid attendees in their efforts to align their practice with current guidelines and expert recommendations and ensure that they are aware of the full complement of therapeutic options for helping patients manage their food allergies. In doing so, session participants will be better positioned to help patients who have or are at risk for food allergies avoid a lifetime of managing the substantial burden associated with avoiding the allergen and coping with the consequences of accidental exposures.

Moderators: Edwin Kim, MD, FACAAI, and Douglas Jones, MD, FACAAI

From basic science to the clinical conundrums, this session will cover how to evaluate and manage patients with contact dermatitis.

Moderators: Sandra M. Gawchik, DO, FACAAI, and Stephanie Mawhirt, DO

Limit 45. Seats Available on first-come, first-served basis.

Every allergy practice can benefit from these pearls to help improve how your practice operates. Choose three of the five topics and spend 25 minutes with each expert addressing an aspect of allergy practice. The expert will give a five-minute overview of the topic and will then answer questions and facilitate discussion with the table participants for 20 minutes.

Table Rotations: 1:05 am, 1:30 am, 2:00 pm

Moderator: Stanley M. Fineman, MD, MBA, FACAAI

With the advent of commercial peanut allergy therapy, making a basic diagnosis of peanut allergy is essential. However, new and emerging diagnostic tests may complicate this process, and clinicians must be up-to-date on the indications for testing, what test to choose and how to interpret these tests. This session will review the current state of peanut allergy diagnostic testing, including potential applications of component testing, and whether diagnostic testing can be used to infer future risk.

Moderators: Jay M. Portnoy, MD, FACAAI, and David B. K. Golden, MD, FACAAI

Provider health and wellness involves multiple issues, including provider stress, burnout and depression, which can lead to medical errors, early retirement, addiction, divorce and suicide. It has been shown that burnout issues start in medical school and progress through residency, fellowship and throughout a provider’s career. Many medical schools, residencies, and allergy/immunology fellowships do not spend a lot of time on this issue during training, and, given today’s and future healthcare climate, physician/provider health and wellness is likely to continue becoming a more significant issue. This symposium will review the scientific literature about provider health and wellness and discuss the major causes of provider burnout and stress, along with potential solutions to alleviate this burden. Specific data regarding this topic among allergists/immunologists will be reviewed. This session can help allergy/immunology providers throughout their careers.

Moderators: Travis A. Miller, MD, FACAAI, and Andrew Nickels, MD

All attendees are invited to the President’s Welcome Reception. Join us at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros! The main event will be in the park’s Union Station lobby, the grand entrance to Minute Maid Park, with an open bar and great food. You’ll get an excellent view of the field by stepping into areas of the covered concourse level and will have access to the infield warning track and dugouts. It all adds up to a home-run event!

Supported by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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