News and Publications

ABAI News

8/9/2024

ABAI Announces Chelsey Williams, MBA, as Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer

It is with great pleasure that ABAI announces Chelsey Williams’ promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) after serving as the organization’s Director of Operations since 2019.

5/30/2024

Become an Allergy-Immunology ABMS Scholar

The American Board of Allergy and Immunology is a new sponsor for the American Board of Medical Specialties Visiting Scholars Program.

1/25/2024

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Bansal to the Board

Dr. Bansal is a well-respected allergist/ immunologist on the faculty of Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine practicing at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in Saint Charles, Illinois.

1/25/2024

ABAI Welcomes Dr. DiPrimio Kalman to the Board

Dr. DiPrimio Kalman joined Nemours Children’s Hospital Wilmington, Delaware in 2017.

1/25/2024

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Park to the Board

Dr. Miguel Park, MD is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergic Diseases at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN.

1/25/2024

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Perkins to the Board

Dr. Jessica Perkins, MD, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Mississippi.

1/5/2024

ABAI Honors Outgoing Chair and Welcomes 2024 Board Leaders

During the November 2023 ABAI Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors honored the outgoing Chair of the Board.

1/5/2024

Grant Opportunities: Diagnostic Excellence Through Certification and Certification Outcomes Research

Letters of Intent must be submitted by January 30, 2024

12/11/2023

ABAI Recognizes Departing Directors

November ABAI Board of Directors annual meeting

12/11/2023

2023 ABAI Board of Directors Annual Meeting Highlights

The ABAI Board of Directors held its annual meeting chaired by Dr. Princess Ogbogu November 3-4, 2023 in Palm Harbor, FL.

7/27/2023

ABAI launches fellow portal for CAP article and core based assessments

ABAI is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has launched access to the ABAI Continuous Assessment Program (CAP) for fellows in training.

6/23/2023

FORMER ABAI DIRECTORS DR. ANNA NOWAK-WEGRZYN AND DR. LEONARD BACHARIER SELECTED FOR NEW LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Dr. Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn is the immediate past ABAI Chair of the Board of Directors completing an extraordinary term in December 2022.

6/16/2023

2023 ABAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERIM MEETING

• Emeritus Directors appointed
• Inaugural 5-year CAP Cycle completion
• Ambassador Program Update
• DEI Initiatives
• Test development
• Finance review
• Artificial intelligence
• ABMS transparent display of diplomate status update
• Presentation by Emily Jakacki, ABAI Board of Directors Public Member
• ABMS Scholars Program
Read the details here:

6/15/2023

2023 ABAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERIM MEETING

Highlights of the spring ABAI Board of Directors meeting held in Rosemont, IL are listed below. The meeting was productive and expertly led by Dr. Princess Ogbogu, Chair of the ABAI Board of Directors

6/5/2023

ABMS Visiting Scholars Program

ABAI ENCOURAGES ABAI DIPLOMATES TO APPLY FOR THE 2023-2024 VISITING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

2/1/2023

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Wang to the Board

Dr. Julie Wang, MD is Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Wang is a graduate of Cornell University Medical College.

2/1/2023

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Nanda to the Board

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD is in solo allergy and immunology community practice in the Dallas, Texas, area. He is also Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

2/1/2023

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Demain to the Board

Dr. Demain began his medical career as a medic in the U.S. Air Force, then a Physician Assistant before completing medical school at Texas Tech University, residency at Wright State University and fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

2/1/2023

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Ciaccio to the Board

Dr. Christina E. Ciaccio, MD, MSc is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Chicago and Chief of the Section of Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Pulmonology.

7/28/2022

ABAI, AAAAI, ACAAI, CIS Joint Statement on the Impact of the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling and Emerging Legislation on Patients, Physicians and the Practice of Medicine

ABAI, AAAAI, ACAAI, CIS Joint Statement on the Impact of the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling and Emerging Legislation on Patients, Physicians and the Practice of Medicine

6/22/2022

ABAI Announces New Parental/Caregiver Leave Policy

The ABAI Board of Directors approved a revised time away from training policy

5/11/2022

FSMB Approves Medical Misinformation and Disinformation Policy

The Federation of State Medical Boards recently approved a comprehensive medical misinformation and disinformation policy at its annual meeting.

5/5/2022

2022 Spring Board of Directors Meeting + Updates

On April 27th, 2022, the ABAI Board of Directors held its annual spring meeting chaired by Dr. Ania Nowak-Wegrzyn, in Rosemont, IL.

3/25/2022

Message from the Chair on War in Ukraine

It is important to reflect on our obligations as physicians in troubling times such as these.

3/22/2022

ABMS Visiting Scholars Program

Applications are now being accepted for the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Visiting Scholars Program.

3/11/2022

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn as the 2022 Chair of the ABAI Board of Directors

Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, M.D., PhD is a Professor of Pediatrics at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital.

3/9/2022

ABAI Gives Thanks to Our Departing Directors

2021 marked the 50th anniversary of ABAI and posed many challenges. Leading through it all were the many volunteer Directors and Test Writing Committee (TWC) members. ABAI is a model of professional self-regulation – ABAI is indeed us.

2/23/2022

ABAI Welcomes New Public Member: Emily Jakacki

Emily Jakacki is the Vice President of Operations for Ambulatory and Service Lines in the Central Chicagoland service area for Advocate Aurora Health.

1/31/2022

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Hoffman to the Board

Dr. Hal M. Hoffman is a board-certified allergist/immunologist and chief of the Allergy, Immunology Division at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and UC San Diego.

1/31/2022

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Bingemann to the Board

Dr. Theresa Bingemann is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine and holds a dual appointment in the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology as well as the Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology.

12/23/2021

ABMS New Standards

On November 29th, the ABAI Executive Committee on behalf of the ABAI Board of Directors endorsed the New Standards for Continuing Certification.

12/19/2021

50 Years and Counting

The beginning of this year represented a light at the end of the tunnel as we worked to adjust to a new post-pandemic normal. What also makes 2021 special is that it’s our 50th anniversary!

11/30/2021

ACAAI 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting

ABAI congratulates Dr. Luz Fonacier for her leadership and vision as President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

11/24/2021

2021 Fall Board of Directors Meeting + Updates

ABAI held its fall Board of Directors meeting on October 22nd and 23rd in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This was the first meeting held in person since the start of the pandemic.

11/9/2021

ABAI announces New Blueprint

ABAI announces the implementation of a new blueprint for the initial certification exam effective for the 2022 exam

10/30/2021

The Time Is Now

Since its inception, ABAI has sought to increase the representation of ALL board certified allergists/immunologists in ensuring that the high standards and quality our patients expect and deserve from a certified allergist/immunologist is maintained.

9/29/2021

Dismantling COVID-19 Misinformation

The ABAI Board of Directors joins fellow certifying bodies in seeking meaningful solutions to eliminate the dissemination of COVID-19 infection and vaccine misinformation. ABAI diplomates are specifically trained in vaccine immunology and adverse effects, and are required to meet high standards for professional and ethical conduct.

9/13/2021

Thank You for a Job Well Done

It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology Board of Directors and Staff, to extend our greatest appreciation for the pioneering work of the novel Test Writing Committee for the Continuous Assessment Program (CAP):

6/15/2021

The American Board of Medical Specialties Comments on Draft Standards for Continuing Certification

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has opened an 80-day Draft Standards for Continuing Certification – Call for Comments to obtain input and feedback from all who possess, use, or rely upon the board certification credential as an indicator of a diplomate’s professionalism and proficiency in specialty knowledge and skills. The “Call for Comments” will be open from Tuesday, April 20, 2021 through Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Feedback received will guide and inform the development of the final Draft Standards for Continuing Certification (“Draft Standards”), which will be considered by the ABMS Board of Directors in October 2021.

5/12/2021

ABAI Board of Directors Launch Strategic Plan for 2021–2026

On March 5, 2021, the ABAI Board of Directors approved the organization's comprehensive five-year strategic plan.

5/4/2021

ABAI’s Virtual Annual Meeting Update Workshop for the AAAAI

ABAI would like to extend the following invitation to those who were unable to attend the 2021 AAAAI Virtual Annual Meeting ABAI Update Workshop.

4/21/2021

2021 Update for ABAI COVID-19 Accommodations

Nearly a year ago, the ABAI Board of Directors took a bold and early move to provide a series of accommodations in recognition of the barriers and duress both diplomates and certification exam candidates faced in the early months of the pandemic.

3/5/2021

Women's History Month Highlight

ABAI wishes to extend congratulations to Dr. Mary Beth Fasano, Dr. Luz Fonacier and Dr. Giselle Mosnaim.

2/18/2021

New Additions to the CAP Pilot

Beginning with this current CAP block (CAP 2021 – Block 1) two new features have been added.

2/3/2021

Pushing Forward in 2021

After experiencing an unforeseen year, Ms. Chelsey Williams is looking forward to what 2021 has to offer the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

1/21/2021

Become a CAP Test Writing Committee (TWC) Member

ABAI will begin accepting applications for the CAP Test Writing Committee (TWC) to help meet the ongoing demand for article-based and core questions in March 2021.

1/8/2021

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Wallace to the Board

Dana V. Wallace, MD, ABAI-certified, FAAAAI, FACAAI, is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Allopathic Medicine.

1/8/2021

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Lieberman to the Board

Jay Lieberman, MD, currently serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.

12/17/2020

ABAI Director Appreciation Post

On behalf of the ABAI Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation and congratulations on a job well done to Dr.’s Ted Freeman and Kathleen May, completing their term as Director on December 31, 2020.

9/2/2020

Wishing Mr. Vapniarek a Wonderful Retirement

ABAI congratulates Mr. Lawrence "Larry" Vapniarek on the occasion of his retirement on August 31st, after more than 14 years of dedicated selfless service to the organization as its Chief Operating Officer.

6/26/2020

ABMS Announces New Board of Directors and Incoming Chair Dr. Larry Green

The ABMS conducted its Board of Directors election during the June 18, 2020 virtual meeting.

6/21/2020

Dr's Theodore Freeman and Anne-Marie Irani honored at ABMS Board of Directors Meeting.

ABAI leaders were honored at ABMS Board of Directors Meeting.

6/12/2020

ABAI supports ABMS Statement on the US Withdrawal from the WHO

On June 11th the ABAI Executive Committee unanimously provided support for the recently released ABMS statement and letter to President Trump calling for reconsideration of the decision to withdraw support for the WHO during this COVID-19 pandemic.

6/5/2020

ABAI Statement on Racism

ABAI press release on racism in America, a public health priority

6/5/2020

A Special Message to our Diplomates

Special message for diplomates on racism in America and a public health priority

5/22/2020

ABAI’s Continued Response to COVID-19

The ABAI Board of Directors have demonstrated their continued extraordinary commitment and dedication since completing the unexpected work of developing and approving initial COVID-19 accommodations, https://www.abai.org/covid-19.asp which were well received by diplomates and certification candidates.

4/7/2020

COVID-19 Updates

ABAI recognizes the hardships encountered by patients, families, and the allergists and clinical immunologists providing specialty care in the advent of COVID-19.

4/7/2020

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Chitra Dinakar

On behalf of the ABAI, I would like to extend our most sincere thoughts and prayers to the many family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Chitra Dinakar.

1/14/2020

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Lester to the Board

Dr. Mitchell R. Lester received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University in Providence, RI.

1/14/2020

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Mosnaim to the Board

Dr. Giselle S. Mosnaim currently practices Allergy and Immunology in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem and is a Research Scientist at the NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute.

1/13/2020

ABAI announces next Director of Operations.

The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Chelsey Williams as the next Director of Operations.

12/11/2019

Notes from the Chair: An Update from the 2019 ACAAI Meeting

The ABAI was very busy at the 2019 American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) meeting, held November, 7-11 in Houston, TX.

11/26/2019

ABAI Board of Directors Fall Meeting 2019 - A Word from Dr. Nelson

The ABAI Board of Directors fall meeting was held in Philadelphia October 18-19, 2019.

10/24/2019

ABAI Board of Directors Annual Meeting

ABAI’s Board of Directors met for their annual meeting in Philadelphia, PA, October 18-20, 2019. The occasion also marked the retirement of ABAI Chief Operating Officer Lawrence J. Vapniarek who served in that role for 14 years.

8/26/2019

Retirement Announcement

ABAI COO Mr. Vapniarek Retiring
Mr. Lawrence (“Larry”) Vapniarek will be retiring after 14 years serving as the Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) on January 31, 2020.

8/7/2019

President's Message

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your new president. Today I would like to provide you some initial impressions following my first 6 months.

6/14/2019

Notes from the Chair: Theodore M. Freeman, MD

By now, everyone is familiar with the Continuous Assessment Program (CAP) Pilot.

3/12/2019

CAP Articles - 2018 Block 1

The article list for CAP 2018 Block 1 is now available

1/10/2019

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Ogbogu to the Board

Princess Ogbogu, MD, is the Director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at The Ohio State University,and Associate Professor of Medicine; she’s also Co-Training Program Director for the Allergy/Immunology fellowship at Ohio State as well. She attended Kent State University for her BS, and received her MD from Northeast Ohio Medical University.

1/10/2019

ABAI Welcomes Dr. Stokes to the Board

Jeffery R. Stokes, MD, serves as Professor of Pediatrics at St. Louis Children's Hospital. He obtained his BS and MD degrees from Kansas State University and University of Kansas Medical School, respectively. He completed two fellowships at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy/Immunology. He has been a co-investigator on numerous studies during his 20 years of practice, with 14 years at Creighton University Medical Center; while there, he had the responsibility of training over 20 Allergy/Immunology Fellows as Program Director.

12/13/2018

In Memoriam: William Thomas Shearer, M.D., Ph.D. 1937 - 2018

Former ABAI Director and Board Chair, William Thomas Shearer, M.D., Ph.D., 81, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at his home in Houston Texas after a courageous battle with a long medical illness. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and love of medicine, his family and his devoted spouse Lynn Des Prez.

2/12/2018

ABAI Staff Spotlight:

Brianna Wilkins
Test Development Assistant

2/12/2018

ABAI Welcomes New Directors

The ABAI welcomed five new directors to serve on their BOD with terms starting on January 1, 2018. Read about the new directors: Mariana Castells, MD, PhD; Corinne Keet, MD, PhD; Aidan Long, MD; Wanda Phipatanakul, MD; Sarbjit Saini, MD.

12/18/2017

Dr. Irani recognized for service to the ABAI

In November 2017, the ABAI held its annual fall board meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

12/18/2017

ABAI honors departing Directors

In November 2017, the ABAI held its annual fall board meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After two consecutive days filled with meetings, the directors were able to discuss and implement new and exciting changes to the MOC program that are coming up in 2018. The ABAI also bid farewell to the following directors; David I. Bernstein, MD; Joshua A. Boyce, MD; William K. Dolen, MD and Calman Prussin, MD, who have all served in multiple roles over their six-year terms on the Board.

5/12/2017

Notes from the Chair: David I. Bernstein, MD

I am honored and excited to serve as the Chair of ABAI Board of Directors during 2017

5/11/2017

ABAI Staff Spotlight:

Cecilia MacCormack
ABAI Computer, Database and Website Administrator

1/23/2017

ABAI’s new Continuous Assessment Program unveiled in the January/February issue of JACI In Practice

An article published in the current issue of JACI In Practice outlines the changes that the ABAI is implementing to transform the current Part III Secure Exam into a continuous, primarily article-based model that offers more flexibility to diplomates and ongoing learning as hallmarks of a new pilot program.

12/1/2016

Annual Meeting of the ABAI Board of Directors

ABAI’s Board of Directors met for their annual meeting in Birmingham, AL, in the fall of 2016.

11/29/2016

ABAI Selects Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD, as President Elect

PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 21, 2016 – The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), the entity overseeing the certification of physicians specializing in Allergy and Immunology announced that its Board of Directors has elected Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD, as the organization’s president-elect. Dr. Nelson will begin his duties as President on January 1, 2019. He succeeds retiring President Stephen I. Wasserman, MD.

11/29/2016

Update on ABAI Maintenance of Certification Program

The Directors of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology have approved an updated Continuous Assessment Pilot Program that will be implemented in January of 2018. These changes will promote a continuous process for lifelong learning and self-assessment to keep skills clinically relevant and knowledge current in a rapidly changing practice environment. A survey in the spring of 2016 revealed that diplomates did not want to take a proctored, secure examination at an examination center with a high examination fee. Many diplomates also preferred a continuous assessment program and a higher annual fee in lieu of examination fee.

10/20/2015

Welcome to the new ABAI website

The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) is pleased to introduce a fresh redesign of its website, www.abai.org, to serve its varied audiences.

8/7/2015

ABAI offices are moving

I have exciting news regarding the ABAI office that I want to share with you. In med- September, the ABAI offices will be moving to a new location. The move will positively affect the ABAI in several ways. The current office, is located in an old building which is ranked as a Class C property in the historic district of the city. Services including security are provided by the building but are minimal. Our humble offices house six full-time staff in a small space that we have now outgrown.

7/9/2015

ABAI Newsletter - Summer 2015 Published

The 2015 ABAI Annual Newsletter has been published can be viewed using the Annual Newsletter link to the left.

5/6/2015

ABAI License and CME Submission for MOC

At their recent meeting, the ABAI Directors voted to change the licensure and CME reporting requirements for program. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, diplomates are NO LONGER REQUIRED to submit copies of their medical licensecertificates annually. This means, you do not have to submit copies of your medical license(s) or CME certificatesABAI office. However, if you choose, you may continue to use the diplomate web portal as a repository to track yactivity with the continued capability of uploading your CME certificates should you choose to do so. However, the ABAI office will no longer upload copies of the CME certificates.