Leaders from the National Medical Association Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Section, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology issued a joint call to action on May 27 to strengthen and expand the specialty workforce in order to improve clinical outcomes nationwide.
Dr. Cheryl Walker-McGill, Chair of the NMA AAI Section, said, “Allergic and immunologic diseases continue to affect millions of individuals across the United States, with disproportionate burdens in historically underserved, rural, and marginalized communities. As demand for specialized care grows, we must urgently invest in sustainable workforce strategies—including innovative and transformative technologies—to ensure patients everywhere have timely access to high-quality allergy and immunology care. This critical issue will be discussed at the NMA’s 2026 Annual Meeting, where the Floyd J. Malveaux Symposium will bring together leading experts to explore solutions for expanding access to care, advancing the specialty’s future, and improving clinical outcomes.”
Dr. Cherie Zachary, President of ACAAI, said, “Now is the moment to come together to support healthcare for every person in our country with allergic and immunologic disease, especially the most vulnerable. We have strong evidence that collaborative care models, innovative training pathways, mentorship, and community-based practice approaches improve outcomes. By strengthening our workforce and expanding its reach, we can meet patients where they are and deliver care that changes lives.”
Dr. Carla Davis, President of AAAAI, said, “Improving the specialty workforce and access to high quality allergy, asthma, and immunology care involves investment into the physician pipeline to ensure the expertise is available to provide the high-quality care all of our patients deserve. When we invest in the workforce—its diversity; its development; its leadership—we invest directly in better health for all patients and communities.”
The organizations outlined several approaches that have demonstrated impact: expanding training pipelines for a diverse next generation; supporting team-based models leveraging physicians as well as allied health professionals; using artificial intelligence tools such as telehealth outreach clinics; fostering partnerships with primary providers or public health systems; promoting leadership development across institutions.
By working together through these strategies—and encouraging allergists at every career stage—the organizations reaffirmed their commitment to health equity along with continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
The American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology advances knowledge through education initiatives while providing resources including patient tools; it was established as a professional medical organization in 1942, according to the official website.
