Q&A: Food allergy conference brings families, experts together
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Families with food allergies as well as nutritionists, dietitians and other stakeholder professionals can connect with expert clinicians and researchers at Food Allergy Summit 2022, scheduled for Sept. 23 to 25 in Orlando.
Presented by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), this conference will feature more than 20 accredited sessions with up to six continuing education unit credits available. Clinical topics will include early introduction, oral immunotherapy, recent trials, the microbiome and more.
The agenda also features sessions on empowerment, mental health, accommodations in schools, social determinants of health, media training, dating, legislation and the transition from childhood to adulthood, among other topics.
Networking opportunities will be available for caregivers as well as for children aged 11 to 15 years and older teens aged 16 to 19 years. With an allergy-free snack competition and morning mindfulness sessions, there will be food for the body and soul as well.
Healio spoke with MP Krouse, senior director of communications at FARE, to find out more about the conference.
Healio: What is the mission of this conference?
Krouse: The mission of this year's conference is bringing our food allergy community together to discuss all of the latest developments in research, education, advocacy and technology.
Healio: Why is there a need to connect families with clinicians, researchers and other experts?
Krouse: It’s always good to bring together everyone in the food allergy space so we can share findings and best practices while connecting with others. Especially with COVID-19 interrupting life as we know it, it’s now more important than ever to come together as a community. We are truly stronger together!
Healio: Are there any specific sessions on the schedule that you would like to highlight?
Krouse: There will be sessions on topics ranging from health equity to research advancements to advocacy updates, providing something for everyone in attendance.
The Opening Session on Saturday, Sept. 24, will be the official kickoff to our 2-day gathering. FARE CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, will be welcoming all summit participants, and a general overview of the conference will be provided.
Also, the two sessions on “Mental Health and Allergies” will be especially important, as the anxiety that comes with severe food allergies is real. The workshop leaders will provide strategies and tips on how best to deal with your food allergy as a teen/young adult and as an adult. And of course, any of the sessions focusing on research will be interesting for all attendees.
Healio: Are there any specific speakers on the schedule that you would like to highlight?
Krouse: Here are a few of our featured speakers, in addition to Dr. Poblete:
- Bruce Roberts, PhD: FARE Chief Research Strategy & Innovation Officer
- Anita Roach, MS: FARE Vice President of Community Programs & Education
- Catherine Walker: FARE Teen Advisory Group
- Hillary Tolle Carter: Latitude Food Allergy Care
- Karen Palmer: Certified Professional Coach
- Priscilla Hernandez: The Zacky Bill
- Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH: Northwestern University, Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Healio: What makes this conference different from other events designed for families with food allergies?
Krouse: Food Allergy Summit is the preeminent food allergy gathering, pulling together the entire community. It is significant this year because it’s an excellent opportunity to reconnect while also receiving the latest updates on research and innovation driving change in the food allergy space.
Healio: Do you have anything else you would like to add about this conference?
Krouse: We are excited to be together in person for the first time since 2019 and the networking opportunities available for all attendees will allow for a greater sharing of ideas. We look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando!
Reference:
- FARE Food Allergy Summit 2022. https://www.foodallergy.org/take-action/fare-2022-food-allergy-summit. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022.
For more information:
MP Krouse can be reached at mpkrouse@foodallergy.org.