The AAFA New England Speaker Series is one of the ways AAFA New England helps educate people in the community. By offering informational talks by experts in the field on various topics, we are able to provide our membership and the community up-to-date information and asthma and allergy management tools. Funded by grants and donations, AAFA New England is able to offer free programs like this to the people of all six New England states who live with asthma and allergies – helping them to live fuller, healthier lives.
To register for the speaker series, fill out the form online, email us at events@aafane.org, or call AAFA New England at 781-444-7778.
Speaker Series Event:
Register HERE!
Previous Speaker Series Events:
December 5th at 7:00m
Expert speakers explore the role of the environment on asthma:
– Role of the environment on asthma
– Review targeted environmental therapy
– Examine environmental control measures to suppress environmental exposures
– Identify novel and modifiable exposures that contribute to asthma morbidity in children
Tips for Managing Food Allergies at Each Developmental Stage
November 14th at 7:00pm
This presentation provided age-specific, evidence-based and practical recommendations for managing and coping with food allergies at different developmental stages, provided strategies for gradually involving children in food allergy management over time, and introduced the Food Allergy Stages Educational Handouts created by the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee, a new educational resource for caregivers.
Food Allergies and Restaurants: Strategies for Eating Out Safely
October 13th at 7:00pm
A panel of experts discussed best practices for eating out and traveling with food allergies. As well as information about ongoing advocacy work and how restaurants are working to help people with food allergies enjoy eating out.
Dr. Rima Rachid explains food allergy clinical trials and explores cutting-edge trials currently taking place!
June 6th at 7:00pm
Changes in Health Insurance – Coverage and Costs
Andrea Rodriguez, RN, BSN explores how changes in health insurance may affect your coverage and costs to gain an understanding of Health Insurance Terms, listen to examples of Health Insurance Options, know when you can change Your Health Insurance Plan and learn how to decide between Health Insurance Options.
November 18th at 7:00pm
Disparities in the Healthcare Delivery System: Part II
Tuesday, October 26th, 12:00 pm via Zoom
A panel of three doctors: Dr. Quindelyn Cook, Dr. Margee Louisias: Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dr. Lakiea Wright, Associate Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital discussed social determinants of health, structural racism, and implicit bias play major roles in preventing health equity. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma and allergy outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma and allergies. A panel of three doctors will have a roundtable discussion on health disparities as they relate to asthma and allergies.
Food Allergy Science Institute (FASI) with Dr.Chris Olsen June
Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 pm via Zoom
AAFA New England was proud to host Dr.Chris Olsen, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of The Food Allergy Science Institute (FASI), which brings together experts across disciplines to discover the underlying mechanisms of food allergies with the goal of unlocking the field and bringing new possibilities for diagnostics, prevention and treatment.
Evaluation and Management of Difficult to Control Eczema w/Dr. Jordan Scott
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 pm via Zoom
Dr. Scott reviewed the multiple triggers of difficult to control eczema and the differential diagnosis including skin barrier problems, infectious triggers, food triggers, environmental and contact allergen triggers, and management strategies.
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Health Care Disparities in the Asthma and Allergy Community
Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Online via Zoom. This program discusses how social determinants of health, structural racism, and implicit bias play major roles in preventing health equity. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in U.S. public policy, health care, and research, but racial gaps in asthma and allergy outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma and allergies. A panel of four doctors will have a roundtable discussion on health disparities as they relate to asthma and allergies. Watch the recording here.
Presented by:
- Dr. Raolat Abdulai, Global Clinical Lead for the Immunology and Inflammation Division, Sanofi
- Dr. Margee Louisias, Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the Division of Allergy and Immunology
- Dr. Lakiea Wright, Associate Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, Board Certified Internist and Clinician-Investigator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
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“COVID-19 and the Physical and Emotional Effects on the Asthma and Allergy Community” webinar, Thursday, October 22th, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Presented by: Jennifer LeBovidge PhD, Attending Psychologist, Division of Immunology, Children’s Hospital, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School and Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention, Food Allergy Center, and Tregony Simoneau MD, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. Watch the video here.
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“No Biggie Bunch” Virtual Storytime. Presented by Heather Mehra, co-author of the No Biggie Bunch book series for pre-school and early elementary audiences. Heather Mehra is the mother of three No Biggie Bunch inspirations. She and co-creator, Kerry McManama, wrote these stories to act as springboards for food allergy conversations among children, parents, teachers, friends and family members. Heather was joined by Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Food Allergy Center. Watch the video here.
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“You Deserve the Truth About Vaping,” Tuesday, May 27, 2020, 7:00–8:00 p.m., online via Zoom
Presented by AAFA New England in collaboration with Improbable Players
About: Improbable Players, a troupe of actors — themselves recovering from addictions — showcased “scenes” designed to resonate with middle and high school students who are experimenting with vaping or who may be considering vaping. A designed to gain knowledge of vaping facts, detect vaping behaviors, learn how to approach youth if these behaviors are suspected, and engage with them to set next steps and expectations. Following the presentation of several scenes where the actors played roles related to vaping behaviors and use, a panel of experts assembled by AAFA New England answered questions from the audience. Watch the video here.
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“Supporting Children with Food Allergies at School: Strategies to Promote Safety, Inclusion, and Confidence”
Presented by: Jennifer LeBovidge, PhD, psychologist in the Food Allergy Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and assistant professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Food Allergy Center.
About: Two experts in the field present information and strategies to keep children safe, support social inclusion, and promote positive coping with food allergy in the school setting. Q&A follows. Watch the video here.
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Kyle Dine “At Home, too!” Family Concert. Saturday, May 16, 2020, 11:00 a.m.–noon, online via Zoom
Kyle Dine performed songs that empower, support and educate children with food allergies. Kyle Dine is an internationally known singer/songwriter and a food allergic individual who has turned his diagnosis into positive impacts for the food allergy community. Watch the concert here.
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“Advancements in Atopic Dermatitis: What Does this Mean for Your Practice?,” Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 6:00–7:00 PM. Presented by Maryanne Senna, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School. Watch the video here.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate AD from other conditions and among various age groups in a timely manner
- Choose appropriate AD therapy on the basis of mechanism and key clinical trial data
- Address comorbidities when planning AD care
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“Supporting Children with Food Allergies at School: Strategies to Promote Safety, Inclusion, and Confidence”
Presented by: Jennifer LeBovidge, PhD, psychologist in the Food Allergy Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and assistant professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Food Allergy Center.
About: Two experts in the field present information and strategies to keep children safe, support social inclusion, and promote positive coping with food allergy in the school setting. Q&A follows. Watch the video here.
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Hidden Allergens: What You Need to Know
Presented by: Giovanni Traverso, MD, BChir, PhD, Division of Gastroenterology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT and Hannah Shorty, PharmD, Asthma Lead Pharmacist, CVS Health. About: A presentation and panel discussion based on a study of hidden allergens in medications and common products including beauty products, soaps, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, liquid medicines, etc. Watch video here.
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“Living with Allergic Disease: The Role of specific IgE”
Presented by Lakiea Wright, MD, MAT, MPH, US Medical Director of Clinical Affairs, Immuno Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific
About: Watch presentation online to learn the role of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in allergic disease, including asthma, environmental allergies, and food allergies. We’ll also discuss specific IgE blood testing, including the latest advances in molecular diagnostics, a.k.a. allergen component testing
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“Digital Health and Patient Engagement“ Panel Discussion
Presented by Jyotsna Mehta, founder of Keva Health; Dr. Dhrumil Shah, CIO, Compass Medical; and David Guydan, Executive Director, AAFA New England
About: Watch presentation online to learn about the importance of digital health and how patients can engage with tools such as smartphones and smart devices that make it possible to collect data securely at any time and providing real-time feedback. The importance of digital platforms to providers and payers is also discussed.
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“Asthma Basics: When to Pay Close Attention; When to Start to Worry”
Presented by Beth Klements, MS, PPCNP-BC, AE-C, Asthma Clinical Nurse
About: Watch presentation online for an overview of asthma, and what parents should know. The presentation covers the definition of asthma, what triggers it, medications, and what else to do to control it.
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“Flying with Food Allergies: Planning Summer Travel”
Presented by Laurel Francoeur, Attorney, Francoeur Law
About: Watch presentation online to learn about the rights of passengers with food allergies while flying; how to fly safely with allergies; how allergic reactions are handled in the air; and what you can do to minimize your chance of having an in-flight reaction.
