paas.org - Mission and History

The Pan American Allergy Society is committed to providing quality continuing medical education in quantitative skin testing and other scientifically validated methods for the diagnosis and treatment of allergy and sensitivity disorders. Its dedicated members will plan and implement training courses, seminars, workshops, published materials and a mentoring program for physicians and allied health care personnel to increase competency and performance of their scientific knowledge and skills thereby more promptly and effectively responding to patients presenting health needs and quality of life.

Last Modified : September 13, 2009

HISTORY

In 1956, the Gulf Coast Allergy Study Group was organized by a group of students of Dr. Herbert J. Rinkel of Kansas City, Missouri. The GCASG met annually following Rinkel's Postgraduate Course in Allergy in Houston, Texas. The group originally served as a medium of exchange of information, ideas and problems in the field of ENT Allergy. It promoted investigation, publication and promulgation of this "new" type of allergy work. Following Rinkel's death in 1963, the group's subsequent meetings were held in various locations with Dallas and San Antonio being predominant sites. In 1968, the name of the organization was changed to The Pan American Allergy Society so that membership would not be limited to one geographical area and to promote international membership.

Beginning as a handful of Rinkel's enthusiastic students, the group has grown to a membership of over 400 and will enjoy its 55th anniversary in 2011. It has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians since 1988.

Pan American Allergy Society (P.A.A.S.) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. P.A.A.S. sponsors an annual training course and seminar offering a minimum of 25 hours of continuing medical education as well as a summer training course offering a minimum of 14 hours of continuing medical education.

The annual basic course in quantitative skin testing techniques is designed for any physician and/or other health care professionals who wish to add allergy care to ther practice or to update/review their knowledge of the procedures taught by the P.A.A.S. The annual seminar updates the physician on advances in research of immunological problems in the practice of allergy.

Financial information for the Pan American Allergy Society can be requested by calling
Ann Brey, Executive Director, at 210-495-9853.