The Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Mission Statement

 

To advance the knowledge and practice of allergy and immunology through publications, meetings, and conferences; foster the education of both students, physicians and the public; promote and stimulate allergy and immunology research study; encourage cooperation among those engaged in the field of allergy and immunology; and act in a concerted manner to improve the delivery of high quality allergy care.

The Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is a non-profit professional association consisting of allergists and immunologists. We are committed to the educational development of our members for the benefit of the patients in their care. To this end, we improve our knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through publications, meetings and conferences relaying advancements in our field. We encourage cooperation and collaboration among those engaged in the field of allergy and immunology affording opportunities to develop professional relationships that will serve as a valuable network of resources within our membership.

Benefits of Membership

  • 3 CME events a year

  • 9 CME credits per year

  • Increase your network

  • Increase your referrals

  • Valuable network of resources within the society

  • Access to past conference recordings and slides

  • Membership to Allergy & Asthma proceedings journal

Officers

  • President

    Whitney W. Stevens MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. She completed her bachelor and masters training at Johns Hopkins University. She graduated from the University of Virginia’s Medical Scientist Training Program with both a PhD in Microbiology/Immunology and a MD. Finally, she completed her Residency in Internal Medicine and her Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine as part of the Physician Scientist Training Program.

    Dr. Stevens focuses her research on Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and, more generally, on chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. She has published numerous articles in these areas and has been invited to present her work at local, national, and international meetings.

    Dr. Stevens practices as an allergist in the Division of Allergy and Immunology within the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her specific interest is in taking care of patients with Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (also known as AERD, Samter's Disease, or Samter's Triad). Her other clinical focuses include sinusitis (with and without nasal polyps), asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), drug allergies, food allergies, urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), and anaphylaxis.

 

  • Vice President

    Dr. Sakina Bajowala completed her medical education at Rush Medical College, followed by a residency in general pediatrics at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, and a fellowship in allergy/immunology at Rush University Medical Center. She is the Medical Director of Kaneland Allergy and Asthma Center in North Aurora, IL and the Executive Director of the Kaneland Food Allergy Foundation.

    Dr. Bajowala is an internationally-recognized expert in the field of food allergen desensitization, and has published a #1 best-selling book on the topic. Her clinical and academic interests include safety optimization in food allergy treatment, digital health technology, and telemedicine in allergy/immunology. Dr. Bajowala dedicates her volunteer time to a variety of advocacy efforts, including food allergy, physician wellness, consumer safety, and environmental health. She is an active member of national and local allergy societies, including the AAAAI, ACAAI, and ISAAI. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family and cultivating her garden.

 
 
 

  • Secretary Treasurer

    Dr. Bandi is the Director for the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Training Program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Bandi is the co-founder of the Pediatric Combined Allergy and Pulmonary Clinic at Rush University Medical Center and Rush Children’s Hospital. This clinic has been awarded a grant from the Women’s Board at Rush to further study clinical intervention outcomes in our pediatric asthma patients. Other research interests include quality, adherence and outcomes measures for penicillin allergy and digital health technology. Dr. Bandi holds national leadership positions with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She has been an invited speaker in local, regional and national forums in the areas of medical education, quality improvement, drug allergy and asthma. She develops academic curricula in the field of allergy and immunology for medical students, residents and fellows both at her institution and nationally in partnership with the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology.

  • Historian

    Dr. Kulik graduated from the Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center in 1998. He works in Elmhurst, IL and specializes in Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Kulik is affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital.