Research
As the advancement of cutting-edge science is one of the primary means of keeping our field relevant and moving forward, a research/scholarly activity experience is a requirement of all ACGME-accredited Allergy and Immunology training programs. It is also one of the core missions of our UAMS Allergy and Immunology program. To achieve this, our program has been designed with a particular focus on supporting the development of young physician-scientists. It is our belief that a meaningful research experience teaches a way of thinking and an approach to problems that makes our trainees stronger, more prepared, and more competitive as they enter the workforce. To this effect, fellows have ample time during their first months of training to identify areas of interest and explore potential research opportunities in collaboration with a research mentor.
Key Areas of Research within the Allergy and Immunology Section
- Asthma and Lung Disease
- Asthma disparities and health outcome research
- Technology-based solutions research
- Lung Cell Biology Laboratory focused on human lung platforms and viral-mediated lung disease
- Cross-sectional prospective studies of asthma exacerbations and viral infections
- Clinical trials and population-based studies
- Food Allergy
- Food allergy immune therapeutics translational research program
- Food allergy clinical trials
- Food allergy birth cohort and longitudinal study
- Food allergy and nutrition
- Food allergy clinical registry
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGID)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis translational research laboratory
- EGID clinical research program
- Clinical trials and immunotherapeutics in EGID
- EGID clinical registry
Quality Improvement Project
During the fellowship training period, all A/I fellows are required to complete a Quality Improvement (QI) project. The A/I faculty regularly perform QI projects to optimize patient care and are available to mentor the fellow throughout their project. ACH is also a designated American Board of Pediatrics Maintenance of Certification (ABP MOC) Part IV institution with a portfolio of QI activities that have been completed or are ongoing, with resources available to faculty and fellows for new projects. Each fellow develops, implements and assesses their project with the aid of a supervising faculty member.