#108 - Interview with Dr. James Tracy, ACAAI President

Ever wonder who’s working behind the scenes to improve allergy care nationwide?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. James Tracy, the 2024-2025 president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), to explore how the College supports both patients and clinicians. Dr. Tracy shares how he got involved, what drives his leadership, and what’s ahead for the future of allergy and asthma care.

From workforce shortages to the promise of AI in medicine, this conversation takes you behind the curtain of the specialty. Plus, we dig into how patients and providers alike can make a difference through advocacy.

What we cover in our episode about ACAAI, leadership & allergy care

• Dr. Tracy’s unique path to leadership: How his non-traditional journey from practicing in rural Nebraska to leading the ACAAI shaped his approach to advocacy and patient care.
• Creating leadership opportunities: Why mentorship and involvement in ACAAI committees can open doors for clinicians, fellows-in-training, and future leaders in allergy and immunology.
• Patient tools that make a difference: Free ACAAI resources that help patients better understand and manage their conditions.
• The evolving role of the allergist: How allergists are uniquely trained to manage complex conditions and why that matters as technology, treatment options, and care delivery evolve.
• Future-focused leadership at ACAAI: Dr. Tracy’s vision for tackling workforce shortages, embracing AI and gene editing, and keeping patient care at the center of innovation.

Resources:

• Asthma Allergy Day on Capitol Hill
• More information about advocacy
• The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Patient Resources
• The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Allergist Finder