2023 World Allergy Training School - Tbilisi, Georgia
4-5 May 2023
Tbilisi, Georgia
The World Allergy Organization (WAO) in conjunction with the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) held World Allergy Training School (WATS) in Tbilisi, Georgia on 4th May 2023, hosted by the Georgian Association of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (GAACI), at which there were 70 primary care and specialty physicians participating.
The WAO faculty included Dr. Mike Levin (South Africa), Dr. Bill Dolen (USA), and Dr. Daniel Munblit (UK). The faculty also participated in the opening ceremony and presented lectures at the 12th Georgian National Congress on Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The local organizing committee was led by Dr. Revaz Sepiashvili assisted by Drs Tinatin Chikovani, Nunu Mistkevich, George Kvesitadze, Zurab Vadachkoria and Maia Gotua.
Left to Right: Prof. Munblit, Prof. Levin, Prof. Sepiashvili, and Dr. Dolen
The WATS program included a combination of lectures and workshops covering basic pathophysiology, asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, anaphylaxis and food allergies. WATS participants were joined by keen members from the main congress for the lecture sessions leading to the room enjoying participation from almost 250 members. Workshops were confined to WATS participants to allow individual discussion and practical demonstrations. Conference luncheons provided an opportunity for one-on-one interaction between allergy professionals. The faculty dinner in a rural setting outside Tbilisi included instruction how to make Georgian food followed by a feast and many proposals of toasts from the traditional “Tamada” toastmaster.
The Faculty leading a hands-on workshop
Prof. Levin demonstrating an allergy test
Prof. Levin lecturing to the delegates
The WAO and ACAAI faculty left Georgia feeling very rewarded with the enthusiasm and appreciation demonstrated by the WATS participants and enriched by the newly formed professional friendships.
We thank our Georgian delegates and all who attended the first WATS of 2023!
