Message from the President

Since its establishment in 1996, the Taiwan Academy of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (TAPAAI) has grown steadily over the past 28 years, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its members and the leadership of nine successive boards. In September 2023, the tenth board was elected, and I am privileged to serve as President. In leading this esteemed academy, I am committed to four guiding principles—Professionalism, Mentorship, Honor, and Happiness—which will shape the future direction of TAPAAI.

Professionalism
Our academy covers a broad spectrum of pediatric diseases, with a strong focus on allergic diseases and asthma, as well as pediatric rheumatic diseases and primary immunodeficiencies. We remain dedicated to holding our annual conference in September and a spring symposium before the Lunar New Year, while also launching new educational initiatives such as the Pediatric Rheumatology School and Pediatric Immunology School. These programs will foster the exchange of the latest clinical and research advancements, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Our goal is clear: to provide the best courses taught by the best instructors, gathering experts from leading medical centers in Taiwan and inviting renowned international scholars. Through these efforts, we strive to enhance the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of pediatricians specializing in allergy, immunology, and rheumatology.

TAPAAI will continue to develop clinical guidelines in both Chinese and English, including those for atopic dermatitis, pediatric asthma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The Chinese versions will serve as references for local clinicians and caregivers, while the English versions will be published in academic journals to facilitate international collaboration and showcase Taiwan's expertise. Furthermore, we plan to create patient education materials and mobile-friendly digital resources, offering reliable health information for the public and useful educational tools for our members.

Mentorship
To encourage young physicians to explore pediatric allergy, immunology and rheumatology, we offer sponsored opportunities for residents and fellows to attend our annual congresses and training programs, covering both registration and accommodation fees. We also host the PediAIR Passing the Torch Forum, ensuring the knowledge and expertise of our field are passed on to the next generation. By fostering young talent, we aim to strengthen and expand our academy's impact.

Honor
Fostering innovation in clinical and basic research has always been a core tradition of TAPAAI. Each year, we present multiple Outstanding Research Awards, with prizes ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$100,000, recognizing members who publish high-quality research in international journals. To further encourage early-career researchers, we have established dedicated awards for junior physicians, ensuring that their contributions to academic advancement are recognized and celebrated.

Happiness
Our members are the foundation of TAPAAI, and we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and support. We take small but meaningful steps to enhance member engagement—such as our lucky draw event and participation prizes at the 2023 annual meeting, which increased attendance and strengthened community spirit. Additionally, each attending member received a custom TAPAAI iPASS card preloaded with NT$200, effectively covering their public transportation costs to the event.

We warmly invite all members and friends to actively support TAPAAI. Together, let us build on our proud legacy, continue to advance the field, and strive for new milestones in pediatric allergy, asthma, immunology, and rheumatology!

Professor Tsung-Chieh Yao
President, Taiwan Academy of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (TAPAAI)

From Taiwan to the World: Advancing Pediatric, Immunology and Rheumatology