December 26, 2025
3 min read
In 2025, women in allergy have continued to stand out in the field through their wealth of knowledge on overcoming obstacles and as sources of inspiration for other women.
Here are Healio’s top 10 stories of the year that address challenges women physicians face including imposter syndrome and making a career change, highlight research advances in women’s health and showcase progress in leadership of the field of allergy/immunology.
‘You’re not alone’: Recognizing, overcoming imposter syndrome in women physicians
If you have ever felt like an imposter as a woman physician, know that you are not alone in that feeling and that many women have experienced this in their careers, some more than once. Read more.
‘Knowing your why’: Eight key tips when making a career change
Melinda M. Rathkopf
For physicians considering a career change, Melinda M. Rathkopf, MD, MBA, says it is important to consider eight essential tips to execute the move successfully. Read more.
Dietary diversity during pregnancy impacts risk for infant atopic dermatitis
Consuming a diverse diet during pregnancy may reduce the risk for atopic dermatitis in offspring by changing the infant gut microbiome, according to results published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. Also, Carina Venter, PhD, RD, professor of pediatrics in the section of allergy/immunology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and chair of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Work Group on Immunomodulation and Nutrition, and Peter A. Lio, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, each share their Perspective. Read more.
Around 40% of obstetric providers make only one allergy/immunology referral a year
Among obstetric providers, 42.3% reported making only one allergy/immunology referral in pregnancy per year, according to survey data presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.
‘Things are getting better and moving forward’: Black women lead AAAAI, ACAAI in 2026
In 2026, women of color will serve as presidents of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the ACAAI. Cherie Y. Zachary, MD, FACAAI, chair of the licensure committee on the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, was sworn in as president of ACAAI during its Annual Scientific Meeting on Sunday, Nov. 9. Carla M. Davis, MD, FAAAAI, chair of pediatrics and child health at Howard University College of Medicine, will be sworn in as president of AAAAI in February 2026. Read more.
Daily caffeine intake during pregnancy lowers risk for asthma in children
High maternal daily caffeine intake led to a lower risk for asthma in children, according to study results published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. Read more.
Q&A: VAMPSS generates safety data for medication, vaccine use in pregnancy
Ethical and statistical power issues limit the use of randomized controlled trials to study medication and vaccine use during pregnancy, according to an article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Read more.
‘It has been the journey of a lifetime’: Reflecting on 25 years in solo practice
Sonali P. Majmudar
For Sonali P. Majmudar, MD, deciding to start her own practice at the end of her fellowship was a no-brainer. Read more.
Avocado consumption during pregnancy may reduce food allergy odds in offspring
The offspring of women who ate avocado during pregnancy are less likely to have a food allergy at age 12 months vs. those offspring of women who did not eat avocado, according to data published in Pediatric Research. Also, Kathleen Garcia-Benson, RDN, CSSD, LD, NASM-CPT, NBC-HWC, registered dietitian specializing in polycystic ovary syndrome/women’s health, sports nutrition and digestive health at Top Nutrition Coaching, shares her Perspective. Read more.
Dietary intervention to prevent allergic diseases in offspring feasible in women
Among women of childbearing age, a dietary intervention to prevent allergic diseases in offspring involving dietary education videos and a weekly allowance for select foods was received well, according to study results published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. Also, Courtney Pelitera, MS, RDN, CNSC, certified registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition & wellness nutrition at Top Nutrition Coaching, shares her Perspective. Read more.
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