Clinical Immunology Society: The Early Years 1984 - 1989
E. Summary and Opportunities
- Over a period of six years (1984-1989), as many as possible of the clinicians dealing with diseases having significant immunologic components as well as the immunologists active in laboratory research on the human immune systems in the United States and Canada were consulted and invited to participate in the development of a Clinical Immunology Society and an Annual Conference on Clinical Immunology.
- Immunology was emphasized as an important component in most fields of clinical medicine. The Medical (Clinical) Immunology Laboratory was an essential part of this enterprise.
- The Clinical Immunology Society (CIS) was created to foster research and education on disease recognition, pathogenesis and especially on therapy.
- A core structure was established to plan meetings and advance the goals of the CIS.
- A system of shared leadership was planned to involve a progression of elected officers to facilitate growth and utilize the talents of many individuals.
- The existence of many medical contexts for clinical applications of Immunology was recognized as well as opportunities for individual leadership in specific areas.
- An Annual Conference on Clinical Immunology was initiated in 1986 and conducted annually in the following years.
- Interested immunologists in other countries were included in planning discussions and the annual conferences sponsored by the CIS. Linkage was established with the International Union of Immunological Societies
- The issues important to the validity and vitality of the CIS were developing concurrently with the other professional demands on the time and creativity of the CIS Leadership. All of the participants also had their own research agendas, teaching responsibilities and, in some cases, clinical duties to conduct while helping to found the CIS.
There were many unfinished issues:
- Recognition of Clinical Immunology as a specialized area of clinical practice based on: (1) a defined organ system; and, (2) a comprehensive basic science area; (3) the growth of immune-based therapies; and, (4) unique medical laboratory methodologies needed to support clinical immunology research and practice.
- Creation of clinical training programs to foster high standards in the clinical applications of immunology.
- Development of Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Immunology training and practice as an essential component and partner in Clinical Immunology practice and research.
- Continued negotiation of mutually advantageous associations with already existing clinical specialty societies, recognizing the multifaceted nature of disease in man and the importance of immunology in many areas.
Clearly a start had been made. There were enormous opportunities for innovation, for growth, and contributions professionally and personally – at the interface of Immunology and Medicine.
