The Problem-Based Learning Institute (PBLI) was honored to be invited for the first time to participate in the 47th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Society for Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ASAAI), held at the beautiful Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama.
To introduce Problem-Based Learning to the meeting, Ray Davis, MD, and Allen Meadows, MD, each facilitated separate breakout sessions using the same interactive clinical case. Participants worked through the evaluation of a 26-year-old patient with recurrent anaphylaxis, initially believed to be caused by accidental cross-contamination from a known milk allergy. As the case unfolded, clinicians discovered the true diagnosis—Alpha-gal syndrome—prompting thoughtful discussion about diagnostic reasoning, patient history, and emerging allergic diseases.
Both breakout groups quickly became highly engaged, with participants actively sharing perspectives, challenging assumptions, and collaborating to reach a diagnosis. The discussion highlighted one of the greatest strengths of Problem-Based Learning: creating an environment where clinicians learn as much from one another as they do from faculty.
Following the breakout sessions, Dr. Allen Meadows presented a lecture in context during the plenary session, addressing many of the unanswered questions that emerged during the PBL discussions. His presentation expanded on the diagnosis, management, and evolving understanding of Alpha-gal syndrome, directly connecting the lecture to the clinical reasoning developed during the case.
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the interactive format, the practical nature of the discussion, and the opportunity to explore a challenging case through collaboration rather than traditional lecture alone.
We are grateful to the Alabama Society for Allergy, Asthma & Immunology for inviting PBLI to be part of this year’s meeting and look forward to future opportunities to bring Problem-Based Learning to clinicians across the country.
