“Educational seminars such as this one offer the opportunity for physicians from all over the world to meet in person, share ideas, and learn from one another with the ultimate goal to improve patient care. Coming from diverse backgrounds helps us to discuss different approaches and synthesize plans of care.
As course director, there is no greater gift than to be able to empower young physicians with the power of knowledge so that they can, in turn, make positive strides in the field of pediatric healthcare in their communities and beyond,” explained Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her powerful statement emphasizes the importance of educational events, such as the OMI’s seminars, in today’s ever-evolving world.
CHOP is leading the way with innovation in allergy research and treatment. Their faculty are recognized as leaders in the management of allergic conditions. They have helped formulate many of the national guidelines used by physicians across the country and the world. Many of their faculty are also involved in uncovering the pathologic and genetic causes of these diseases to develop new and better treatments. The OMI is thrilled to work with such an esteemed institution to educate young physicians worldwide.
This year, the triennial CHOP Pediatric Allergy and Immunology course took a special turn by adding a third, and just as important, concept to its schedule: Rheumatology. This topic was added after much consideration by the faculty and requests by the fellows over the years. The field of rheumatology covers important topics such as autoimmune disorders, including arthritis and vasculitis.
The 39 fellows from 29 countries made up one of the biggest groups of participants ever. They filled Schloss Arenberg from January 18 to 24, 2026, with lively discussions, excitement to deepen their knowledge, and heated Q&A sessions. 28 of the pediatricians attended their first OMI seminar and were thrilled to be able to listen to captivating lectures and meet top international experts in person.
From CHOP, we were joined by course director Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman, Dr. Terri F. Brown-Whitehorn, Dr. Neil Romberg, and Dr. Beth Rutstein. Dr. Saltzman, a pediatric allergist and immunologist with a special interest in food allergies, serves as the Associate Medical Director for Patient and Family Experience at CHOP. Dr. Brown-Whitehorn held her lectures remotely via Zoom. From the Medical University of Vienna, the faculty cohort was joined by co-course director Dr. Zsolt Szepfalusi, who is Head of the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy, and Endocrinology, and Dr. René Gaupmann.
According to the course director, “We discussed different types of food allergy mechanisms and highlighted state-of-the-art food allergy therapeutics. We reviewed the diagnosis of asthma in children and biologic agents used in therapy. Additional pediatric atopic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and drug allergy, were evaluated. We also classified various immune defects and formulated targeted strategies to treat patients with immune-mediated diseases. Systemic autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease was highlighted with additional discussion on the characteristics of joint pain, fevers, and rashes.”
The dry lab on genetic tools on Wednesday, led by Dr. Romberg, was a huge success. Fellows were split into four groups to discuss and find the most likely diagnosis for different cases, as well as come up with management plans for the children. The exercise gave fellows a chance to work in international teams, immediately apply the lessons learned during the week, and test the online resources mentioned by Dr. Romberg in his prior lecture on genetic tools for diagnosing monogenic immune diseases.
We were honored to host an exceptional guest this week: Dr. Jordan S. Orange. Dr. Orange is the Joseph St. Geme Distinguished Endowed Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We truly appreciated that Dr. Orange made time in his busy schedule to get a first-hand impression of the OMI programs, and also for contributing to the actual seminar through an insightful lecture.
Ritshidze Mulaudzi, MBChB, MSc
OMI fellow from South Africa
“After this seminar, I am leaving Salzburg with strengthened clinical knowledge, expanded professional networks, and a deeper commitment to equity and excellence. The lessons I carry will ripple through my teaching, my practice, and my advocacy for children in South Africa.”
Dureti Abasso, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
“I had the privilege of listening to Dr. Jordan S. Orange. His words immediately took me back home, to my country, where parents and physicians often live with uncertainty, unable to fully explain a child’s illness or establish a diagnosis or treatment plan. This lecture reminded me why OMI gatherings matter, not only for advancing scientific knowledge, but for shaping clinicians who return home with purpose, vision, and a commitment to change.”
Oyuntulga Amarsaikhan, MD, MMSc
OMI fellow from Mongolia
“The fellows’ case presentations were a highlight of the course, and as such, the most engaging and interesting part of the week. Presenting 39 different cases in a short time was a challenge, but every presentation offered valuable lessons. It wasn’t just sitting in a classroom; it felt like traveling through the world’s medical landscape.”
Viktória Novotová, MD
OMI fellow from Slovakia
“We were introduced to how food exposure tests work at CHOP by Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman, and I couldn’t have been more fascinated. Setting up testing like this in my country is a dream and currently seems like science fiction, but thanks to this seminar, I am determined to try to conduct at least a fraction of the exposure tests in the future.”
Ei Mon Swe, MD, MSc
OMI fellow from Myanmar
“Dr. Neil Romberg led a lab on genetic tools, which was very educational. He guided us on how to use genetic resources such as OMIM and asked us to find the most likely diagnosis and propose a management plan for different cases. This teamwork-based experience helped me learn how to approach genetic and monogenic conditions in a structured way.”
