For Haleta, a five-year-old child in Ethiopia living with congenital ichthyosis, Salzburg may be a world away, yet a connection made at the OMI Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology seminar became a pathway to improving her care. After meeting in Salzburg, Dr. Dureti Abasso from Addis Ababa and Dr. Beth Rutstein from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia continued to collaborate on this complex case.
“Previously, our treatment approach relied on isotretinoin. Through Dr. Rutstein, I learned that acitretin may provide better clinical outcomes and a more favorable safety profile for long-term management. She also emphasized the importance of genetic testing and subtype identification in guiding treatment decisions.”
Although access to advanced diagnostics remains limited in Ethiopia, the exchange strengthened clinical decision-making, and the child’s family was able to obtain acitretin. Haleta is now under follow-up care, with ongoing communication between the two physicians. Her story reflects the lasting impact that a single expert connection can have on a child’s health and future.
Read about Dr. Abasso’s experience in Salzburg here:
Dureti Abasso, MD
Pediatrician, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
I traveled thousands of miles from Ethiopia to Salzburg, Austria, my very first time setting foot in Europe. I must admit, I felt genuinely proud of myself. From walking out of the plane, navigating my way onto a bus, and finally arriving at the beautiful Schloss Arenberg, each small step felt like a personal victory. The weather was completely unlike my hometown, yet refreshing. Seeing snow for the first time filled me with wonder. I was so amazed by its beauty that, despite the cold, I hardly felt it at all. As I entered the reception area, a deep calmness surrounded me. Arenberg felt soothing, peaceful, and welcoming. I instantly loved it. On my very first day, I met a friend by chance in the elevator; she was from Croatia. That simple interaction reminded me how international and connected this journey already was. That evening, we met the faculty. As they introduced themselves and the course, I was already blown away by their depth of expertise. I felt incredibly fortunate and eager to learn from such distinguished minds. The day ended with a wonderful dinner and warm conversations. I went to bed that night, letting go of the exhaustion from travel, eagerly waiting for what the next day would bring.
Monday, January 19, 2026: Ending the Diagnostic Odyssey
On my first seminar day at OMI, I sat in the lecture hall with the privilege of listening to Dr. Jordan S. Orange, Chair of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, speak about pediatric immunology and the urgent need to end the “diagnostic odyssey”. 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. As a physician practicing in a resource-limited setting, this lecture was deeply inspiring; it also carried a heavy sense of responsibility. It reminded me that our role is not only to treat individual patients, but also to advocate for immune screening, for diagnostic systems, and for structures that shorten the diagnostic journey. This lecture reminded me why gatherings like OMI matter, not only for advancing scientific knowledge, but for shaping clinicians who return home with purpose, vision, and a commitment to change.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Learning and Asking
On the second seminar day at OMI, Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman gave us a lecture on food allergies and the fundamentals of food challenge testing. Her depth of knowledge, clarity of explanation, and practical approach were truly fascinating. The session expanded my understanding not only of the science behind food allergies, but also of the careful clinical reasoning required to diagnose and manage them safely. What made this lecture particularly meaningful for me was the opportunity to ask a question that reflected my reality back home. Coming from a setting where formal food challenge setups and dedicated allergy clinics do not yet exist, I asked how one could realistically take this knowledge back and begin applying it. Her response was both encouraging and empowering. She emphasized the importance of starting with small, achievable steps. That guidance stayed with me, reminding me that progress does not always begin with perfection, but with intention. The afternoon sessions continued with case presentations by fellows, and the diversity of clinical reasoning and the depth of discussions were extraordinary. Listening to the exchange of ideas, questioning, and expert insights truly broadened my thinking. My mind was, quite simply, blown away by the level of knowledge and the richness of interpretation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Science and the Beauty of Salzburg
By Wednesday, the week was unfolding beautifully. We arrived at the Schloss Arenberg lecture hall on time, welcomed once again by its calm and inspiring atmosphere. There is something about learning in such a place that makes every session feel even more meaningful. That morning, Dr. Neil Romberg delivered an outstanding lecture on genetic tools for diagnosing immune diseases. Despite the complexity of the science, he explained it in a way that was accessible, practical, and genuinely engaging. Even though many of these advanced diagnostic tools are not yet available in my home setting, the lecture did not feel distant or unrealistic. Instead, it awakened me to think creatively about how to take the first steps, how to adapt knowledge, and how to better support patients in resource-limited environments like mine. The afternoon was free, offering us the chance to explore the city. Walking through Salzburg, the home of Mozart, felt like stepping into history. The castles, the old streets, and the timeless European architecture were breathtaking. Before returning, we bought chocolates and small souvenirs to take back home to our families. The day ended with a sense of balance, science in the morning, culture in the afternoon, and gratitude throughout.
Thursday, January 22, 2026: Learning, Sharing, and Representing Home
The day began beautifully with a comforting breakfast and coffee. The morning lectures by Dr. Beth Rutstein on systemic JIA, followed by vasculitis, were exceptionally clear and impactful. Her teaching was outstanding; she explained complex concepts with such precision and passion that it felt impossible not to internalize them, strengthening our ability to better understand and diagnose our patients. The afternoon continued with fellow case presentations, and this day was especially meaningful for me as it was my turn to present. I shared my gratitude for the entire week and the privilege of being part of OMI, and my presentation was warmly received. I also had the opportunity to speak about my home country, Ethiopia, known as the origin of humankind, and to share the story of the 4.4-million-year-old Ardipithecus ramidus (“Ardi”) fossil – a moment that truly fascinated the audience and made me proud to represent my home.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday marked the last day of an incredible week. We began the day with an excellent lecture by Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman on nutritional considerations in children with atopic diseases. She strongly emphasized the importance of growth monitoring at every clinic visit, a point that deeply resonated with me and one I fully agree is essential in daily practice. We then took the post-exam, which felt much easier and truly reflected how much the lectures had strengthened our understanding throughout the week. The graduation ceremony was a meaningful and joyful experience. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect, exchange social media contacts, and build friendships with colleagues from around the world. We all hoped to meet again in the future. An unforgettable ending to an extraordinary week.
Benefits from the Course:
This seminar has provided me with valuable knowledge in areas where we face gaps in diagnosing and managing patients back home. The topics covered were directly relevant to my daily practice, giving me updated insights that I can immediately apply. Beyond clinical knowledge, it has strengthened my intention to advocate for better diagnostic systems and take steps to support both my patients and their families. There is so much to take home from this week, and I am motivated to turn what I’ve learned into meaningful change in my practice.
Personal Highlight of the Seminar:
This seminar was truly enriching, and every expert brought incredible knowledge and passion. I cannot thank Dr. Rushani W. Saltzman enough, who was deeply invested in all of us throughout the week. She generously shared her time, insights, and connected us with some of the most excellent people in the field. Her guidance and dedication made this experience unforgettable; it simply couldn’t have been better.
Overall Experience:
My week at OMI was an extraordinary journey of learning, reflection, and purpose. I was engaged in scientific discussions that strengthened my understanding of immune-mediated diseases, allergic diseases, and rheumatology. Beyond the science, OMI was about connection. Sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and building friendships with colleagues from around the world made this week truly special. I will return home grateful, motivated, and committed to turning this knowledge into meaningful change.