title: Maintenance of skills, competencies, and performance in allergy and clinical immunology: time to lay the foundation for a universal approach.
abstract: Allergist/clinical immunologist maintenance of certification and training program reaccreditation are mandatory in some countries. The World Allergy Organization conducted surveys in 2009 and 2011 to assess where such programs were available and to promote the establishment of such programs on a global level. This was done with the presumption that after such an "inventory," World Allergy Organization could offer guidance to its Member Societies on the promotion of such programs to assure the highest standards of practice in the field of allergy and clinical immunology. This review draws on the experience of countries where successful programs are in place and makes recommendations for those wishing to implement such programs for the specialty.
authors.affiliation: Alexander's University Hospital, Clinic of Allergy & Asthma, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Todor A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Popov
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ledford
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lockey
authors.forename: Ruby
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pawankar
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hae Sim
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pichler
authors.forename: Noel Rodriguez
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tassinari
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Braido
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bahna
authors.forename: Dirceu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Solé
authors.forename: Connie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Katelaris
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holgate