Pan American Allergy Society (PAAS)

In 1956, the Gulf Coast Allergy Study Group was organized by a group of students of Dr. Herbert J. Rinkel of Kansas City, Missouri. The GCASG met annually following Rinkel’s Postgraduate Course in Allergy in Houston, Texas. The group originally served as a medium of exchange of information, ideas and problems in the field of ENT Allergy. It promoted investigation, publication and promulgation of this “new” type of allergy work. Following Rinkel’s death in 1963, the group’s subsequent meetings were held in various locations with Dallas and San Antonio being predominant sites.

In 1968, the name of the organization was changed to The Pan American Allergy Society so that membership would not be limited to one geographical area and to promote international membership. Beginning as a handful of Rinkel’s enthusiastic students, the group has grown to a membership of over 350 and will enjoy its 60th anniversary in 2016.

The Pan American Allergy Society (P.A.A.S.) has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians since 1988.