The Chrysalis Project was designed to provide U.S. and Canadian medical students and internal medicine and/or pediatric residents an opportunity to explore a career in allergy / immunology.
To qualify for the Chrysalis Project, applicants must become official members of the AAAAI. The membership application can be found using the following links. Applicants must be an AAAAI member or have submitted an application for membership prior to applying for the award:
• Medical Student Member
• Resident Member
Applicants must also fall into one of the following categories in order to be consider for the program:
• MD PhD students during research training years
• 3rd and 4th Medical students
• 1st year residents in IM, Peds or MedPeds
• 2nd year residents in IM, Peds or MedPeds, particularly those without an AI training program at their institution
• 3rd year MedPeds resident or 3rd year IM or Peds resident who is participating in a Chief year at their institution
Please note since the Chrysalis Project is a recruitment program, prioritization will be given to medical students and junior residents who are unsure of their career path, rather than senior residents who are already committed to applying for allergy / immunology fellowship. These resident applications will still be reviewed and considered for any open slots. Individuals who were previously selected for the Chrysalis Project are not eligible to participate in the program a second time.
The three-day program includes a half day of didactic lectures presented by allergy / immunology faculty. The didactic content includes both pathogenesis and treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders and cutting edge research. Additionally, the program offers a Career Paths in Allergy / Immunology session, which explores career options in academia, government, private practice and industry. The program also hosts a small group hot topic case discussion session reviewing three different cases. The environment is interactive and informal allowing participants to ask questions. Selected participants are paired with both an allergy / immunology faculty member and fellow-in-training (FIT) mentor who can answer questions about the specialty and guide them through the educational sessions and events. There are additional opportunities to meet with AAAAI Board Members and allergy / immunology training program directors and allergy / immunology faculty during the Chrysalis Project Program reception.
Participant selection into the program is based on various factors, including the number of applications received, the number of applications from the same institution and if there is an allergy / immunology training program at the applicant's institution. The strength of the letter of recommendation from a faculty member (allergy / immunology or non-allergy / immunology) also carries weight during the review process. Applicant's personal statement should include any research experience, publications, presentations, career goals and their interest in the field. Travel, accommodations and a stipend will be provided to selected participants.
The application is available Tuesday, August 1 with a closing deadline of Friday, October 25, at 11:59 am CT. Late applications are not eligible.
Please contact Mari Durán at mduran@aaaai.org if you have any additional questions.