Connexion Nordique at CSACI 2024

Connexion Nordique was proud to present its work at the 2024 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) Conference in Banff, Alberta. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the conference brought together allergy and immunology professionals from across Canada to exchange ideas, share research, and collaborate on advancing patient care in the field of allergy and immunology.

At the event, Connexion Nordique shared a variety of initiatives that have been central to our mission:

📌 Two poster presentations that focused on expanding allergy care in Northern Indigenous communities. These presentations highlighted our telemedicine model, which allows us to reach remote populations, and our capacity-building efforts to train local healthcare providers in culturally sensitive allergy management.

📌 An oral presentation about the increasing impact of climate change on allergic diseases in Nunavik. This presentation underscored how shifting environmental conditions are introducing new allergens to the region and the need for proactive allergy management and public health education in response.

Dr. Nofar Kimchi, an adult allergy fellow-in-training at McGill University, presented a case from Northern Quebec, showing how climate shifts are altering allergenic profiles in the region. Her work emphasized the importance of adapting healthcare practices to address new challenges and ensuring that local healthcare providers are equipped with the tools they need to manage these changes effectively.

Dr. Michael Aw and Dr. Clara Long, internal medicine residents, shared Connexion Nordique’s ongoing educational initiatives. They highlighted how we are empowering local communities through telemedicine, building capacity in Northern regions, and fostering community partnerships to ensure better healthcare access for underserved populations. Their work demonstrates the vital role of collaboration in ensuring that patients in remote areas can access the care they need without the burden of long travel times.

The CSACI 2024 conference was a valuable platform for Connexion Nordique to share our integrated approach—combining education, telemedicine, community engagement, and advocacy. It also provided an opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals from across the country, exchange ideas, and gain new insights to further strengthen our work in improving allergy care in the North.