A Leading Food Allergy Expert Just Got a Major New Role—Here's Why It Matters for Your Child

Dr. Brian Vickery, a nationally recognized allergist and immunologist, has been named Vice Chair of Clinical Research for the Emory School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, a role that will expand his ability to develop and test new treatments for food allergies and anaphylaxis in children. In this position, he will lead clinical research initiatives, foster collaboration among researchers, and serve as a resource for other scientists working to improve pediatric care. This appointment reflects growing recognition of food allergies as a significant childhood health challenge that demands rigorous, evidence-based solutions.

Who Is Dr. Vickery and What Makes Him Qualified?

Dr. Vickery brings extensive experience in pediatric allergy and immunology, with a track record of leading multicenter clinical research—studies that involve multiple hospitals or medical centers working together. He continues to serve as Division Chief of Allergy and Immunology and Director of the Food Allergy Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. His work focuses specifically on developing evidence-based clinical therapies for food allergy and anaphylaxis, meaning his research is grounded in rigorous scientific testing rather than assumptions or tradition. This combination of leadership experience and specialized expertise positions him to influence how pediatric food allergies are studied and treated across multiple institutions.

What Does This New Role Mean for Pediatric Research?

As Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Dr. Vickery joins a leadership team dedicated to advancing the entire pediatric research enterprise at Emory and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. His appointment is part of a broader research infrastructure that includes specialized centers focused on different areas of child health. These research centers and initiatives include:

• Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR): Bridges laboratory discoveries and real-world clinical applications to improve patient care.
• Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research (CF-AIR): Focuses on respiratory conditions affecting children, including cystic fibrosis.
• Children's Center for Immunity and Applied Genomics (CIAG): Applies genetic research to understand and treat immune system disorders in pediatric patients.
• Research and Epidemiology for Adolescent and Child Health (REACH): Studies patterns and causes of health conditions across different populations of young people.

Dr. Vickery works alongside other vice chairs and research leaders, including Ann Chahroudi, MD, PhD (Vice Chair of Basic Science Research), Stacy Heilman, PhD (Vice Chair of Research Operations), and Hanna Alemayehu, MD (Director for Pediatric Surgical Research). Together, they report to Kristy Murray, DVM, PhD, the Chief Research Officer and Executive Vice Chair of Research. This collaborative structure ensures that research across different pediatric specialties is coordinated and supported effectively.

Why Does Food Allergy Research Matter Now?

Food allergies affect millions of children in the United States, and the condition can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure—requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Despite the prevalence and severity of food allergies, many children and families still lack access to evidence-based treatments and management strategies. Dr. Vickery's focus on patient-centered outcomes means his research prioritizes what actually matters to families: safer, more effective ways to prevent reactions, manage allergies, and improve quality of life. His new role gives him the platform and resources to accelerate this work across multiple research centers and institutions.

By advancing clinical research in food allergies and anaphylaxis, Dr. Vickery's leadership can help translate scientific discoveries into practical treatments that reach children and families in real-world settings. This is the bridge between laboratory innovation and the pediatrician's office—the place where research becomes medicine that works for your child.