ILADS Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Lyme Disease Care at 2017 Annual Conference

At our 2017 Scientific Conference, ILADS awarded three distinguished physicians and advocates for their outstanding, innovative work to help patients with Lyme and tick-borne disease. These three awards recognize dedicated members of the community who have improved the understanding of Lyme in the public and in the medical community, all in the service of elevating patient care.

Dr. Robert C. Bransfield received the Pioneer in Lyme Award. A New Jersey-based psychiatrist with more than 30 years of experience, which includes the care of thousands of Lyme patients, Dr. Bransfield has pioneered the profession’s understanding of the psychiatric impact of Lyme disease. He has opened the path to understanding the association between Lyme disease and suicide risk, marked by his recent publication in the psychiatric literature.

Patient advocate Jenna Luche-Thayer received the Power of Lyme Award for her global advocacy on behalf of Lyme patients. Luche-Thayer has devoted much time and attention to people around the world who suffer because of discriminatory attitudes and practices. She has turned her skills and focus to addressing Lyme patients’ rights, and promotes exploration of the issues around the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and related tick-borne disorders on the international stage. She has worked with governments, the United Nations, nonprofits and the corporate world, and has over 65 sponsored publications.

Virginia physician Samuel M. Shor, MD received the John Drulle Memorial Award. The award is given to medical providers who demonstrate excellence in the practice of medicine and dedication to their patients. For decades, Dr. Shor has treated tick-borne illness with individualized, patient-centered treatment plans to achieve better outcomes.

ILADS made the awards at the 18th Scientific Conference in Boston, where hundreds of Lyme experts, medical providers and patients gathered to learn about proven medical approaches to tick-borne illness and to develop strategies to spread awareness and improve patient outcomes.