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23rd Annual ILADS Annual Scientific Conference 1360 200 px Website 1366 400 px

Conference Overview

Registration is open for our IN-PERSON 23rd Annual Scientific Conference.

Debugging the Body and Brain

September 22-25, 2022 (Thursday-Sunday)
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Please join us for the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) 23rd Annual Scientific Conference. This year’s conference will be held Thursday through Sunday, September 22-25, 2022. We are excited to be returning to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, the same venue as last year. The facility is centrally located, with easy access to the airport and all of Orlando’s attractions.

We are looking forward to bringing the ILADS community together again after our extended time apart. We are excited to welcome you in Orlando and provide a fantastic conference experience. Consider bringing your family to make it a vacation. The resort is just a 10 minute drive from world famous theme parks and our hotel rate is valid three days before and after the meeting.

New Format for 2022

With so much to catch up on and relationships to rekindle, we are changing up the format of this year’s conference to give you more free time to connect with colleagues. We will have an extended break during lunch to allow attendees to network, meet with exhibitors or just relax by the pool and enjoy the hotel amenities. Programming will take place in the mornings with an extended break around the noon lunch hour. It will resume later in the afternoon and run until early evening. On Sunday, our program will end at noon to accommodate your travel schedule.

Conference Program

Thursday, September 22

Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals: This one-day program is for medical professionals new to VBI diagnosis and treatment and for those veterans who want to brush up on their basics. It is the preliminary step for the ILADEF Physician Training Program. 

Click here to view the Fundamentals schedule.

Thursday, September 22-Sunday, September 25

  • Plenary Sessions
  • Breakfast Chats
  • Poster Sessions
  • Exhibitor Trade Show
  • Annual Members’ Meeting Luncheon
  • Case Study presentations and open mic discussions

Click here to view the Scientific Conference schedule.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals

The AAFP has reviewed Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals (2022) and deemed it acceptable for up to 7.25 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 09/22/2022 to 09/22/2022. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Annual Scientific Conference

Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.

AMA/AAFP Equivalency
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

Stay tuned for more updates on CME.

Financial Assistance

A number of grants are available for conference attendees. Please complete the online application so we can determine if you qualify. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so submit your application as early as possible. If approved, grant funding will be awarded after the conference. You must register and pay in advance and you will be reimbursed after the conference. Learn more and apply for grants.

Exhibitors

More than 50 exhibitors will be on-site from Thursday morning through Saturday, showcasing products and services relevant to medical professionals who treat tick-borne diseases. Click here to view exhibitors.

Venue

The Hyatt Grand Cypress Orlando is a resort hotel set on over a thousand acres. It touts  multiple swimming pools, one with a waterfall, putt putt, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, tennis, fitness center, a plethora of water activities for the entire family. There is a spa on site:  https://www.marilynmonroespas.com/pages/grand-cypress-orlando

The famous Orlando theme parks are a short drive from the hotel.

Abstract Submissions

Speaking opportunities are now closed. If you are interested in submitting an abstract to present a poster, please complete the abstract submission form.

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Hotel & Logistics

GrandCypress

HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS IN ORLANDO, FL

The deadline to secure ILADS special pricing of $195 per night + $10 resort fee and taxes is August 29, 2022; however, rooms may sell out before that date. We encourage you to make your reservations as early as possible. The ILADS special pricing is available 3 days pre/post of conference dates based upon availability.

To book your hotel using ILADS special pricing click here.

Please call the hotel reservations desk at 407-239-1234 if you wish to extend your stay or have specific room questions.   In order to receive special pricing, please be sure to reference the “ILADS Annual Conference” as your group when making reservations by phone.

HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS 

1 Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32836  USA
Phone:+1-407-239-1234

For more information about the hotel including area attractions click here.

For directions to the hotel, maps, parking information and airport details click here

(Note: the hotel does NOT offer airport shuttles):

TRANSPORTATION PARKING DETAILS

ILADS Orlando 2022 Exhibitor Information

ILADS 23rd Annual Conference is the premier educational event for doctors and medical professionals who have an interest in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and associated tick-borne diseases. This four-day conference covers a variety of topics on the fight against Lyme and associated diseases, including the fundamentals of Lyme Borreliosis, new diagnostic testing options and new treatment strategies, and new research findings.  The theme of the 2022 Conference is “Debugging the Body and Brain.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your products, interact with medical professionals and demonstrate your support for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. Here is some preliminary information:

2022 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities include conference bags, name badges, coffee breaks, our annual Pioneer Award Dinner, private breakfast chats, journal and pens, room keys, mobile app, job board, charging station, lanyards and welcome bag inserts. Custom sponsorships also will be available.

CLICK HERE FOR EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS

For additional information, please contact Scott Kersh, Conference Manager, at skersh@ilads.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

Register for an exhibit booth now.

Pricing & Registration

2022 ILADS Annual Scientific Conference

DEBUGGING THE BODY AND BRAIN

Thursday-Sunday | September 22-25, 2022
Register Now

Regular Rates Now in Effect through September 25

Membership Status Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals (Thursday-only) Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals (Thursday) & Scientific Conference (Friday-Sunday) Innovations in Medicine (Thursday) & Scientific Conference (Friday - Sunday)
Member$675$1,395$1,395
Non-Member$875$1,745$1,745

*Registration fee includes daily continental breakfast, lunch and networking breaks Thursday-Saturday. The Sunday program includes breakfast and mid-morning break.

Financial Assistance Information

International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF), a qualified charitable organization affiliated with ILADS, has a number of grants available that will help to defray some of the conference registration costs to attendees who satisfy the grant requirements.

Click here to learn more and apply for grants.

If you have any questions about grants, please email accounting@ilads.org.

Conference Registration Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation of your conference registration does not constitute a cancellation of your hotel room. Please contact the hotel directly to cancel your hotel reservation.
  • Refunds of registration fees will be as follows:
    • If requested within 72 hours of your payment, 100% of the registration fees paid, minus a $75 non-refundable transaction processing fee, will be refunded; PROVIDED; however, that if you paid after August 2, 2022, you are not entitled to any refund.
    • If requested on or before August 2, 2022, 80% of your registration fee, minus a $75 non-refundable transaction processing fee, will be refunded.
    • NO refunds will be issued on requests received after August 2, 2022.
    • Refunds will NOT be provided to registrants who are “no shows,” whether due to weather or otherwise.
  • Requests for refunds must be in writing sent to conference@ilads.org.
  • The amount of the refund, minus a $75.00 non-refundable transaction processing fee, will be credited back to you using the method of payment that you used to register for the Conference. You will bear the cost of any bank charge, vendor fee, and other transaction fee for any refund made by a method of payment other than credit card.
  • No refunds will be given on any additional fees or discounts applied to your Conference registration fee or other service fees.
  • No cash refunds will be provided under any circumstances.
  • Refunds may take up to 20 days to process after a refund is approved.
  • If you have a question regarding a refund of registration fees, please contact conference@ilads.org

 

CONFERENCE CANCELLATION BY ILADS OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON

  • In the unlikely event that the Conference is cancelled by ILADS or that the Conference cannot be held or is postponed due to events beyond the control of ILADS (force majeure) or due to events which are not attributable to wrongful intent or gross negligence of ILADS, a full refund will be made. Liability will be limited to the amount of the registration fee paid by you, and there will not be any additional liability to ILADS, the event hosts, or any other individual or entity associated with the Conference.
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Scientific Program Schedule

Full Conference Schedule

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Innovations In Medicine

TimeSession Topic/TitleSpeaker
7-7:45 AMReflections from ILADS Past Presidents Andrea Gaito, MD; Leo J. Shea, III, PhD; Robert C. Bransfield, MD; Daniel J. Cameron, MD, MPH, Samuel M. Shor, MD
8 AM-5 PMVector-Borne Illness FundamentalsClick Here for Schedule
8-8:05 AMWelcome Remarks/Moderator Steven J. Bock, MD
8:05-8:45 AMNeurological Traumatic Brain Injury in Tick-Borne Disease PatientsChad J. Prusmack, MD
8:45-9:15 AMImproving the Accuracy and Clinical Utility of Diagnostic Tests for Lyme BorreliosisHolly Ahern, MS, BS MT(ASCP)
9:15-10 AMAdvanced Review: Diagnosis and Management of Bartonella Persistent Infection and Related EncephalopathyB. Robert Mozayeni, MD
10-10:30 AMA Direct Test for Tick Borne Illnesses In Urine: Clinical Validation, Functional Information, and Future PerspectivesAlessandra Luchini, PhD
10:30-11 AMBreak/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
11-11:30 AMDual Action of Azlocillin as an Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Persister Drug for the Treatment of Acute and Persistent Lyme DiseaseJayakumar Rajadas, PhD
11:30 AM-12:15 PMI Dream of GENIEScott W. McMahon, MD
12:15-3:00 PMLunch and Break/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
Breakout #1 - Professional Development
3-3:30 PMBuilding a Focused Practice: Vector-Borne and Chronic Complex IllnessesCasey S. Kelley, MD
3:30-4:20 PMEffective Communication Techniques for Patients and ProfessionalsLeo J. Shea, III, PhD
4:20-4:40 PMHow to Write an AbstractLeona Gilbert, PhD
5-6 PMWelcome Reception
Breakout #2 - Laboratory Testing
3-3:15 PMInfectolab Americas Felix Scholz, PhD
3:15-3:30 PMArmin LabsArmin Schwarzbach, MD, PhD
3:30-3:45 PMR.E.D. LabsTatjana Mijatovic, PhD
3:45-4 PMIGeneXJyotsna Shah, PhD
4-4:15 PMMoleculara LabsCraig Shimasaki, PhD
4:15-4:30 PMVibrant Labs
5-6 PMWelcome Reception

Friday, September 23, 2022

Friday 9/23

TimeSession Topic/TitleSpeaker
8-8:05 AMWelcome Remarks/Moderator Garth Ehrlich, PhD
8:05-8:50 AMInflammatory Cytokine Patterns Seen in Tick-Borne/COVID InfectionsBruce K. Patterson, MD
8:50-9:30 AMSARS-CoV-2 Infection of the Nasal EpitheliumNoam Cohen, MD, PhD
9:30-10 AMThe Role of Vitamin D in Immunity and Inflammation Gill Diamond, PhD
10-10:30 AMBreak/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
10:30-11:10 AMHow Infections Such as Borrelia and Strep can Stimulate Self-reactive Autoimmune Antibodies Craig Shimasaki, PhD
11:10-11:50 AMTreating Autoimmune Encephalitis and Neuronitis Associated with Lyme Disease (AENDAL) – Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIg), Benzathine Penicillin and MoreAmiram Katz, MD
11:50 AM-12:30 PMIs Post-Treatment Lyme Disease an Autoimmune Encephalopathy of Infectious Etiology, Persistence of Bugs or Both?Gary Kaplan, DO
12:30-3 PMLunch and Break/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
Breakout #1 - Tantrums and Ticks - It's Not Always What it Seems
3-3:30 PMMaternal Fetal TransmissionRita Rhoads, CNM, NP, MPH
3:30-4:10 PMCase Examples of Psychiatric Disorders in Youth: When to Include Testing for Tick-Borne DiseasesRosalie Greenberg, MD
4:10-4:55 PMMicrobe-Induced Autoimmune Inflammation as a Cause of Mental Health Disorders in YouthDaniel A. Kinderlehrer, MD
4:55-5:15 PMPractical Educational Recommendations for Students with TBDsLeo J. Shea, III, PhD
Breakout #2 - Trends and Treatments
3-3:30 PMLong-COVID as a Model for Chronic Immune Activation DisordersJames R. Neuenschwander, MD
3:30-3:55 PMCerebrolysin as Neuronal Repairment in Patients with Chronic NeuroboreliosisMagdalena A. Cubala-Kucharska, MD, PhD
3:55-4:25 PMHow Pathogens Increase the Reactivity of Mast Cells and Their Role in Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Complex DiseasesTheoharis C. Theoharides, MD
4:25-4:50 PMDisulfiram Therapy Against Persistent Lyme DiseaseJayakumar Rajadas, PhD
4:50-5:15 PMYear in Review of Tick-Borne Diseases: Emerging Trends in Borrelia, Babesia and Arbovirus ResearchLeona Gilbert, PhD

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Saturday - 9/24

TimeSession Topic/TitleSpeaker
8-8:05 AMWelcome Remarks/ModeratorB. Robert Mozayeni, MD
8:05-8:45 AMTissue Analysis-Improving Detection and Understanding Pathogenesis in Vector-Borne InfectionsMarna E. Ericson, PhD
8:45-9:20 AMMCAS and Vector-Borne Infections: Root Cause vs. Driver of the Pentad of Chronic IllnessTania T. Dempsey, MD
9:20-10 AMMicrobiome Basics: Is Lyme Disease Caused by the Presence of a Microbe, Damages from That Microbe or Damages From Over-Treatment Sabine S. Hazan, MD
10-10:30 AMBreak/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
10:30-11:15 AMDo Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Strains in the Gut Impact the Treatment of Lyme and Complex Disease?Magdalena A. Cubala-Kucharska, MD, PhD
11:15 AM-12 PMConstruction of a Dual Borrelia/Borreliella Genera Pangenome for Diagnostics and TherapeuticsKayla Soccaras, MS
12-3 PMLunch and Break/Poster Viewing/Exhibit Hall
12-1:30 PMAnnual Members Meeting Lunch
3-3:30 PMMold Mycotoxins: Their Role in Neurological Problems – How To Diagnose And How To TreatOmar Morales, MD
3:30-4 PMNeuroquant® and Biomarker Data in Brain Injury and Biotoxin ExposureJacquelyn Meinhardt, DNP, FNP
4-4:30 PMHerbal Support for Management of Vector-Borne DiseaseMyriah W. Hinchey, ND
4:30-5:15 PMTreatment Modalities - Inflammatory Cytokine Patterns Seen in Tick-Borne/COVID InfectionsBruce K. Patterson, MD

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Sunday - 9/25

TimeSession Topic/TitleSpeaker
8-8:05 AMWelcome Remarks/ModeratorAmy Offutt, MD
8:05-8:45 AMUpdate on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic BabesiosisHenry H. Lindner, MD
8:45-9:15 AMPersistent Lyme or Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever - Could We Be Studying the Wrong Infection?Hope A. McIntyre, MD
9:15-9:55 AMBotanical Medicine and Vector-Borne Disease: From Roots To ReasonCheryl Burdette, ND
9:55-10:10 AMBreak
10:10-10:50 AMA Fatal Case Report of Lyme Disease, Associated with Substance AbuseRobert C. Bransfield, MD
10:50-11:30 AMNutritional Management of Lyme-Associated Inflammation: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based ApproachDeAnna Nara, PhD, MSc
11:30 AM-12 PMCompromise to the Neurology of the Visual Process Caused by Lyme diseaseWilliam V. Padula, OD, SFNAP, FAAO, FNORA

Speakers

2022 ILADS Annual Scientific Conference

Holly Ahern, MS, MT(ASCP)

Holly Ahern, MS, BS MT(ASCP) is Associate Professor of Microbiology at SUNY Adirondack, where she teaches laboratory courses in Microbiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology, and mentors undergraduate research students. She is the author of nationally published textbooks, including the first microbiology laboratory textbook available as an open educational resource (OER). As a result of her family’s experience with Lyme disease, Ahern co-founded and is vice-president of the NYS-based 501-c-3 advocacy organization Lyme Action Network, and additionally serves as Scientific Advisor for Focus on Lyme Foundation in Arizona. As a scientist and advocate, Ahern has served on subcommittees of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tickborne Disease Working Group in 2018 and 2022, and has accepted a commission to serve on the New York State Lyme and Tickborne Disease Working Group in 2022.

Holly Ahern, MS, MT(ASCP)

Holly Ahern, MS, BS MT(ASCP) is Associate Professor of Microbiology at SUNY Adirondack, where she teaches laboratory courses in Microbiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology, and mentors undergraduate research students. She is the author of nationally published textbooks, including the first microbiology laboratory textbook available as an open educational resource (OER). As a result of her family’s experience with Lyme disease, Ahern co-founded and is vice-president of the NYS-based 501-c-3 advocacy organization Lyme Action Network, and additionally serves as Scientific Advisor for Focus on Lyme Foundation in Arizona. As a scientist and advocate, Ahern has served on subcommittees of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tickborne Disease Working Group in 2018 and 2022, and has accepted a commission to serve on the New York State Lyme and Tickborne Disease Working Group in 2022.

Holly Ahern, MS, MT(ASCP)

Robert C. Bransfield, MD

Dr. Robert C. Bransfield, MD, DLFAPA is a graduate of Rutgers College and the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatric residency training at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Bransfield’s primary activity is an office based private practice of psychiatry. In addition, Dr Bransfield is the Past President of ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation and the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. He has held a number of administrative positions with organizations involved with health, mental health and community related activities. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers—Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr Bransfield has authored and co-authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed literature, other medical publications and books; has been active in political advocacy on an international, national, state and local level.

Robert C. Bransfield, MD

Dr. Robert C. Bransfield, MD, DLFAPA is a graduate of Rutgers College and the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatric residency training at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Bransfield’s primary activity is an office based private practice of psychiatry. In addition, Dr Bransfield is the Past President of ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation and the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. He has held a number of administrative positions with organizations involved with health, mental health and community related activities. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers—Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr Bransfield has authored and co-authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed literature, other medical publications and books; has been active in political advocacy on an international, national, state and local level.

Robert C. Bransfield, MD

Cheryl Burdette, ND

Cheryl Burdette, N.D. is the Founder of PersonalogiX Health Academy, and Educational Initiative designed to increase knowledge of integrative medicine for practitioners. She is the Director of Education and the Naturopathic Residency program at Progressive Medical. She is the founder and Educational Director of a functional laboratory, Precision Point Diagnostics, for which she designs clinical profiles and trains clinicians with utilization. She is on the board of advisors for Xymogen, an Inc.500 supplement company. She is a partner in TheraDura, a physician line distribution in Germany. She serves on IRB boards, is involved in study design and translational research, and has lectured extensively worldwide. Her passion is teaching around the practices of Integrated and Naturoathic Medicine, to increase awareness of evidenced-based natural therapies.

Cheryl Burdette, ND

Cheryl Burdette, N.D. is the Founder of PersonalogiX Health Academy, and Educational Initiative designed to increase knowledge of integrative medicine for practitioners. She is the Director of Education and the Naturopathic Residency program at Progressive Medical. She is the founder and Educational Director of a functional laboratory, Precision Point Diagnostics, for which she designs clinical profiles and trains clinicians with utilization. She is on the board of advisors for Xymogen, an Inc.500 supplement company. She is a partner in TheraDura, a physician line distribution in Germany. She serves on IRB boards, is involved in study design and translational research, and has lectured extensively worldwide. Her passion is teaching around the practices of Integrated and Naturoathic Medicine, to increase awareness of evidenced-based natural therapies.

Cheryl Burdette, ND

Noam Cohen, MD, PhD

Dr. Noam Cohen is the Ralph Butler Professor of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Director of Rhinology Research at The Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Member of The Monell Chemical Senses Center and a Staff Surgeon at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree and doctorate degree in Neuroscience from the The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1998 and completed his General Surgery Internship as well as his Otorhinolaryngology Residency (2003) and Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship (2004) at The University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include host-microbe interactions in the upper airway with a focus on sinonasal innate defenses focusing on airway taste receptors and mucociliary clearance, microbial biofilms, solitary chemosensory cells, and the development of novel sinonasal topical antimicrobial therapies. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic his focus switched to coronavirus infections of human nasal epithelial cells using many of the established techniques in the lab. He has authored over 200 publications, given multiple presentations around the world and has been principal investigator on NIH and VA grants as well as Industry-sponsored studies.

Noam Cohen, MD, PhD

Dr. Noam Cohen is the Ralph Butler Professor of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Director of Rhinology Research at The Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Member of The Monell Chemical Senses Center and a Staff Surgeon at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree and doctorate degree in Neuroscience from the The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1998 and completed his General Surgery Internship as well as his Otorhinolaryngology Residency (2003) and Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship (2004) at The University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include host-microbe interactions in the upper airway with a focus on sinonasal innate defenses focusing on airway taste receptors and mucociliary clearance, microbial biofilms, solitary chemosensory cells, and the development of novel sinonasal topical antimicrobial therapies. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic his focus switched to coronavirus infections of human nasal epithelial cells using many of the established techniques in the lab. He has authored over 200 publications, given multiple presentations around the world and has been principal investigator on NIH and VA grants as well as Industry-sponsored studies.

Noam Cohen, MD, PhD

Eboni Cornish, MD

Dr. Eboni Cornish is an integrative/functional medicine physician based in Northern Virginia. She has a special interest in infectious diseases at the Amen Clinics. Dr. Cornish’s approach to the treatment of chronic tick borne disease is to find the root cause of a person’s health problems by performing a comprehensive evaluation of the body’s various biological systems and taking an approach based on integrative strategies of healing. Due to her passion of solving problems with neurological infections, she was trained in SPECT scan brain imaging. This has allowed her to further assist her chronic patient population. She is Secretary of the board of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation which is responsible for training numerous physicians on the treatment of Lyme Disease and co-infections. She was recently awarded in 2021 the Northern Virginia Top Doctor Award in functional medicine.

Eboni Cornish, MD

Dr. Eboni Cornish is an integrative/functional medicine physician based in Northern Virginia. She has a special interest in infectious diseases at the Amen Clinics. Dr. Cornish’s approach to the treatment of chronic tick borne disease is to find the root cause of a person’s health problems by performing a comprehensive evaluation of the body’s various biological systems and taking an approach based on integrative strategies of healing. Due to her passion of solving problems with neurological infections, she was trained in SPECT scan brain imaging. This has allowed her to further assist her chronic patient population. She is Secretary of the board of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation which is responsible for training numerous physicians on the treatment of Lyme Disease and co-infections. She was recently awarded in 2021 the Northern Virginia Top Doctor Award in functional medicine.

Eboni Cornish, MD

Magdalena A. Cubala-Kurcharska, MD, PhD

Dr. Cubala-Kucharska is Director of Arcana Institute of Integrative Medicine Poland. Dr. Cubala-Kucharska developed an interest in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2004, which led her to research co-morbidities in autistic patients, including Lyme disease. She has consulted for the Council of Natural Therapies in the Polish Ministry of Health, and at the Autism Treatment Trust in Edinburgh. Her practice is focused on ASD, tick-borne, autoimmune and environmental diseases. Her research, conducted in affiliation with the Medical University of Lodz and published in peer-reviewed journals, is in the field of autism and tick-borne infections.

Magdalena A. Cubala-Kurcharska, MD, PhD

Dr. Cubala-Kucharska is Director of Arcana Institute of Integrative Medicine Poland. Dr. Cubala-Kucharska developed an interest in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2004, which led her to research co-morbidities in autistic patients, including Lyme disease. She has consulted for the Council of Natural Therapies in the Polish Ministry of Health, and at the Autism Treatment Trust in Edinburgh. Her practice is focused on ASD, tick-borne, autoimmune and environmental diseases. Her research, conducted in affiliation with the Medical University of Lodz and published in peer-reviewed journals, is in the field of autism and tick-borne infections.

Magdalena A. Cubala-Kurcharska, MD, PhD

Tania T. Dempsey, MD

Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, ABIHM is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received her MD degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her BS degree from Cornell University. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at New York University Medical Center. In 2011, she founded Armonk Integrative Medicine (AIM) which has evolved into the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, a destination practice in Purchase, NY, focusing on complex, multi-system diseases. Dr. Dempsey is an expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Dysautonomia, ME/CFS, Tick-Borne Infections and Autoimmunity. She is a member of the U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition and ILADS. She is an accomplished international speaker and writer. She is the co-author of the chapter on “Urogynecology and Hypermobility” in the 2020 book, Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. She is a co-author on several recently published ground-breaking articles in the medical literature: “Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2", “Post-HPV-VaccinationMast Cell Activation Syndrome: Possible Vaccine-Triggered Escalation of Undiagnosed Pre-Existing Mast Cell Disease?” , “Successful treatment of chronic dyspareunia, vaginitis, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding" and "Mast cell activation may explain many cases of chemical intolerance".

Tania T. Dempsey, MD

Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, ABIHM is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received her MD degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her BS degree from Cornell University. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at New York University Medical Center. In 2011, she founded Armonk Integrative Medicine (AIM) which has evolved into the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, a destination practice in Purchase, NY, focusing on complex, multi-system diseases. Dr. Dempsey is an expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Dysautonomia, ME/CFS, Tick-Borne Infections and Autoimmunity. She is a member of the U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition and ILADS. She is an accomplished international speaker and writer. She is the co-author of the chapter on “Urogynecology and Hypermobility” in the 2020 book, Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. She is a co-author on several recently published ground-breaking articles in the medical literature: “Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2", “Post-HPV-VaccinationMast Cell Activation Syndrome: Possible Vaccine-Triggered Escalation of Undiagnosed Pre-Existing Mast Cell Disease?” , “Successful treatment of chronic dyspareunia, vaginitis, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding" and "Mast cell activation may explain many cases of chemical intolerance".

Tania T. Dempsey, MD

Gill Diamond, PhD

A native of Philadelphia, PA, I received my BA in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, and my PhD in Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I then returned to Philadelphia to do postdoctoral research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I began to work on antimicrobial peptides. I was a faculty member at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now part of Rutgers University) from 1993-2013, and the University of Florida from 2013-2019. Since then, I have been a professor in the Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where I study innate immunity and the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Gill Diamond, PhD

A native of Philadelphia, PA, I received my BA in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, and my PhD in Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I then returned to Philadelphia to do postdoctoral research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I began to work on antimicrobial peptides. I was a faculty member at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now part of Rutgers University) from 1993-2013, and the University of Florida from 2013-2019. Since then, I have been a professor in the Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where I study innate immunity and the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Gill Diamond, PhD

Marna E. Ericson, PhD

Marna Ericson, PhD, is Director of Research at TLAB, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD, a medical diagnostic lab using an extraordinary new level of molecular microscopy to detect vector-borne pathogens in blood and skin and resulting disease pathology. Her goal is to decipher the complex nature of inflammatory diseases including vector-borne diseases and co-morbidities. She was formerly director of the Cutaneous Imaging Lab in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, assistant professor for 15 years. Currently, she is also a fellow at the Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation and an Adjunct Faculty at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota. Dr. Ericson has 25+ years of experience in imaging and quantifying biomarkers in skin and other organs. She specializes in imaging techniques including: multi-photon laser scanning microscopy, second harmonic generation, correlative microscopy, TEM and SEM, live imaging, and super-resolution microscopy. laser scanning microscopy and 3-dimensional analysis.

Marna E. Ericson, PhD

Marna Ericson, PhD, is Director of Research at TLAB, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD, a medical diagnostic lab using an extraordinary new level of molecular microscopy to detect vector-borne pathogens in blood and skin and resulting disease pathology. Her goal is to decipher the complex nature of inflammatory diseases including vector-borne diseases and co-morbidities. She was formerly director of the Cutaneous Imaging Lab in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, assistant professor for 15 years. Currently, she is also a fellow at the Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation and an Adjunct Faculty at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota. Dr. Ericson has 25+ years of experience in imaging and quantifying biomarkers in skin and other organs. She specializes in imaging techniques including: multi-photon laser scanning microscopy, second harmonic generation, correlative microscopy, TEM and SEM, live imaging, and super-resolution microscopy. laser scanning microscopy and 3-dimensional analysis.

Marna E. Ericson, PhD

Leona Gilbert, PhD

Dr. Leona Gilbert is a Docent of Cell and Molecular Biology and the CEO of Te?ted Oy, a university spinoff company that has a goal to get the patient tested so they can be treated and recover more quickly. She has a doctorate in biotechnology and much experience in bio-innovation and bio-business. She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc and BSc students and her various peer-reviewed articles span turning research results into translational value with developing novel delivery vectors as well as diagnostic lab-on-chip platforms. In addition, Gilbert’s publications also demonstrate the thorough investigation of how a common virus or bacterium can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Another highlight in these publications is the demonstration of a multi-disciplinary background and collaborative efforts between clinicians, microbiologists, diagnostic developers, nano-scientists, physicists and engineers. Gilbert’s research initiatives into complete diagnostic platforms and clinical profiling of patients for tick-borne and autoimmune diseases will allow a better understanding of how chronic conditions could be established with infectious pathogens.

Leona Gilbert, PhD

Dr. Leona Gilbert is a Docent of Cell and Molecular Biology and the CEO of Te?ted Oy, a university spinoff company that has a goal to get the patient tested so they can be treated and recover more quickly. She has a doctorate in biotechnology and much experience in bio-innovation and bio-business. She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc and BSc students and her various peer-reviewed articles span turning research results into translational value with developing novel delivery vectors as well as diagnostic lab-on-chip platforms. In addition, Gilbert’s publications also demonstrate the thorough investigation of how a common virus or bacterium can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Another highlight in these publications is the demonstration of a multi-disciplinary background and collaborative efforts between clinicians, microbiologists, diagnostic developers, nano-scientists, physicists and engineers. Gilbert’s research initiatives into complete diagnostic platforms and clinical profiling of patients for tick-borne and autoimmune diseases will allow a better understanding of how chronic conditions could be established with infectious pathogens.

Leona Gilbert, PhD

Rosalie Greenberg, MD

Rosalie Greenberg, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP is Board Certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and maintains a private child and adolescent practice in Summit, New Jersey. Dr. Greenberg received her medical degree and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship (serving as Chief Resident) at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons/Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she subsequently served as an Assistant Professor in Clinical Child Psychiatry. She is a Distinguished Fellow of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a recipient of The NAMI Award for Clinical Excellence in addition to other accolades. Dr. Greenberg is the author of Bipolar Kids: Helping Your Child Find Calm in the Mood Storm, producer of a Telly award winning educational cable television show, as well as author of multiple articles published in the lay press and professional journals. In her private practice and clinical research she specializes in the diagnosis and psychopharmacologic treatment of complex pediatric mood disorders and the role of infections, especially tick-borne associated childhood mental disorders.

Rosalie Greenberg, MD

Rosalie Greenberg, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP is Board Certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and maintains a private child and adolescent practice in Summit, New Jersey. Dr. Greenberg received her medical degree and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship (serving as Chief Resident) at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons/Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she subsequently served as an Assistant Professor in Clinical Child Psychiatry. She is a Distinguished Fellow of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a recipient of The NAMI Award for Clinical Excellence in addition to other accolades. Dr. Greenberg is the author of Bipolar Kids: Helping Your Child Find Calm in the Mood Storm, producer of a Telly award winning educational cable television show, as well as author of multiple articles published in the lay press and professional journals. In her private practice and clinical research she specializes in the diagnosis and psychopharmacologic treatment of complex pediatric mood disorders and the role of infections, especially tick-borne associated childhood mental disorders.

Rosalie Greenberg, MD

Sabine Hazan, MD

As a specialist in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology, Dr. Hazan has used her medical expertise in many regards over the last two decades. As the founder & CEO of Progenabiome, a genetic sequencing research laboratory, she leads 35+ studies investigating the role of the gut flora in various diseases (see current list here). Dr. Hazan is also the CEO of Ventura Clinical Trials, where she has 20+ years experience leading clinical trials for cutting-edge research on various medical issues. Since March 2020, she has been at the forefront of COVID-19 research, leading ongoing FDA-approved clinical trials for treatment and prophylaxis (details here). Through their study exploring the role of the gut flora in COVID-19, Progenabiome became the first lab worldwide to detect SARS-CoV-2 from Patient Fecal Samples by Whole Genome Sequencing. See data published in Gut Pathogens and the lab that identified Bifidobacteria as a key lost microbes in severe COVID patients.

Sabine Hazan, MD

As a specialist in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology, Dr. Hazan has used her medical expertise in many regards over the last two decades. As the founder & CEO of Progenabiome, a genetic sequencing research laboratory, she leads 35+ studies investigating the role of the gut flora in various diseases (see current list here). Dr. Hazan is also the CEO of Ventura Clinical Trials, where she has 20+ years experience leading clinical trials for cutting-edge research on various medical issues. Since March 2020, she has been at the forefront of COVID-19 research, leading ongoing FDA-approved clinical trials for treatment and prophylaxis (details here). Through their study exploring the role of the gut flora in COVID-19, Progenabiome became the first lab worldwide to detect SARS-CoV-2 from Patient Fecal Samples by Whole Genome Sequencing. See data published in Gut Pathogens and the lab that identified Bifidobacteria as a key lost microbes in severe COVID patients.

Sabine Hazan, MD

Myriah W. Hinchey, ND

Dr. Myriah Hinchey is a Connecticut-licensed naturopathic physician and the founder/medical director of TAO: Center for Vitality, Longevity, & Optimal Health, an integrative medical center for healing located in Hebron, Connecticut.

Following graduation from naturopathic medical school, Dr. Hinchey completed a mentorship with renowned functional medicine pediatrician, Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP. During her time with Dr. O’Hara, she became aware of how frequently Lyme and tick-borne disease are underlying issues for children with ASD and PANS/PANDAS. Later, she herself was diagnosed with multiple tick-borne illnesses, and found herself immersed in the work of Master Herbalist Stephen Buhner. His evidence based herbal approach to healing Lyme disease and co-infections inspired her to correspond with him in developing products and treatment protocols, which ultimately led to the protocols that she used to heal herself and her patients.

Dr. Hinchey has continued to advance her clinical practice by studying under pioneering Lyme physicians Dr. Tom Moorcroft, Dr. Richard Horowitz, and Dr. Neil Nathan; mycotoxin specialist, Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker; and lifestyle and functional medicine doctors, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Jeffrey Bland.

Rooted in functional and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Hinchey shares her unique approach to Lyme and co-infections with other practitioners by lecturing at medical conferences.

Myriah W. Hinchey, ND

Dr. Myriah Hinchey is a Connecticut-licensed naturopathic physician and the founder/medical director of TAO: Center for Vitality, Longevity, & Optimal Health, an integrative medical center for healing located in Hebron, Connecticut.

Following graduation from naturopathic medical school, Dr. Hinchey completed a mentorship with renowned functional medicine pediatrician, Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP. During her time with Dr. O’Hara, she became aware of how frequently Lyme and tick-borne disease are underlying issues for children with ASD and PANS/PANDAS. Later, she herself was diagnosed with multiple tick-borne illnesses, and found herself immersed in the work of Master Herbalist Stephen Buhner. His evidence based herbal approach to healing Lyme disease and co-infections inspired her to correspond with him in developing products and treatment protocols, which ultimately led to the protocols that she used to heal herself and her patients.

Dr. Hinchey has continued to advance her clinical practice by studying under pioneering Lyme physicians Dr. Tom Moorcroft, Dr. Richard Horowitz, and Dr. Neil Nathan; mycotoxin specialist, Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker; and lifestyle and functional medicine doctors, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Jeffrey Bland.

Rooted in functional and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Hinchey shares her unique approach to Lyme and co-infections with other practitioners by lecturing at medical conferences.

Myriah W. Hinchey, ND

Amiram Katz, MD

TBD

Amiram Katz, MD

Amiram Katz, MD

TBD

Amiram Katz, MD

Gary Kaplan, DO

Gary Kaplan, DO, is the founder and medical director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine. A pioneer and leader in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Kaplan is one of only 19 physicians in the country to be board-certified in both Family Medicine and Pain Medicine.

Dr. Kaplan is also board-certified in Medical Acupuncture and has studied and practiced Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Regenerative Medicine and Emergency Medicine. In response to growing numbers of patients presenting with heavy metal toxicity, Dr. Kaplan received certification in the science and practice of chelation therapy, by The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM).

Gary Kaplan, DO

Gary Kaplan, DO, is the founder and medical director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine. A pioneer and leader in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Kaplan is one of only 19 physicians in the country to be board-certified in both Family Medicine and Pain Medicine.

Dr. Kaplan is also board-certified in Medical Acupuncture and has studied and practiced Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Regenerative Medicine and Emergency Medicine. In response to growing numbers of patients presenting with heavy metal toxicity, Dr. Kaplan received certification in the science and practice of chelation therapy, by The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM).

Gary Kaplan, DO

Casey Kelley, MD

Board Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Kelley was among the first physicians to add a board certification in Integrative Medicine as well. She has studied the causes, effects, and treatments of Lyme Disease extensively, and lectures nationally on this and other topics.

Dr. Kelley graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. She is a ten-year member of the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), the Treasurer of The International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), and is a Founding Member of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM). Dr. Kelley is on the faculty at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

Prior to founding Case Integrative Health, Dr. Kelley practiced medicine at WholeHealth Chicago, Michigan Avenue Immediate Care, and St. Joseph Hospital.

Casey Kelley, MD

Board Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Kelley was among the first physicians to add a board certification in Integrative Medicine as well. She has studied the causes, effects, and treatments of Lyme Disease extensively, and lectures nationally on this and other topics.

Dr. Kelley graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. She is a ten-year member of the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), the Treasurer of The International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), and is a Founding Member of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM). Dr. Kelley is on the faculty at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

Prior to founding Case Integrative Health, Dr. Kelley practiced medicine at WholeHealth Chicago, Michigan Avenue Immediate Care, and St. Joseph Hospital.

Casey Kelley, MD

Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, MD

Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician with expertise in the fields of nutrition, allergy, environmental medicine, Lyme disease and the healing of mind-body-spirit as a unified whole. Dr. Kinderlehrer co-founded The New England Center for Holistic Medicine in Newbury MA, and has taught extensively, including practitioner training courses at The Omega Institute, The National Institute of Behavioral Medicine, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. He created and organized the Lyme Fundamentals course which is presented annually at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society conferences. He is the author of many articles in medical journals and the Lyme Times. His integrated medical practice in Denver, CO focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illness. Dr. Kinderlehrer is the author of Recovery From Lyme Disease: The Integrative Medicine Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Illness, which was released in March, 2021.

Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, MD

Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician with expertise in the fields of nutrition, allergy, environmental medicine, Lyme disease and the healing of mind-body-spirit as a unified whole. Dr. Kinderlehrer co-founded The New England Center for Holistic Medicine in Newbury MA, and has taught extensively, including practitioner training courses at The Omega Institute, The National Institute of Behavioral Medicine, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. He created and organized the Lyme Fundamentals course which is presented annually at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society conferences. He is the author of many articles in medical journals and the Lyme Times. His integrated medical practice in Denver, CO focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illness. Dr. Kinderlehrer is the author of Recovery From Lyme Disease: The Integrative Medicine Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Illness, which was released in March, 2021.

Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, MD

Henry H. Lindner, MD

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Lindner resigned from a psychiatric residency due to his disagreement with the dominant pharmaceutical model. He became a general practitioner and satisfied his intellectual curiosity by studying history, philosophy and physics. He published papers on the philosophical problems in modern physics. In 2004 he was introduced to new ideas in endocrinology and decided to specialize in optimizing hormones lost to aging. When his daughter became disabled by mental/physical fatigue and emotional dysfunction, he eventually discovered that she had chronic babesiosis caused by an organism unknown to human medicine: Babesia odocoilei. He then realized that many of his patients had the same infection. He now has 2 years of experience in diagnosing and treating this infection in scores of patients.

Henry H. Lindner, MD

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Lindner resigned from a psychiatric residency due to his disagreement with the dominant pharmaceutical model. He became a general practitioner and satisfied his intellectual curiosity by studying history, philosophy and physics. He published papers on the philosophical problems in modern physics. In 2004 he was introduced to new ideas in endocrinology and decided to specialize in optimizing hormones lost to aging. When his daughter became disabled by mental/physical fatigue and emotional dysfunction, he eventually discovered that she had chronic babesiosis caused by an organism unknown to human medicine: Babesia odocoilei. He then realized that many of his patients had the same infection. He now has 2 years of experience in diagnosing and treating this infection in scores of patients.

Henry H. Lindner, MD

Alessandra Luchini, PhD

Alessandra Luchini is Director of the Biosciences PhD program and Professor with tenure at George Mason University. Her research interests are focused on developing technologies that improve current diagnostics and therapeutics for diseases including cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. Dr. Luchini authored peer reviewed publications in scientific journals in chemistry, nanotechnology and proteomics and is co-inventor in a series of issued and licensed patents covering her Mason nanotechnology research. Dr. Luchini is co-founder of Ceres Nanosciences Inc., which was created in 2008, and Monet Pharmaceuticals, created in 2020. In 2011 Dr. Luchini was named as one of the top 10 most brilliant scientists by Popular Science. Dr. Luchini earned a degree in Chemical Engineering cum laude and a PhD in Bioengineering both at the University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Alessandra Luchini, PhD

Alessandra Luchini is Director of the Biosciences PhD program and Professor with tenure at George Mason University. Her research interests are focused on developing technologies that improve current diagnostics and therapeutics for diseases including cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. Dr. Luchini authored peer reviewed publications in scientific journals in chemistry, nanotechnology and proteomics and is co-inventor in a series of issued and licensed patents covering her Mason nanotechnology research. Dr. Luchini is co-founder of Ceres Nanosciences Inc., which was created in 2008, and Monet Pharmaceuticals, created in 2020. In 2011 Dr. Luchini was named as one of the top 10 most brilliant scientists by Popular Science. Dr. Luchini earned a degree in Chemical Engineering cum laude and a PhD in Bioengineering both at the University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Alessandra Luchini, PhD

Hope McIntyre, MD

Hope McIntyre MD obtained her bachelors degree in Pre-medicine from the Pennsylvania State University in 1986. She received her MD from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1990. After completing a residency in Family Practice at the Harrisburg Family Practice Residency Program, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania she joined Parkview Medical Group in Mount Airy, Maryland in 1994. She remained with that practice until 2010 when she opened her solo practice in Towson, Maryland to focus on tick-borne disease. She moved her Lyme disease practice to Mount Airy, Maryland (her home town) in January of 2017.

She completed two ILADS one week mini-fellowships, the first in 2006 with Dr Ann Corson and a second in 2010 with Dr Charles Ray Jones. As a family physician, Dr McIntyre is trained to treat patients of all ages, but she is especially interested in treating children with Lyme disease who were previously underserved in Maryland.

Hope McIntyre, MD

Hope McIntyre MD obtained her bachelors degree in Pre-medicine from the Pennsylvania State University in 1986. She received her MD from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1990. After completing a residency in Family Practice at the Harrisburg Family Practice Residency Program, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania she joined Parkview Medical Group in Mount Airy, Maryland in 1994. She remained with that practice until 2010 when she opened her solo practice in Towson, Maryland to focus on tick-borne disease. She moved her Lyme disease practice to Mount Airy, Maryland (her home town) in January of 2017.

She completed two ILADS one week mini-fellowships, the first in 2006 with Dr Ann Corson and a second in 2010 with Dr Charles Ray Jones. As a family physician, Dr McIntyre is trained to treat patients of all ages, but she is especially interested in treating children with Lyme disease who were previously underserved in Maryland.

Hope McIntyre, MD

Scott McMahon, MD

Dr. Scott McMahon graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and endured his amazing Pediatric Residency at Duke University Medical Center. He has spent nearly 30 years in private practice and devoted the last 12 years to the study and practice of mold-based illnesses. Dr. McMahon has evaluated nearly 2000 pediatric and adult patients for CIRS. He has published 9 peer-reviewed articles, one medical textbook, and 3 consensus statements. His contributions to the field include much of what we understand about pediatric CIRS and recently launched CIRSx.com, an educational website for providers, environmental professionals, and patients alike to access trusted information regarding CIRS.

Dr. Scott McMahon

Scott McMahon, MD

Dr. Scott McMahon graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and endured his amazing Pediatric Residency at Duke University Medical Center. He has spent nearly 30 years in private practice and devoted the last 12 years to the study and practice of mold-based illnesses. Dr. McMahon has evaluated nearly 2000 pediatric and adult patients for CIRS. He has published 9 peer-reviewed articles, one medical textbook, and 3 consensus statements. His contributions to the field include much of what we understand about pediatric CIRS and recently launched CIRSx.com, an educational website for providers, environmental professionals, and patients alike to access trusted information regarding CIRS.

Scott McMahon, MD

Jacquelyn Meinhardt, DNP, FNP

Dr. Jacki Meinhardt takes an evidence-based approach to functional medicine using cutting-edge advances in science, technology, and personalized precision medicine to help patients heal, thrive, and optimize their human potential.

Dr. Meinhardt earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where her research focused on biotoxin exposure and cognitive impairment. She also has master’s degrees in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Georgetown University and Integrative Medicine from George Washington University. Jacki is a member of ILADS and a Diplomat with ISEAI. Dr. Meinhardt also holds a faculty appointment at Georgetown University, where she currently teaches biostatistics.

Jacquelyn Meinhardt, DNP, FNP

Dr. Jacki Meinhardt takes an evidence-based approach to functional medicine using cutting-edge advances in science, technology, and personalized precision medicine to help patients heal, thrive, and optimize their human potential.

Dr. Meinhardt earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where her research focused on biotoxin exposure and cognitive impairment. She also has master’s degrees in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Georgetown University and Integrative Medicine from George Washington University. Jacki is a member of ILADS and a Diplomat with ISEAI. Dr. Meinhardt also holds a faculty appointment at Georgetown University, where she currently teaches biostatistics.

Jacquelyn Meinhardt, DNP, FNP

Omar Morales, MD

Dr. Morales developed a special interest in treating tropical diseases with a hematological approach while living in Puerto Vallarta. He is currently an ILADS board member. While dealing with a challenging case of severe Babesia and other co-infections, Dr. Morales was able to utilize his transfusion medicine background and blood bank resources to implement a novel way of treating this particular patient. Red cell exchanges proved to be a successful way of eradicating Babesia. This led Dr. Morales to continue learning and advancing intricate protocols to address Lyme Disease and other co-infections. Dr. Morales continues to be an active researcher of the renowned Biomedical Center de Occidente as well as contributing to publications (both international and national). He strongly believes that with effective medical research and analysis, eventually the majority of the healthcare community will agree that to undertake as big of a challenge as Lyme Disease, a multidisciplinary and integrative approach is the only way.

Omar Morales, MD

Dr. Morales developed a special interest in treating tropical diseases with a hematological approach while living in Puerto Vallarta. He is currently an ILADS board member. While dealing with a challenging case of severe Babesia and other co-infections, Dr. Morales was able to utilize his transfusion medicine background and blood bank resources to implement a novel way of treating this particular patient. Red cell exchanges proved to be a successful way of eradicating Babesia. This led Dr. Morales to continue learning and advancing intricate protocols to address Lyme Disease and other co-infections. Dr. Morales continues to be an active researcher of the renowned Biomedical Center de Occidente as well as contributing to publications (both international and national). He strongly believes that with effective medical research and analysis, eventually the majority of the healthcare community will agree that to undertake as big of a challenge as Lyme Disease, a multidisciplinary and integrative approach is the only way.

Omar Morales, MD

B. Robert Mozayeni, MD

Dr. Mozayeni was trained in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Yale and at NIH.  He has had pre- and post-doctoral Fellowships in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale, and also at NIH where he was a Howard Hughes Research Scholar at LMB/DCBD/NCI and later, Senior Staff Fellow at LMMB/NHLBI/NIH. He is an expert in Translational Medicine, the science and art of advancing medical science safely and efficiently. He is a Fellow of the non-profit Think Lead Innovate Foundation and is a co-founder of the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Diseases.  He is a Founder of the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Diseases to crowd-source medical solutions for complex conditions using existing knowledge, diagnostic methods, and therapies to meet patient needs immediately.  He is the Chief Medical Officer of Galaxy Diagnostics, LLC.   Dr. Mozayeni has held admitting privileges (since 1994) on the clinical staff of Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine and an affiliate of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

B. Robert Mozayeni, MD

Dr. Mozayeni was trained in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Yale and at NIH.  He has had pre- and post-doctoral Fellowships in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale, and also at NIH where he was a Howard Hughes Research Scholar at LMB/DCBD/NCI and later, Senior Staff Fellow at LMMB/NHLBI/NIH. He is an expert in Translational Medicine, the science and art of advancing medical science safely and efficiently. He is a Fellow of the non-profit Think Lead Innovate Foundation and is a co-founder of the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Diseases.  He is a Founder of the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Diseases to crowd-source medical solutions for complex conditions using existing knowledge, diagnostic methods, and therapies to meet patient needs immediately.  He is the Chief Medical Officer of Galaxy Diagnostics, LLC.   Dr. Mozayeni has held admitting privileges (since 1994) on the clinical staff of Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine and an affiliate of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

B. Robert Mozayeni, MD

DeAnna Nara, PhD, MSc, LDN, NU, CNS

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that presents as a multi systemic inflammatory disease. While targeted antibiotic treatment can help to target these bacteria, they effectively do little to attenuate the inflammatory cascade in both early and late-stage onset of the disease. Lyme associated inflammation is characterized by inflammation of the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart and can severely impact a patient’s quality of life and recovery process. Targeted food and nutrition interventions and consideration of other co-occurring issues—such as food allergies and sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and digestive issues, show promise in reducing the burden of inflammation in the body.

Here we will explore evidence based nutritional and lifestyle interventions for managing Lyme-associated inflammation.

DeAnna Nara, PhD, MSc, LDN, NU, CNS

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that presents as a multi systemic inflammatory disease. While targeted antibiotic treatment can help to target these bacteria, they effectively do little to attenuate the inflammatory cascade in both early and late-stage onset of the disease. Lyme associated inflammation is characterized by inflammation of the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart and can severely impact a patient’s quality of life and recovery process. Targeted food and nutrition interventions and consideration of other co-occurring issues—such as food allergies and sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and digestive issues, show promise in reducing the burden of inflammation in the body.

Here we will explore evidence based nutritional and lifestyle interventions for managing Lyme-associated inflammation.

DeAnna Nara, PhD, MSc, LDN, NU, CNS

James R. Neuenschwander, MD

James Neuenschwander, MD (aka Dr. Neu) is a graduate of the University of Michigan with both a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as a MD degree. He is dually board certified in both Emergency and Integrative Medicine and has been the owner of the Bio Energy Medical Center (an integrative medical center specializing in chronic illness) since its opening in 1988. He built Bio Energy Medical Center from nothing to a level of success where he has become the doctor to whom other integrative (and some mainstream) practitioners refer their patients. He has continually pursued the notion of remaining up to date on any intervention that might help his patients and on the understanding of why we become ill. Starting in 2007, he began to treat children on the autism spectrum with biomedical approaches. This led him to become involved initially in Defeat Autism Now (DAN) and subsequently the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS). He is now conference chairperson of MAPS responsible for the educational content of those conferences. He is a relentless warrior and sought-after speaker on the topics of integrative approaches to chronic disease and biomedical approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as championing parental choice and medical freedoms.

James R. Neuenschwander, MD

James Neuenschwander, MD (aka Dr. Neu) is a graduate of the University of Michigan with both a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as a MD degree. He is dually board certified in both Emergency and Integrative Medicine and has been the owner of the Bio Energy Medical Center (an integrative medical center specializing in chronic illness) since its opening in 1988. He built Bio Energy Medical Center from nothing to a level of success where he has become the doctor to whom other integrative (and some mainstream) practitioners refer their patients. He has continually pursued the notion of remaining up to date on any intervention that might help his patients and on the understanding of why we become ill. Starting in 2007, he began to treat children on the autism spectrum with biomedical approaches. This led him to become involved initially in Defeat Autism Now (DAN) and subsequently the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS). He is now conference chairperson of MAPS responsible for the educational content of those conferences. He is a relentless warrior and sought-after speaker on the topics of integrative approaches to chronic disease and biomedical approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as championing parental choice and medical freedoms.

James R. Neuenschwander, MD

Amy Offutt, MD

Dr. Offutt is a member of the ILADS Board of Directors and chair of the ILADS Medical Education Committee. She is also the medical director and co-owner of Heart & Soul Integrative Health and Yoga which she co-founded with her husband, Brad, in 2007, located in Marble Falls, Texas. Her first seven years of practice were focused on rural family medicine and obstetrics after which she transitioned to approach the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases using integrative medicine. She completed medical school at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and completed a residency in Family Medicine at Christus Health. She has completed a fellowship with the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and has a Master’s Degree in Integrative Medicine from George Washington University.

Amy Offutt, MD

Dr. Offutt is a member of the ILADS Board of Directors and chair of the ILADS Medical Education Committee. She is also the medical director and co-owner of Heart & Soul Integrative Health and Yoga which she co-founded with her husband, Brad, in 2007, located in Marble Falls, Texas. Her first seven years of practice were focused on rural family medicine and obstetrics after which she transitioned to approach the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases using integrative medicine. She completed medical school at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and completed a residency in Family Medicine at Christus Health. She has completed a fellowship with the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and has a Master’s Degree in Integrative Medicine from George Washington University.

Amy Offutt, MD

William V. Padula, OD, SFNAP, FAAO, FNORA

William V. Padula, OD is Director of the Padula Institute of Vision Rehabilitation in Guilford, CT. He is the Founding President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) and Senior Fellow of the National Academy of Practice Dr. Padula is an Associate Professor at Salus University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA and is an Adjunct Professor at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Los Angeles, CA. He is the Founding Chairperson of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation Section. Dr. Padula has been a consultant to the National Academy of Sciences Committee of Vision.

Research has been conducted by Dr. Padula discovering Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS). Dr. Padula has also conducted research on tick (Lyme disease) borne disease and vision dysfunction. Dr. Padula also served as the National Consultant in Low Vision Services for the American Foundation for the Blind and Director of Vision Research to the Gesell Institute of Human Development. He is on staff at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT and consults with many programs for head-injured persons throughout the United States

William V. Padula, OD, SFNAP, FAAO, FNORA

William V. Padula, OD is Director of the Padula Institute of Vision Rehabilitation in Guilford, CT. He is the Founding President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) and Senior Fellow of the National Academy of Practice Dr. Padula is an Associate Professor at Salus University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA and is an Adjunct Professor at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Los Angeles, CA. He is the Founding Chairperson of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation Section. Dr. Padula has been a consultant to the National Academy of Sciences Committee of Vision.

Research has been conducted by Dr. Padula discovering Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS). Dr. Padula has also conducted research on tick (Lyme disease) borne disease and vision dysfunction. Dr. Padula also served as the National Consultant in Low Vision Services for the American Foundation for the Blind and Director of Vision Research to the Gesell Institute of Human Development. He is on staff at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT and consults with many programs for head-injured persons throughout the United States.

William V. Padula, OD, SFNAP, FAAO, FNORA

Bruce K. Patterson, MD

Bruce Patterson, MD, is the CEO of IncellDx and the Chronic Covid Treatment Center, where he is working toward a new paradigm for predicting, identifying and treating long Covid. He previously served as medical director of diagnostic virology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Bruce K. Patterson, MD

Bruce Patterson, MD, is the CEO of IncellDx and the Chronic Covid Treatment Center, where he is working toward a new paradigm for predicting, identifying and treating long Covid. He previously served as medical director of diagnostic virology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Bruce K. Patterson, MD

Chad J. Prusmack, MD, FAANS

Board Certified Neurosurgeon in Denver CO. Independent consultant Dever Broncos and US Olympic Team. Specialize in Minimally invasive spine surgery, Traumatic Brain and Sports Injury and functional medicine. I am certified in functional medicine and am a member of ILADS. I have done apprenticeships with Jill Carnahan, Dan Kinderleher and Richard Horrowitz.

I am also the Founder of a data driven functional medicine center named Resilience Code. We treat central nervous system disorders, chronic injury and invisible illness by applying the principles of functional medicine, allopathic medicine and strength and conditioning. I have had lifelong Lyme disease and have used that experience to research its role in Concussion and chronic immune impairment.

 

Chad J. Prusmack, MD, FAANS

Board Certified Neurosurgeon in Denver CO. Independent consultant Dever Broncos and US Olympic Team. Specialize in Minimally invasive spine surgery, Traumatic Brain and Sports Injury and functional medicine. I am certified in functional medicine and am a member of ILADS. I have done apprenticeships with Jill Carnahan, Dan Kinderleher and Richard Horrowitz.

I am also the Founder of a data driven functional medicine center named Resilience Code. We treat central nervous system disorders, chronic injury and invisible illness by applying the principles of functional medicine, allopathic medicine and strength and conditioning. I have had lifelong Lyme disease and have used that experience to research its role in Concussion and chronic immune impairment.

 

Chad J. Prusmack, MD, FAANS

Jayakumar Rajadas, PhD

Dr. Rajadas is the author of 238 peer reviewed publications, has developed 82 patents and discovered the therapeutic effects of Disulfiram and Azlocillin for the treatment of persistent Lyme disease. Other projects of his focus use biophysical approaches such as AFM, fluorescence and NMR to work on the molecular mechanisms of protein-initiated neurodegenerative disorders involved in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, he is also known for his development of unique and successful implantable biomaterials which are commercially available all over the world. In 1996, Dr. Rajadas won the national best scientist award (Chemistry, India) for the development of preventative and therapeutic molecules in the space of cardiovascular infarcts. By early 2000, Dr. Rajadas developed the eye lens protein alpha b crystallin as a therapeutic for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which was tested clinically as well. Dr. Rajadas has founded three high activity labs including the ADDReB Laboratory of Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford School of Medicine. He is a trained chemist with a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry.

Jayakumar Rajadas, PhD

Dr. Rajadas is the author of 238 peer reviewed publications, has developed 82 patents and discovered the therapeutic effects of Disulfiram and Azlocillin for the treatment of persistent Lyme disease. Other projects of his focus use biophysical approaches such as AFM, fluorescence and NMR to work on the molecular mechanisms of protein-initiated neurodegenerative disorders involved in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, he is also known for his development of unique and successful implantable biomaterials which are commercially available all over the world. In 1996, Dr. Rajadas won the national best scientist award (Chemistry, India) for the development of preventative and therapeutic molecules in the space of cardiovascular infarcts. By early 2000, Dr. Rajadas developed the eye lens protein alpha b crystallin as a therapeutic for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which was tested clinically as well. Dr. Rajadas has founded three high activity labs including the ADDReB Laboratory of Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford School of Medicine. He is a trained chemist with a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry.

Jayakumar Rajadas, PhD

Leo J. Shea, III. PhD

Leo J. Shea III, PhD, is President of Neuropsychological Evaluation and Treatment Services, P.C. with offices in New York City and Quincy, Massachusetts. His practice focuses on neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of tick-borne diseases, disability evaluations, forensic work, family therapy and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Shea is a Senior Staff Psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU-Langone and formerly was Assistant Director of the NYU Brain Injury Day Treatment Program. Dr. Shea was twice President of ILADS and a member of the board of ILADEF. He is former Chairman of the National Research Fund for tick-borne diseases.

Leo J. Shea, III. PhD

Leo J. Shea III, PhD, is President of Neuropsychological Evaluation and Treatment Services, P.C. with offices in New York City and Quincy, Massachusetts. His practice focuses on neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of tick-borne diseases, disability evaluations, forensic work, family therapy and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Shea is a Senior Staff Psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU-Langone and formerly was Assistant Director of the NYU Brain Injury Day Treatment Program. Dr. Shea was twice President of ILADS and a member of the board of ILADEF. He is former Chairman of the National Research Fund for tick-borne diseases.

Leo J. Shea, III. PhD

Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA

Craig Shimasaki is President and CEO of Moleculera labs, a neuroimmunology precision medicine company focused on identifying underlying roots of neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders triggered by an autoimmune response. He is a medical research scientist with over 35 years of translational development experience in biochemical interactions, molecular biology, viral pathogenesis and infection-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Shimasaki has worked at all stages of research and development from bench to bedside. His research included epitope mapping of HIV proteins, genetic based risk predictors of breast cancer, influenza and RSV diagnostics and therapeutics and pathogenesis of infection triggered neuropsychiatric disorders. As a businessperson, he co-founded multiple companies and led multiple products through the FDA approval process and is a co-inventor on multiple patents.

Dr. Shimasaki started his career at Genentech. He received his BS in Biochemistry from University of California at Davis, his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Tulsa, and his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business. He an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma where he teaches biotechnology entrepreneurship. His passion is to help translate scientific and medical discoveries into acutely needed products so that more patients can live healthier lives.

Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA

Craig Shimasaki is President and CEO of Moleculera labs, a neuroimmunology precision medicine company focused on identifying underlying roots of neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders triggered by an autoimmune response. He is a medical research scientist with over 35 years of translational development experience in biochemical interactions, molecular biology, viral pathogenesis and infection-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Shimasaki has worked at all stages of research and development from bench to bedside. His research included epitope mapping of HIV proteins, genetic based risk predictors of breast cancer, influenza and RSV diagnostics and therapeutics and pathogenesis of infection triggered neuropsychiatric disorders. As a businessperson, he co-founded multiple companies and led multiple products through the FDA approval process and is a co-inventor on multiple patents.

Dr. Shimasaki started his career at Genentech. He received his BS in Biochemistry from University of California at Davis, his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Tulsa, and his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business. He an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma where he teaches biotechnology entrepreneurship. His passion is to help translate scientific and medical discoveries into acutely needed products so that more patients can live healthier lives.

Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA

Samuel M. Shor, MD, FACP

Dr. Shor is an Associate Clinical Professor at George Washington University Health Care Sciences. Dr. Shor developed his long-standing interest in chronic fatigue in the late 1980s. He subsequently cultivated an interest in managing associated conditions that ultimately led to his developing an expertise in Lyme disease. Dr. Shor served as President of ILADS from 2016 to 2018. He continues to serve the public as Chair of the Loudoun County Lyme Commission, while actively pursuing clinical activity in the management of complex patients. He also oversees research and contributes to publishing in the peer reviewed literature.

Samuel M. Shor, MD, FACP

Samuel M. Shor, MD, FACP

Dr. Shor is an Associate Clinical Professor at George Washington University Health Care Sciences. Dr. Shor developed his long-standing interest in chronic fatigue in the late 1980s. He subsequently cultivated an interest in managing associated conditions that ultimately led to his developing an expertise in Lyme disease. Dr. Shor served as President of ILADS from 2016 to 2018. He continues to serve the public as Chair of the Loudoun County Lyme Commission, while actively pursuing clinical activity in the management of complex patients. He also oversees research and contributes to publishing in the peer reviewed literature.

Samuel M. Shor, MD, FACP

Kayla M. Socarras, MS

Kayla Socarras is a PhD candidate in Dr. Garth Ehrlich’s lab in the Drexel University’s Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Prior to arriving at Drexel, Kayla received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Joseph’s in Biological sciences. Afterward, she received her master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of New Haven. During her master’s, Kayla participated in several ongoing studies on the pathogenesis of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of the increasingly prevalent disease known as Lyme borreliosis. For her master’s thesis, Kayla tested several antimicrobials for their efficiency and efficacy as a therapeutic treatment against Borrelia burgdorferi. After completing her master's thesis, Kayla also did a post-graduate research fellowship at the University of New Haven. During her fellowship, she studied the pathogenesis of Borrelia spp in causing Borrelial lymphocytoma, a cutaneous manifestation of Lyme borreliosis.

Currently, at Drexel University College of Medicine, Kayla is continuing her research within the Center for Advanced Microbial Processing and is working on several projects including characterizing the complex dynamics of tick-borne disease microbes within the tick microbiome and constructing a two-tiered diagnostic for Lyme borreliosis.

Kayla M. Socarras, MS

Kayla Socarras is a PhD candidate in Dr. Garth Ehrlich’s lab in the Drexel University’s Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Prior to arriving at Drexel, Kayla received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Joseph’s in Biological sciences. Afterward, she received her master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of New Haven. During her master’s, Kayla participated in several ongoing studies on the pathogenesis of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of the increasingly prevalent disease known as Lyme borreliosis. For her master’s thesis, Kayla tested several antimicrobials for their efficiency and efficacy as a therapeutic treatment against Borrelia burgdorferi. After completing her master's thesis, Kayla also did a post-graduate research fellowship at the University of New Haven. During her fellowship, she studied the pathogenesis of Borrelia spp in causing Borrelial lymphocytoma, a cutaneous manifestation of Lyme borreliosis.

Currently, at Drexel University College of Medicine, Kayla is continuing her research within the Center for Advanced Microbial Processing and is working on several projects including characterizing the complex dynamics of tick-borne disease microbes within the tick microbiome and constructing a two-tiered diagnostic for Lyme borreliosis.

Kayla M. Socarras, MS

Theoharis C. Theoharides, MD

Dr. Theoharides is Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, as well as Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, in the Department of Immunology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. He received all his degrees (BA, cum laude, MS, MPhil, PhD, MD) from Yale University, and was awarded the Dean’s Research Award and the Winternitz Price in Pathology. He trained in internal medicine at New England Medical Center, which awarded him the Oliver Smith Award “recognizing excellence, compassion and service.” He also received a Certificate in Global Leadership from the Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and the Rare Diseases Hall of Fame. He has received the Tufts Excellence in Teaching ten times, the Tufts Distinguished Faculty Recognition Award twice, the Tufts Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence, Boston Mayor’s Community Award, and the Dr. George Papanicolau Award. He was the 2018 Marquis Who is Who Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Humanitarian Award. He has published over 420 papers with 32,456 citations. He has been placed in the top 5% of authors most cited in pharmacological and immunological journals.

Photo of Theoharis C. Theoharides

Theoharis C. Theoharides, MD

Dr. Theoharides is Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, as well as Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, in the Department of Immunology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. He received all his degrees (BA, cum laude, MS, MPhil, PhD, MD) from Yale University, and was awarded the Dean’s Research Award and the Winternitz Price in Pathology. He trained in internal medicine at New England Medical Center, which awarded him the Oliver Smith Award “recognizing excellence, compassion and service.” He also received a Certificate in Global Leadership from the Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and the Rare Diseases Hall of Fame. He has received the Tufts Excellence in Teaching ten times, the Tufts Distinguished Faculty Recognition Award twice, the Tufts Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence, Boston Mayor’s Community Award, and the Dr. George Papanicolau Award. He was the 2018 Marquis Who is Who Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Humanitarian Award. He has published over 420 papers with 32,456 citations. He has been placed in the top 5% of authors most cited in pharmacological and immunological journals.

Theoharis C. Theoharides, MD

Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals

The Vector-Borne Illness (VBI) Fundamentals course is a one-day track for medical professionals new to VBI diagnosis and treatment and for those veterans who want to brush up on their basics.

The VBI Fundamentals course is designed to educate medical professionals on the basics of diagnosing and treating Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The course provides specific step-by-step guidance using lectures, real-world case presentations and interactive discussions. Upon successful completion of the Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals course and associated quiz, attendees become eligible to participate in the ILADEF Physician Training Program.

In the Physician Training Program, participants shadow a seasoned ILADEF-designated expert in her/his office (or virtually) for one to two weeks, during which time the clinician observes firsthand how doctors come up with their diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, clinicians observe how to handle follow-up appointments and all their complexities.

There are a number of grants available to reimburse first-time attending professionals for the VBI Fundamentals registration fee. Click here for grant information or email accounting@ILADS.org to see if you qualify.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit

The AAFP has reviewed Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals (2022) and deemed it acceptable for up to 7.25 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 09/22/2022 to 09/22/2022. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Click here to view the full program announcement.

AMA/AAFP Equivalency
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals

TimeSession Topic/TitleSpeaker
8:00 AMIntroduction to Vector-Borne Illness FundamentalsSamuel M. Shor, MD
PathophysiologySamuel M. Shor, MD
9:30 AMBreak
9:45 AMIntroduction to Co-InfectionsAmy Offutt, MD
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic BabesiosisHenry H. Lindner, MD
BartonellaTania Dempsey, MD
RickettsiaAmy Offutt, MD
Mycoplasma/ChlamydiaAmy Offutt, MD
Tick-borne Relapsing FeverAmy Offutt, MD
Viral InfectionAmy Offutt, MD
11:45 PMLunch
12:45 PMPresentation, Assessment and Psychiatric Manifestations of Tick-borne DiseaseRobert C. Bransfield, MD
Pediatric LymeRobert C. Bransfield, MD
2:00 PMBreak
2:20 PMDiagnostic ToolsEboni N. Cornish, MD
2:50 PMLyme and Persistent LymeEboni N. Cornish, MD
3:50 PMBreak
4:00 PMCases and QuestionsRobert C. Bransfield, MD; Samuel M. Shor, MD

Abstract Submissions

ILADS invites qualified speakers and poster presenters to submit abstracts for consideration. Submissions undergo a rigorous review by a panel of ILADS members and the selection process is based on educational merit and topic CME approval. Abstracts should align with ILADS’ goal to provide participants with practical skills, clinical pearls and/or tools that they can implement into practice. Please review this document on "How to Write a Structured Abstract" when drafting your abstract submission.

If you are interested in submitting an abstract to speak or present a poster at the conference, please complete the abstract submission form.

Click here for abstract submission form.

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