International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Announces Physician Training Program

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PST

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The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society officially launched a physicians training program with the goal of decreasing incidence of chronic Lyme disease. The training program intends to train more than one hundred physicians over the next five years. The program has been underwritten by a grant from New- York-based Turn the Corner Foundation, an organization dedicated to the support of research, education, awareness and innovative treatments for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. "With more than an estimated 200,000 of cases annually, Lyme disease has become the leading epidemic of our time," said Dr. Daniel Cameron, ILADS board president and internal medicine physician. "We need more physician-scientists who will be the future leaders in the treatment of Lyme and associated diseases."

Increasing the number of physicians educated on the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease is a key goal in the fight against chronic Lyme disease because advanced cases of Lyme are often the result of misdiagnosis or under treatment soon after a tick bite. Recently discredited treatment guidelines authored by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) reflect a narrow view of Lyme disease, making it difficult for physicians not well versed on the complexities of the disease to recognize symptoms and provide adequate treatment. There are no accurate diagnostic medical tests for Lyme disease.

The ILADS/TTC Physician Training Program represents the second phase of ILADS campaign to prevent chronic Lyme disease. The campaign, launched this summer with the release of Top Ten Tips for Preventing Chronic Lyme Disease, intends to raise awareness of the risks associated with the disease, provide prevention guidance to consumers and training for medical personnel.

Evidence-based Medical Training

ILADS Physicians Training Program is designed to enhance clinical expertise for physicians with established medical practices.

Curriculum is based on ILADS' evidence-based treatment guidelines and focuses on the importance of hands-on experience complemented by thorough review of quality, peer-reviewed literature. During the one-two week program, participants partner with a designated ILADS Lyme literate physician and participate in the diagnosis and care of a variety of challenging early and chronic cases.

A pilot version of the program was launched in 2004. To-date, approximately 100 physicians representing a variety of geographies in the United States have successfully completed the program.

"Effective treatment of Lyme disease requires a comprehensive approach to patient health care," said Maureen McShane M.D, a family practitioner in Chazy, New York. "ILADS' physician training program was invaluable for teaching me how to better assess, diagnose and treat Lyme disease and possible co-infections."

Large Crowd Expected at 2008 Conference

ILADS 2008 ninth annual conference is scheduled for October 18 and 19 at the Cathedral Hill Hotel in San Francisco. Several hundred medical professionals representing a myriad of specialty areas are expected to attend. Entomologist Willie Burgdorfer, who is credited with discovering the bacteria pathogen that causes Lyme disease will be keynoting the conference. The conference is intended to foster dialogue and collaboration among researchers and medical professionals who work with Lyme disease patients in various settings. The program will focus on providing updates in clinical understanding and treatment techniques. Attendees eligible for continued medical education (CME) credit can earn 9.5 credits.

Conference registration information is available at http://www.ilads.org

About ILADS

ILADS is a nonprofit, international, multidisciplinary medical society, dedicated to the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Lyme and its associated diseases. ILADS promotes understanding of tick-borne diseases through research and education and strongly supports physicians and other health care professionals dedicated to advancing the standard of care for Lyme and its associated diseases.

About Turn the Corner Foundation

Turn the Corner Foundation is a not-forprofit public charity founded in 2002 by Staci and Rich Grodin, with headquarters in New York City. Turn the Corner is a leading national fundraising organization for research projects that focus on innovative treatment and diagnostic options for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Through partnerships with other organizations, Turn the Corner is also involved with outreach, education and awareness efforts throughout the country.

Turn the Corner Foundation