Episode 388: Irish Lyme Insights - an interview with Doctor John Lambert
10 months ago
• Background of Dr. John Lambert:
- Dr. John Lambert was born in Scotland, parents immigrated to America, thus obtaining an American education.
- Returned to the UK in 1999 before settling in Dublin, Ireland shortly after.
- Working as an infectious disease and Lyme specialist for 18 years.
• Education & Professional Journey:
- College in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- Attended University of Sterling in Scotland.
- Expressed the challenges of transitioning between countries.
- Always had an inclination towards medical school, initially interested in tropical medicine.
- Work experience in Haiti at a Mission Hospital.
• Infectious Disease Conferences & Updates:
- Attended a recent Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) conference in Boston.
- Updates on Lyme, coronavirus, HIV/AIDS, tropical medicine, and vaccine developments.
• Intricacies of Infectious Diseases:
- The dual excitement of diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, like Lyme disease.
- The significance of monitoring patients.
- Emphasis on evidence-based treatments and results.
• Publications and Expertise:
- Dr. Lambert's 25+ publications.
- The importance of verifying experts through PubMed searches.
- The challenges of diagnostics in the Lyme community.
• Defining Lyme Disease:
- Tick Boot Camp provides Tick Boot Camp's definition of Lyme disease.
- Dr. Lambert's perspective on the definition and the polymicrobial nature of Lyme.
• Treatment Guidelines and Controversies:
- Irish guidelines on Lyme treatment.
- The debate on chronic Lyme and the skepticism surrounding it.
• Immune System Implications:
- Lyme disease's dual impact on the immune system: immune suppression and potential autoimmune reactions.
- Discussion on the potential similarities and differences between Lyme disease and other conditions like long COVID.
• Diagnostic Tools and Collaborations:
- Collaboration with Dr. Samiy from the University of North Carolina State.
- Newer diagnostic tools and their significance.
• Treatment Modalities and Approaches:
- The utilization of LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine).
- The importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome.
- Dr. Lambert's collaborative approach, working alongside herbalists.
• Final Thoughts:
- Emphasizing the bacterial nature of Lyme disease.
- The importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.