Episode 388: Irish Lyme Insights - an interview with Doctor John Lambert

• 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.