How is it possible for the IDSA to have a public guidelines review on Lyme Disease hearing date set for April 27th when it hasn’t notified speakers that they will be speaking at the hearing? When it hasn’t even selected speakers? When it hasn’t even posted applications for speakers on its website? When it hasn’t reserved a room for the event? You’d think this group had never held a conference before—but wait— it holds annual conferences! So this organization KNOWS how to prepare for and hold a big event that will have a number of speakers; it knows how to reserve a room; and even how to select speakers and give them time to prepare. In fact, it has already worked out all of these details for its own annual meeting in October, which is more than 6 months away. They have a list of speakers, the assigned topics and reserved facilities— the whole nine yards.

A public guidelines review is not so different from an annual conference – or is it?

Maybe it’s a matter of intent… whether you intend to put together a well run successful event or simply go through the motions to rubberstamp guidelines you never intended to review in good faith.  Not giving the other side enough time to prepare is a hardball tactic designed to ensure a competitive advantage at the expense of truth and transparency.  Speakers are not given enough time to set aside the date, make travel arrangements, let alone prepare. 

A process that has the potential to heal and to reduce or eliminate the suffering of patients is hijacked to protect the IDSA’s professional turf, preserve its medical tyranny and silence the sick.

Imagine what would happen if the IDSA instead made a commitment to relieving suffering, healing the sick, and preventing illness when possible, rather than patenting tests and playing patsy to the insurance industry. The image of a doctor without compassion is the image of a nightmare.   Imagine if the IDSA took a stand for health and transparency.  Imagine if the IDSA stopped being the enemy of those who most need its help.  Imagine.