New York and Connecticut are abuzz with news that Dr. Burrascano, who
has been one of the more aggressive Lyme specialists on Long Island, and
others are being investigated by the New York State Office of Professional
Medical Conduct (OPMC) for over-treatment of Lyme disease.
Following is Dr Burrascano's appeal for help which better explains the
background. This writer is not sure as to the medical merits of either
position, but would like call all readers to action to start and fund more
research on Lyme disease.
Quote
I am approaching a critical time in my battle with the New York State
Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC).
They have notified me that they intend to fully prosecute me in a formal
administrative hearing. Statistically, based on past experiences, there is
a 98% chance that I will have my license to practice medicine revoked,
suspended, or restricted (i.e.: cannot treat Lyme patients), and face a
possible fine. This will be scheduled within the next few weeks.
Obviously, the goal is to halt this process
NOW, before a formal hearing commences. Not only is such a hearing
potentially damaging, the defense can cost upward of $100,000.00, and is
not covered by insurance!
In addition, I just received a copy of a letter sent from the
OPMC to Senator Moynihan stating that, in so many words, the feelings
of my supporters and their letters are being ignored by OPMC, because OPMC
follows the Lyme guidelines of the ALDF (Steere et al) and the
recommendations of the Medical Letter (Lyme recommendations written by Dr.
Steere). In other words, the reality and truth of Lyme, supported by
valid, peer reviewed
publications and our experience with thousands of patients counts for
nothing. OPMC is blindly listening to the ALDF physicians and NOT
critically reviewing their recommendations, which DO NOT stand up to
scientific scrutiny.
What can we do now? Now we have to fight even harder! We need to have our
message VERY STRONGLY conveyed directly to New York
Governor Pataki. He must immediately halt all actions against all Lyme
MDs and initiate an independent investigation of
OPMC and whom they are relying upon for their misinformation about
Lyme.
Another very important thing all of us must do, patients and doctors
alike, is to join the organization known as FAIM, the Foundation for the
Advancement of Innovative Medicine. They are a powerful and successful
advocacy and lobbying group, and because they support my views, and know
that there is power in numbers, they welcome the Lyme community to their
organization.
I am formally requesting that all my supporters join FAIM. Look them up at
http://www.FAIM.org or
call them toll free at 1-877-634-3246.
We also must get as much
media
attention as possible, not only for us to tell our story, but also
directed toward
Governor Pataki so he will feel additional pressure to act.
If my ability to treat Lyme Patients is restricted or if I am fined for
what I do, this will have a very large negative effect on the current and
future health of not only my own patients, but by ripple effect, it will
affect all Lyme patients worldwide.
Call and e-mail all your friends, family and other contacts as soon as
possible and spread this message. We need a gigantic call to action now!
Thanks to all my friends!
J.J. Burrascano Jr. M.D. January 8, 2000.
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