ILADS Bernard Raxlen: Disciplined Multiple Times

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New York-based doctor Bernard Raxlen, MD is a founding member and former board member of the pseudoscience group ILADS. Raxlen has been the subject of disciplinary actions by the medical boards of New York and Connecticut.

Science-Based Medicine has a good summary of the appalling history of Bernard Raxlen.

See also New York Magazine’s interview with Bernard Raxlen.

Raxlen is a coauthor of the 2004 ILADS guidelines, which were condemned by the Healthcare Protection Agency (HPA) of the UK. The HPA’s review concluded:

  • The ILADS guidelines are not evidence-based and are poorly constructed.
  • Application of the ILADS guidelines’ poorly defined case definitions will result in a very high risk of misdiagnosis.
  • Use of ILADS guidelines’ vague treatment recommendations, including prolonged use of antibiotics, has potentially serious consequences.
  • Patients misdiagnosed with Lyme disease risk losing opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of other conditions. They also risk serious physical, psychological social and financial adverse events.

Resources

Chicago Tribune: Chronic Lyme disease: A dubious diagnosis

Science-Based Medicine: Another “Chronic Lyme” VIP disciplined by NY medical authorities: Bernard Raxlen

New York Magazine: What happens when Lyme disease becomes an identity?

Connecticut Department of Public Health: Bernard Raxlen Discipline, 2002

New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct: Bernard Raxlen Discipline, 2002

Connecticut Department of Public Health: Bernard Raxlen Statement of Charges, 2004

Connecticut Department of Public Health: Bernard Raxlen Discipline, 2005

New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct: Bernard Raxlen Discipline, 2006

New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct: Bernard Raxlen Discipline, 2017