Looking at Lyme

In this episode, we talk with Nicole Bell, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and author of the memoir What Lurks in the Woods. Nicole is an experienced executive in the medical device and diagnostics industry, and holds Master’s degrees in materials science and biomedical engineering. She has exceptional experience in commercializing innovative technologies, building research and development programs, and driving products through to FDA approval.

Nicole’s best-selling and award-winning memoir, What Lurks in the Woods, vividly details her family’s experience with undiagnosed tick-borne infection. This firsthand knowledge of the devastating impact of misdiagnosed chronic illness fuels her passion to drive a new diagnostic standard of care for the industry. After losing her husband to tick-borne illness, Nicole set out to use her engineering skills and experience to ensure that no family would have to go through something similar.
Shownotes
Galaxy Diagnostics
Center for Lyme Action: State of the research
What Lurks in the Woods

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Richard Rusk, a public health leader specializing in health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of complex chronic conditions. 

Trained as a veterinarian and physician with advanced credentials in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Rusk operates at the intersection of epidemiology and frontline implementation across Manitoba Canada.

Previously serving as Provincial Chief Occupational Medical Officer and the Medical Officer of Health with Manitoba Health CDC Lead, Dr. Rusk now serves as Medical Director of Rusk Medical Solutions. 

Dr. Rusk’s recent peer reviewed publication on the incidence of clinician-diagnosed Lyme disease in Manitoba investigates the gap between reported and real cases of Lyme. 
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0088
www.lookingatlyme.ca
www.canlyme.com

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Michael Howlett, a veterinarian based out of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. When Dr. Mike returned to Nova Scotia to practice veterinary medicine, he did not expect to see so much Lyme disease; however, his location on the South Shore proved to be a hot spot for Lyme. Dr. Mike has become very passionate about increasing awareness and prevention of Lyme disease during his time as a veterinarian. 
We are very interested in what goes on for non-human animals and how this might affect the human experience.

In this episode, we speak with Blake Corbin. Blake grew up in the Ottawa Valley and became an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He’s been very involved with local fish and game clubs and other organizations that mostly focus on youth initiatives, wildlife and habitat restoration. Blake volunteers his time to educate fellow outdoors enthusiasts about avoiding ticks and how best to prevent getting bitten.
CanLyme Flyer (PDF)
Geneticks tick testing
Educators' Resource
Tick removal kits
Bulk pricing for tick removal kits

Dr. Tim Cook is an Internal Medicine Specialist who has spent decades helping patients with complex illnesses. He worked abroad with the Canadian Armed Forces and he has been the physician for multiple officials at Rideau Hall. 
In today’s episode, we hear how medicine is evolving to handle Lyme Disease, and learn more about an upcoming conference for medical professionals all about tick-borne diseases.
Resources
Horowitz questionnaire (PDF)
Geneticks tick testing
Practitioner’s conference (tell your family practitioner!)
CTD Conference poster (PDF) to share with your health practitioner