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Drs. Smith and Powers to discuss integrative medical treatment for Lyme disease as part of Lyme symposium

Drs. Smith and Powers to discuss integrative medical treatment for Lyme disease as part of Lyme symposium

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Drs. Harold Smith, M.D., and Francis Powers, M.D., will visit the Lycoming College Campus to discuss integrative medical treatment for Lyme disease. This discussion, part of Lycoming College’s Lyme Symposium, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in Heim, Room G-11. The event is free and open to the public.

“Early diagnosis and proper treatment offer the best long-term prognosis once a person is infected with organisms causing Lyme disease,” explained Michelle Briggs, Ph.D., associate professor of biology. “If left untreated, the infective organisms can spread throughout the body, leading to problems in the heart, joints, and nervous system. However, even at more advanced stages, the symptoms of Lyme disease can be managed and treated with integrative medical methods. Drs. Smith and Powers will discuss the various treatment options available, including conventional, herbal, and nutritional supplements.”

Smith has 15 years of office medical practice in treating tick born infections in Pennsylvania. He is a member of the governor’s Pennsylvania Task Force on Lyme Disease, and gave testimony before a congressional committee on Lyme disease in 2013. He is a founding partner and is on the board of directors for the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.

Smith received his degree in medicine from Duke University. He gained surgical training at the Boston City Hospital, studied pathology at the University of Vermont, and completed a residency in emergency medicine. He is board certified in emergency medication, and has board certifications in rejuvenation and anti-ageing medicine.

Powers has worked in radiation oncology for the Susquehanna Health System for nearly 40 years. He also practiced complementary and alternative medicine in a private office one day a week for almost 25 years. He performed volunteer work with Autism patients for several years, and his practice included IV chelation, IV Vitamin C and nutritional therapies. Presently, he is working part time in the Radiation Oncology Department at UPMC Susquehanna.

Having contracted Lyme disease himself, Powers is often quoted as having had to become an “instant expert” in the disease since few knew much about it at the time.

Powers received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Trinity College, and a degree in medicine from the University of Rochester Medical School. He completed a residency in radiation oncology through the University of Rochester, and is board certified in radiation oncology. Powers was active duty in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Wilford Hall USAF teaching hospital in San Antonio before relocating to Williamsport to work for the Susquehanna Health System.

Smith and Powers will provide the third of four presentations slated for the College’s Lyme Symposium. Upcoming speaker Dr. Brian Schwartz, M.D., M.S., will talk about “Lyme Disease: Epidemiologic & Clinical Overview; and Our Research.” Previous speakers included Thomas Mather, Ph.D., of the Vector-Borne Disease &Tick Encounter Resource Center, and Dr. Steven Winton, V.M.D. of The Animal Hospital on the Golden Strip. More information on Lycoming College’s Lyme Symposium is available at http://www.lycoming.edu/biology/lyme-symposium.aspx.

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