Hear from the experts and learn about Naegleria fowleri and Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Shiela L. Black, MHM, BSMT (ASCP)
This is video #2 of a series of 14 videos, called Q & A With The Experts, recorded at the September, 2019 Amoeba Summit. Mr. Jack Tracy asks Ms. Black to share information that LAB personnel need to know about detecting the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
Sara Kirby, MD
Assistant Medical Director for Pediatric Emergency Services
Florida Hospital For Children
Dr. Dennis Kyle, PhD, FASTMH, FAAAS
In the 5th Q & A With The Experts video, Mr. Jack Tracy interviews Dr. Dennis Kyle, University of Georgia, with a few questions about research on drugs to treat for Naegleria fowleri. Dr. Kyle has presented at the Amoeba Summit several times and in 2019 led the Day-2 Event with other researchers from around the US!
Dr. Cecil B, Wilson, MD, MACP
In this 6th Q&A Video Dr. Wilson, the Keynote Speaker for the Summit, speaks with Mr. Jack Tracy. Dr. Wilson is a former President of the American Medical Association and also a former President of the World Medical Association. Dr. Wilson discusses the complexity of both organizations.
Dr. Melissa Jamerson, PhD, MLS (ASCP)
Dr. Jamerson discusses the research on Naegleria fowleri that she and Dr. Francine Marciano Cabral have been conducting over the past 18 months. They have been looking at the high and low temperature that Naegleria fowleri can function at, what water level of salinity that Naegleria fowleri can survive in and whether or not the Cyst stage is infectious. This research is being conducted using funds donated by the Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness.
Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, MD, MMM
Dr. Wadhawan is the CEO of AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women and has worked with the Jordan Smelski Foundation to change how PAM cases are diagnosed, identified and treated. Dr, Wadhawan was very supportive in the creation of the very first PAM Summit and helped fund the events.
Dr. Jennifer R. Cope, MD, MPH
Dr. Jennifer Cope from the CDC sits with Mr. Jack Tracy and talks about why Emergency Department physicians should be considering and looking for Nargleria fowleri cases year round. Dr. Cope also discusses the confirmation of PAM cases in the northern states. And finally Dr. Cope answers a question on the research of an early detection test at the CDC, 57% funded by The Jordan Smelski Foundation For Amoeba Awareness.
Dr. Sandra G. Gompf, MD
Dr. Sandy Gompf sits with Mr. Jack Tracy and tells us why it is important for Emergency Room Physicians to contact the CDC if they have a possible PAM case. Dr. Gompf is very familiar with identification and treatment of PAM cases. Dr. Gompf lost, her oldest son, Phillip to Naegleria fowerli and PAM in 2009.
Dr. Timothy Gompf, MD
Dr. Timothy Gompf sits with Mr. Jack Tracy and discusses the most important things a doctor has to consider when a patient presents at an ED with signs and symptoms of encephalitis, to rule out PAM. The most important thing is to consider PAM, FIRST. The question “has there been fresh water exposure up the nose” has to be answered by the family. The hospital systems need to prompt the physicians about fresh water exposure. Dr. Gompf lost his 10-year old son Phillip in 2009.