DR. JONES' HEARING SYNOPSIS
(DAY TWO)
May 25, 2006
from Sandy Berenbaum
Dr. Jones' hearing continued on May 25th. About 45 people were in
attendance. All were respectful, and behaved appropriately.
Attorney Pollack, representing Dr. Jones, completed the cross examination
of the doctor sworn is as the "expert witness" in pediatrics for the
health department. The pediatrician continued his arbitrary support of
the health department's position, including its position that it was wrong
for Dr. Jones to suggest homebound instruction for a child who, attorney
Pollack pointed out, was threatened with expulsion at school for
behavioral issues. Cross examination of the pediatrician ended. (There
is no evidence that the school had problems with Dr. Jones' advocacy on
behalf of the child. In fact, the school appeared to be pleased with Dr.
Jones' recommendation.)
Eugene Shapiro, MD, was sworn in as the health department's "expert
witness" on Lyme disease. Attorney Pollack strongly objected to any Lyme
disease expert witness being accepted since the health dept. attorney
indicated in his opening statement on the first day of the hearing that
the thrust of the charges against Dr. Jones was not the question
of
standard of care regarding Lyme disease. Attorney Pollack.s position was
that this opening statement therefore modified the "statement of charges",
and it was therefore wrong to have an expert witness on Lyme disease.
The medical board committee dismissed this objection, and Dr. Shapiro was
sworn in as the health department's "expert witness" regarding Lyme
disease.
It was noted that Dr. Shapiro was on the committee that drew up the
Infectious Disease Society of America's Lyme disease guidelines. The
prosecuting attorney questioned Shapiro on the incidence of Lyme in
Nevada, and in Oklahoma, where the family had traveled. Among the
documentation he submitted was a map from 1996. To discuss indications of
Lyme in those two states, CDC reporting was cited as evidence.
- Among the allegations Dr. Shapiro made were the following:
-
* In order to transmit Lyme disease, an infected tick must be
attached for at least 48 hours.
* There are "no credible documented cases of Lyme disease transmitted through gestational exposure."
* Lyme disease contracted through breast milk: "This has never been documented."
* Re blood testing - there is "no such thing as a [Lyme] specific band."
Family Connections Center for Counseling
Brewster, New York ***
Next Day...