VBI Fundamentals Curriculum

These courses provides an overview of vector-borne illnesses, introducing the foundational concepts necessary to understand infections transmitted by ticks and other vectors. It reviews common pathogens, patterns of transmission, clinical presentations, and the complexities surrounding diagnosis and treatment. The presentation also highlights the evolving landscape of vector-borne disease recognition, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness, early identification, and comprehensive management approaches in patient care.

Introduction to Vector-Borne Illness Fundamentals and Pathophysiology of Lyme/Persistent Chronic Lyme

These courses provides an overview of vector-borne illnesses, introducing the foundational concepts necessary to understand infections transmitted by ticks and other vectors. It reviews common pathogens, patterns of transmission, clinical presentations, and the complexities surrounding diagnosis and treatment. The presentation also highlights the evolving landscape of vector-borne disease recognition, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness, early identification, and comprehensive management approaches in patient care.

Bartonella, Babesia and Alpha-gal

This course provides an introduction to common tick-borne co-infections, with a focus on Bartonella, Babesia and Alpha gal. It reviews the mechanisms of transmission, hallmark clinical features, and the ways co-infections can complicate diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the importance of recognizing overlapping symptoms, understanding the impact of multiple concurrent infections, and applying a comprehensive approach to evaluation and management.

This course explores tick-borne relapsing fever and rickettsial infections, outlining the pathogens involved, mechanisms of transmission, and key clinical features. It reviews characteristic symptom patterns, diagnostic challenges, and the limitations of standard laboratory testing. The video emphasizes the importance of clinical recognition, timely treatment, and an informed approach to managing these potentially overlooked but significant vector-borne illnesses.

This course examines the assessment of vector-borne illnesses with a focus on their psychiatric and neuropsychiatric manifestations. It discusses how infections may contribute to symptoms such as mood disturbances, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral changes, and more complex psychiatric presentations. The video emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, the interplay between infection and mental health, and the importance of recognizing underlying medical contributors when addressing psychiatric symptoms.

This course focuses on the recognition, diagnosis, and management of tick-borne diseases in children. It addresses common symptoms, challenges in testing, and the importance of early identification and individualized care in pediatric patients.

Diagnostic Tools

The final course module features experienced clinicians sharing case studies and best practices in the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with late-stage, complex or multiple tick-borne illnesses

VBI Fundamentals Quiz Information

Upon completion of the workshop, attendees will be invited to complete the post-course quiz. A minimum passing score of 80% is required to successfully complete the course, and be eligible to participating in the Physician Training Program.