Upcoming Events
SPEAKERS: Dr. Aylin Ozdemir, Kunal Garg, Professor Leona Gilbert
TITLE: Lyme, Co-Infections, and the Brain: Clinical Strategies for Neuropsychiatric and Neurological Recovery
DATE: Tuesday 24th February
TIME: 6:00PM GMT | 7:00PM CET | 1:00PM EST
DESCRIPTION:
Join Dr. Aylin Ozdemir for an expert-led exploration of the neurological and neuropsychiatric complexities of Lyme disease and associated co-infections, based on a recently published peer-reviewed research paper (June 2025).
This webinar examines why Lyme disease is frequently misdiagnosed in patients presenting with cognitive, behavioural, and neurological symptoms, and how expanded diagnostic approaches can reveal underlying immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation when standard testing falls short.
Drawing from real-world clinical cases, attendees will learn about integrative therapeutic approaches to support neurological and neuropsychiatric recovery, including antimicrobial strategies, immune modulation, neuroprotective and mitochondrial support, and long-term maintenance protocols to reduce relapse.
Dr. Kunal Garg will provide a brief overview of the application of CARE Guidelines, highlighting the importance of rigorous case documentation and high-quality publishing in advancing evidence-informed Lyme disease care.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Dr. Aylin Ozdemir is a respected leader in paediatrics and integrative and functional medicine, widely recognised for pioneering evidence-based approaches to advanced medical care.
Since 2001, Dr. Ozdemir has served as the owner and medical director of Paediatric Associates of Jacksonville, a legacy paediatric practice originally founded in 1932, which she continues to guide with vision, innovation, and clinical excellence.
Dr. Ozdemir completed her medical degree at the University of Istanbul and pursued postgraduate training at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children in the UK. She then undertook her paediatric residency at both the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania) and Long Island College Hospital (SUNY).
Her dedication to integrative medicine led her to complete the prestigious Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona under the direction of Dr. Andrew Weil from 2010-2012. She further advanced her knowledge with specialised training in Integrative and Holistic Medicine at Scripps Centre for Integrative Medicine and in Nutrigenomics at Bastyr University.
Dr. Ozdemir’s expertise in understanding and implementing numerous paradigms such as how the environment, genes and nutrition play a role in the whole patient systems approach allows her to practice a distinctive and extremely effective style of treatment and care. In her approach, she uses multiple conventional and integrative medicine disciplines that allow her a choice when customising a patient’s care plan.
Kunal Garg is a biotechnology and nanoscience expert specialising in diagnostic solutions for infectious and chronic diseases. He is the co-founder, CTO, and shareholder of Tezted Ltd, a Finland-based in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) manufacturing company.
Kunal leads the development of innovative ELISA-based multiplex tests, including those for tick-borne diseases, viral reactivation, autoimmunity, and mycotoxins.
His work focuses on expanding diagnostic accessibility, particularly in emerging markets like India and Mexico, where he is establishing distribution networks and clinical laboratories.
With a strong entrepreneurial drive, Kunal actively engages in product development, regulatory compliance, and market expansion while continuously building his expertise in business, finance, and economics.
Professor Leona Gilbert is a Docent / Adjunct Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology and the CEO of Tezted Oy. She has over 20 years’ experience in research-driven initiatives that provided valuable tools for patients.
She has a doctorate in biotechnology and very long experience in bio-innovation and bio-business. She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc and BSc students and published various peer-reviewed articles. Prof. Gilbert’s research initiatives into complete diagnostic platforms and clinical profiling of patients for tick-borne and autoimmune diseases will allow a better understanding of how chronic conditions could be established with infectious pathogens.
In addition, Professor Gilbert’s publications also demonstrate the thorough investigation of how a common virus or bacterium can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Another highlight in these publications is the demonstration of a multi-disciplinary background and collaborative efforts between clinicians, microbiologists, diagnostic developers, nano-scientists, physicists, and engineers.
Professor Gilbert’s research initiatives into complete diagnostic platforms and clinical profiling of patients for tick-borne and autoimmune diseases will allow a better understanding of how chronic conditions could be established with infectious pathogens.
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Registe here: www.aonm.org/LymeCoinfectionsOzdemir
SPEAKERS: Prof. Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA
TITLE: The Gut-Brain-Immune Triad: What Happens When it Breaks Down?
DATE: Tuesday 10th March
TIME: 7:00PM GMT | 8:00PM CET | 3:00PM EDT
DESCRIPTION:
What if some of the most challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms arise not only in the brain itself, but also from a breakdown in the gut–brain–immune triad?
AONM is pleased to host a special webinar with Professor Craig Shimasaki exploring the complex interplay between gut barrier disruption, immune activation, and blood-brain-barrier permeability and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
During this webinar we’ll review the latest evidence linking dysbiosis, infections, autoantibodies, and molecular mimicry to OCD, anxiety, tics, cognitive changes, and treatment‑resistant mood disorders. Integrative clinicians and practitioners will come away with a systems‑biology framework, pattern recognition for common symptoms, and case‑based insights to move beyond symptom management toward root‑cause care.
We will cover practical guidance and assessment strategies, targeting the “three I’s”: infection, inflammation, and immune dysfunction, with considerations for metabolic dysfunction, Herxheimer reactions, and comorbidities.
Join us for a fascinating update on these biological interconnections that will enhance your diagnostic capabilities and gain a deeper understanding of the gut–brain–immune axis in neuropsychiatric care.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Professor Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBA President & CEO Moleculera Biosciences, Inc.
Professor Shimasaki received his BS in Biochemistry from the University of California at Davis, his PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Tulsa, and his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business.
He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma and is the cofounder and CEO of Moleculera Biosciences, a neuroimmunology precision medicine company focused on identifying and treating the underlying roots of neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioural disorders triggered by an autoimmune response. He has spent over 35 years working in the fields of molecular biology, viral pathogenesis, and infection-triggered autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. Prof. Shimasaki started his career at Genentech and has worked across all stages of research, development, clinical trials, and regulatory approval of technology innovation from bench-to-bedside.
His research work includes epitope mapping of HIV proteins, genetic-based predictors of breast cancer risk, influenza and RSV diagnostics and therapeutics, and the pathogenesis of infection-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders. He has co-founded multiple companies and led multiple products through the FDA approval process and is a co-inventor on multiple patents. Internationally, he teaches and mentors scientists, physicians and biotech leaders on how to translate their research into acutely needed medical interventions.
His passion is to translate scientific discoveries into acutely needed products so that more patients can live longer, healthier lives.
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Registe here: www.aonm.org/gutbrainshimasaki
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The information on this webpage and these webinars is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with regards to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a health care regimen. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information you have read or seen on this website. The opinions stated in these webinars are those of the people speaking and not necessarily of AONM.