Under Our Skin

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Under Our Skin
Theatrical poster
Directed byAndy Abrahams Wilson
Produced byAndrew Abrahams
Distributed byShadow Distribution
Release dates
  • April 2008 (2008-04) (Tribeca)
  • June 19, 2009 (2009-06-19) (United States)
Running time
103 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease is a 2008 film advocating for the existence of "chronic Lyme disease", a controversial and unrecognized diagnosis. The film was directed by Andy Abrahams Wilson, who became interested in the subject after his sister identified as a "chronic Lyme" patient.[1] The film had its theatrical premiere on June 19, 2009 at the IFC Center in New York City.

Synopsis

The film argues that persistent infection with

pressure group International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). This position is rejected by major medical bodies including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Academy of Neurology
, who do not recognize "chronic" Lyme disease as a legitimate diagnosis.

The film follows six individuals, including major league ball player Ben Petrick who report chronic symptoms, which they attribute to persistent Lyme infection. The majority of the film is devoted to the storyline of these patients and their reported recovery. At the same time, the film presents advocates of long-term therapies for chronic Lyme disease and briefly presents the position of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

The second half of the film focuses primarily on state medical board investigations of Joseph Jemsek and Ray Jones, two physicians who prescribe long-term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease, a practice generally recognized to be dangerous and without provable benefit.[2][3][4] Jemsek was investigated based on the complaints of 10 patients who described "nightmarish experiences" as a result of his treatment; he was supported by a number of patients and advocacy organizations.[5] The board found that Jemsek had departed from standard medical practice and had failed to inform patients that his treatments were unorthodox; his medical license was suspended with stay, allowing him to continue practicing medicine.[6] Facing a lawsuit from an insurance company, Jemsek declared bankruptcy and closed his medical practice.[7]

The final act of the film focuses on

JAMA as an example of "elected officials advocating for health policies against the weight of scientific evidence."[12]

The film concludes with vignettes of two patients discussing their claimed recoveries.[13]

Critical reception

The

gatekeepers from Infectious Diseases of America [sic, actually Infectious Diseases Society of America] their say."[14] The Baltimore Sun described it as "full of suspicions, assertions, and anecdotes; it’s low on science and objectivity".[15]

According to review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, as of December 2019, the film has received 26 positive reviews and 6 negative reviews for a score of 81% positive reviews from the site's approved critics; the average rating is 6.7/10. The critical consensus reads: "A scathing indictment of the American medical system, Under Our Skin is timely, frightening stuff."[16] On Metacritic, it has a rating of 63/100 based on 13 reviews, which the site categorizes as "generally favorable reviews".[17]

Awards and honors

See also

References

  1. ^ Beckman, Rachel (June 17, 2008). "Film Focuses on Lyme Patients". Washington Post. Retrieved September 12, 2008.
  2. PMID 17029130
    .
  3. PMID 17522387
    .
  4. ^ ""Chronic Lyme Disease" Fact Sheet". National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. April 17, 2009. Archived from the original on June 11, 2015.
  5. ^
    Forbes
    . Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  6. ^ Stephen Barrett, M.D. (2009). "Joseph Jemsek, M.D. Charged with Unprofessional Conduct". Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  7. ^ O'Hehir, Andrew (June 20, 2009). "Beyond the Multiplex: Under Our Skin". Salon.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  8. ^ "Attorney General's Investigation Reveals Flawed Lyme Disease Guideline Process, IDSA Agrees to Reassess Guidelines, Install Independent Arbiter" (Press release). Connecticut Attorney General Office. May 1, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  9. ^ "Agreement Ends Lyme Disease Investigation by Connecticut Attorney General" (Press release). Infectious Diseases Society of America. May 1, 2008. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  10. PMID 20504239
    .
  11. ^ Singer, Stephen (April 22, 2010). "No changes to Lyme disease treatment". Associated Press.
  12. PMID 19211474
    .
  13. ^ a b Holden, Stephen (June 19, 2009). "Ticked Off". New York Times. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  14. ^ Alissa Simon (May 2, 2008). "Review: 'Under Our Skin'". Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  15. PMID 21867956
    .
  16. ^ "Under Our Skin (2009)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  17. ^ "Under Our Skin (2009)". Metacritic. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  18. ^ https://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/theres-a-lot-of-money-being-made/Content?oid=1146287 // Colorado Springs Independent, January 15, 2009.
  19. ^ "Sonoma International Film Festival News & Updates". www.sonomafilmfest.org. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017.

External links

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