01/14/2026
This year, our community said goodbye to three physicians whose work changed the course of Lyme and tick-borne disease care and helped countless individuals along the way.
Dr. Charles Crist was known for something patients never forgot: he listened. Based in Missouri, he treated people who had been dismissed elsewhere, helping them regain not just their health, but their dignity. For many, he was the first doctor who truly believed them. (Read his obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-crist-obituary?id=60532641)
Dr. Alan McDonald was a pathologist and researcher whose groundbreaking work explored the connections between Lyme disease, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s, pushing science to ask harder questions—even when the answers were uncomfortable.
Dr. Alex Shikhman was a physician and scientist who focused on immune system dysregulation and complex chronic illness. He combined clinical care with research, seeking better tools to help patients who didn’t fit into neat diagnostic boxes.
We honor their lives, their work, and the patients they fought for. Our hearts are with their families, colleagues, and everyone whose life was touched by their care.
If you are looking for a doctor who understands Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, Project Lyme can help. Our Medical Provider Search connects patients with clinicians experienced in Lyme and tick-borne diseases, including some who offer telehealth visits. Visit https://projectlyme.org/providers-landing/ to learn more.
