Collection:LSA

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: New Orleans Region, Louisiana, 1989, 1980s

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Department of State

Date Issued: 2024-07-23

Duration: 00:20:56

Subjects: Health | Physician and patient | Disease | Interview

Contributors:

• Hill, Angela Interviewer
• Tessmer, Jon Interviewee
• Cortez, Larry Interviewee

Angela Hill interviews local physicians Dr. Jon Tessmer of the Mahorner Clinic and Dr. Larry Cortez from the Ochsner Clinic about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, often attributed to the Epstein-Barr virus. Despite affecting millions, this condition is poorly understood and often misdiagnosed, according to the interviewees. Angela questions the physicians about the type of patients affected, the condition's link with stress, and their thoughts on patients shopping doctors to get a preferred diagnosis. The physicians also dispel the misconception that the condition can be attributed to low antibody levels. They acknowledge the symptoms are real and empathize with patients' frustration. They field questions from the audience including those about the seasonality of the disease, how it affects the under-privileged, and if it is associated with too much exercise. Air date: January 11, 2011.