The Full Report: 2026 ILADS Annual Scientific Conference
November 7, 2026
The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Annual Scientific Conference is widely recognized as a premier educational event for physicians and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of Lyme disease and other associated vector-borne illnesses. The 2026 conference, themed “Reframing Complex Disease Pathways to Treatment,” was held October 22–25 at the Hyatt Regency Dulles, just outside Washington, DC.
ILADS is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals about the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases. This year’s conference brought together a diverse group of medical professionals, including MDs, DOs, NDs, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, chiropractors, PhDs, psychologists, researchers, and other professionals involved in caring for patients with Lyme disease and related conditions.
The conference theme challenged attendees and more than 60 distinguished presenters to examine established approaches to chronic illness and consider new perspectives on diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Particular emphasis was placed on the complex interplay between persistent infection, immune system function, and the many biological processes that may contribute to chronic and often debilitating illness.
Presentations explored a broad range of important and emerging topics, including autoimmunity, alpha-gal syndrome, pediatric care, cognitive decline, psychiatric manifestations, pregnancy, mold-related illness, neuroinflammation, mast cell activation, mitochondrial health, and advances in diagnostic testing. Together, these presentations provided valuable opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore evolving approaches to some of the most challenging conditions facing their patients.
The 2026 conference was successful not only because of the quality and breadth of its educational programming, but also because of the renewed sense of optimism and purpose it inspired among attendees. Participants departed with new information, fresh perspectives, and a greater sense of hope that continued research, education, and collaboration can lead to meaningful advances in the diagnosis and treatment of complex tick-borne illnesses.
The National Capital Lyme Disease Association (NatCapLyme) was proud to play an active role in supporting this important educational event. In addition to hosting an informational booth to increase awareness of its mission and resources, NatCapLyme continued its longstanding commitment to improving patient care by sponsoring scholarships for physicians to attend the ILADS Vector-Borne Illnesses Fundamentals Course. This marked the ninth consecutive year that NatCapLyme has provided this important educational support.
Through its continued scholarship program, NatCapLyme helps make specialized education more accessible to physicians seeking to expand their knowledge and clinical understanding of Lyme disease and other vector-borne illnesses. Investing in physician education is an essential part of NatCapLyme’s broader commitment to improving the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of these complex diseases. By helping equip more healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge, NatCapLyme contributes to a stronger foundation of informed medical care and better resources for patients and families affected by tick-borne illnesses. NatCapLyme’s participation in the 2026 ILADS conference reflects its ongoing dedication to advancing education, supporting the medical community, raising public awareness, and helping ensure that individuals affected by Lyme disease and associated illnesses have access to knowledgeable and appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
For nine consecutive years, NatCapLyme has demonstrated that its commitment to the Lyme disease community extends beyond awareness to include a sustained investment in the education of the physicians who care for patients.
