December CFSAC Commentary (Part 1)
The December Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee meeting reflected much progress. It's refreshing to see some new faces taking up the advocacy. As one group let's go or moves on or dies, another takes hold of pushing the government forward, giving voice to the patient experience. And they do so with such credibility, bringing passion and reasonableness, and real-world patient and professional experience. Our patient and patient organization advocates are themselves experts. They are impressive in what they bring to the discussion. And I just can't get over the difference in attitude and effort and knowledge of our current ex-officios (except a few, of which I'll address later). I remember when the FDA ex-officio slept during the meetings--and when he had to participate, showed himself to be a real prick. I just can't get over how knowledgeable the current FDA rep Dr. Keith Hull is about our disease. And I've not seen him before. Very impressive. He