Comprehensive, whole-patient care for tick-borne illness and alpha-gal syndrome.
Is The Tick Center Right for You?
The Tick Center is designed for patients who need more than a standard visit can offer. If any of the following describe you, we may be the right fit:
You have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness and are still experiencing symptoms after treatment.
You may have alpha-gal syndrome — or you've had unexplained allergic reactions after eating red meat or using certain medications.
You are dealing with persistent fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive symptoms that haven't been fully explained or resolved.
You want a coordinated care team — not a series of unconnected referrals — that combines medicine, nutrition, and integrative therapies.
You are newly diagnosed and want a comprehensive evaluation and a clear path forward.
You are a seasonal visitor or year-round Island resident with significant tick exposure and concerns about your health.
You don't need a referral to come to The Tick Center. Contact us directly.
What We Treat
The Tick Center specializes in the full range of tick-borne conditions:
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic condition triggered by a tick bite that causes the immune system to react to a sugar molecule found in red meat, some dairy products, and certain medications. Symptoms range from hives and gastrointestinal distress to severe anaphylaxis. AGS is frequently missed or misdiagnosed.
The Tick Center offers dedicated AGS evaluation, IgE testing, dietary counseling, and emerging desensitization therapies.
Chronic & Complex Tick-Borne Illness
Some patients continue experiencing significant symptoms months or years after a tick-borne infection — sometimes called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. Standard testing may come back negative even when symptoms persist.
The Tick Center has access to specialty laboratory testing and a multidisciplinary care model specifically designed for these patients.
How tick-borne conditions spread
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, which must typically be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit the infection; alpha-gal syndrome is triggered by the bite of the lone star tick, which injects a sugar molecule into the bloodstream that sensitizes the immune system to react allergically to red meat and certain other mammalian products.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy triggered by a tick bite. The lone star tick injects alpha-gal — a sugar found in most mammals — into the bloodstream, sensitizing the immune system to react to red meat, some dairy, and certain medications. Symptoms are often delayed 2–8 hours after exposure, which makes AGS notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms
- Hives or itchy rash
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Drop in blood pressure
- Swelling of lips or throat
- Dizziness or faintness
- Anaphylaxis
Foods to Avoid
- Beef, pork, lamb, venison
- Mammal organs and fat
- Dairy (milk, cheese, butter)
- Gelatin and mammal broth
- Some natural flavorings
- Carrageenan
Work with your provider — you may not need to avoid all of these.
Foods You Can Eat
- Fish and seafood
- Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck)
- Eggs
- Fruits, vegetables, grains
- Nuts, beans, tofu, tempeh
Cofactors matter. Alcohol, exercise, and NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen) can make reactions more likely or more severe. Avoiding new tick bites may allow you to eventually reintroduce some mammalian foods under medical supervision.
↓ Download the Alpha-Gal Syndrome Patient Fact Sheet (PDF) — prepared by the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, updated April 2026
How We Care for You
The Tick Center brings together multiple types of care under one coordinated team. Every care plan is individualized.
| Type of Care | What This Includes |
|---|---|
| Medical Evaluation | Comprehensive history and exam; standard and specialty laboratory testing; diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic tick-borne illness and alpha-gal syndrome |
| Nutrition | Alpha-gal dietary guidance and food planning; anti-inflammatory nutrition; metabolic support; dietary optimization for recovery |
| Acupuncture | Auricular (ear) acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for symptom management, including the Martha's Vineyard Auricular Allergy Treatment (MVAAT) protocol |
| Mindfulness & Movement | Trauma-informed movement, stress reduction, and recovery support tailored to chronic illness |
| Supplementation | Targeted supplement protocols reviewed and optimized by a licensed pharmacist for interactions and efficacy |
The Tick Center is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. We provide a detailed superbill upon request so you can submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement on your own. Contact us with any questions about fees before your visit.
What to Expect
Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation. We take a thorough history of your symptoms, prior testing, and treatments. Depending on your situation we may order standard or specialty laboratory work, and we will discuss a care plan tailored to your needs. Plan for a longer-than-usual visit — we take the time to understand the full picture.
Coordinated care. If your plan involves multiple providers on our team, your notes and results are shared across all of them. You will not have to repeat your story at every appointment. Your Integrative Care Coordinator serves as the clinical hub, making sure everyone has the full picture.
Fees and superbills. The Tick Center is a cash-pay practice. We do not bill insurance directly, but we provide a detailed superbill upon request so you can submit to your insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We are happy to discuss fees before your visit so there are no surprises.
Tracking Your Progress
As a Tick Center patient, you will complete a brief monthly questionnaire called the THRIVE Index — developed specifically for patients with tick-borne illness and alpha-gal syndrome. It tracks how you are functioning across the physical, emotional, and daily-life domains most affected by these conditions. At quarterly visits, we review your THRIVE scores together, giving you and your care team a longitudinal view of your progress that goes well beyond lab values alone.
Your Care Team
Gerald Yukevich, MD
More than 30 years treating tick-related conditions on Martha's Vineyard. Board-certified internist, MPH from Harvard. Oversees clinical protocols and sees patients directly.
Katherine Friedman, MSN, RN-C, FNP
Over a decade diagnosing and managing tick-borne illness and alpha-gal syndrome on the Island. The clinical hub ensuring your care plan reflects the full picture across all providers.
Aubrey Stimola Ryan, MPAS, CTropMed, CTH
Leading expert in tick-borne illness and alpha-gal syndrome with extensive Island experience and a background in emergency medicine at Mount Sinai.
Getting Started
You don't need a referral. Contact us directly to schedule your first visit or to ask any questions.