Dr. Christian Andres Meraz Real
Dr. Meraz brings an unusual depth of perspective. His path in medicine began in nursing — years in clinical settings in San Diego before medical school at Universidad Xochicalco in Tijuana. That combined background gives him a ground-level understanding of what patients experience throughout the care process, not only from the physician’s vantage point.
He completed his medical degree in 2017, then began functional medicine practice in 2018 at Hospital Ángeles Tijuana. In the Lyme program, Dr. Meraz coordinates day-to-day clinical care — monitoring treatment response, communicating directly with patients, and ensuring continuity between every element of the protocol throughout each patient’s stay.
- Médico Cirujano General — Universidad Xochicalco, Tijuana (2017)
- Nursing Degree — PIMA Medical Institute, San Diego (2004–2008)
- Pediatric Care Diploma, San Diego (2009)
- Functional Medicine Practice — Hospital Ángeles Tijuana (2018–present)
- Board Certified Licensed Physician of Mexico
Dr. Ariel Perez Carbajal
Dr. Perez leads the functional medicine approach at the Immunotherapy Institute, with specialized training across integrative oncology, hyperthermia, and advanced cellular therapies. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UBC) as a general practitioner, then completed his functional medicine certification at the Institute for Functional Medicine — finishing at the top of his class.
For Lyme patients, his role encompasses comprehensive clinical oversight: designing the treatment architecture, interpreting epigenetic and diagnostic data, and ensuring each protocol element is calibrated to the patient’s individual physiology.
- Graduate, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UBC)
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner — Institute for Functional Medicine (ACCME®)
- Certified in Hyperthermia — Heckel Academy, Germany
- Certified in Medical Ozone Therapy — Medical Society for Ozone
- Certified in Bioenergetics — Vega Academy, Germany
Dr. Alfonso Martinez
Dr. Alfonso Martinez obtained his MD from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in 2008 and entered functional medicine in 2013, recognizing early that treating symptoms without addressing root causes was insufficient for complex chronic conditions. He became an IFM Certified Practitioner in 2014 and has practiced at the Immunotherapy Institute ever since.
His advanced IFM training spans cognitive decline, detoxification, cardiometabolic function, GI health, hormonal balance, and energy metabolism — a breadth that maps directly onto the multi-system nature of chronic Lyme disease.
- MD — Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (2008)
- IFM Certified Practitioner — Institute for Functional Medicine (2014)
- Advanced Training: Reversing Cognitive Decline — IFM
- Advanced Modules: Detox, Cardiometabolic, Energy, GI, Hormone — IFM
- Attending Physician, Hospital Ángeles Tijuana (2013–present)
Nancy Miranda
Nancy Miranda specializes in physiotherapy for patients undergoing advanced medical treatment, with over six years of experience in oncology rehabilitation. For Lyme patients, her role addresses mobility, neuromuscular function, lymphatic circulation, respiratory support, and the fatigue that accompanies intensive treatment.
Her certifications in myofascial release, lymphedema management, and neuromuscular bandaging are directly relevant to the Lyme patient population where pain, joint involvement, and nervous system strain are consistent features. She is a professor at Universidad de Durango’s Tijuana campus.
- Degree in Physical Therapy — Universidad del Valle de Fuerte, Los Mochis
- Certified in Global Myofascial Release
- Certified in Post-Cancer Breast Lymphedema Management
- Diploma in Neuropropioceptive Facilitation
- Professor, Universidad de Durango — Tijuana Campus
Paola Elizabeth Mireles Benavides
Paola Mireles is a licensed nutritionist from Mexicali, Baja California, who completed her clinical training in Tijuana and her social service at the General Hospital of Tijuana. She graduated with honors and brings four years of oncology nutrition experience to the Lyme program.
Her approach focuses on assessing nutritional status, identifying metabolic risks, and designing individualized interventions that support treatment tolerance, preserve muscle mass, prevent malnutrition, and improve quality of life throughout recovery.
- Licensed Clinical Nutritionist — Baja California
- Social Service — General Hospital of Tijuana (ICU, pediatric and adult care)
- Four years clinical experience in oncology nutrition
- Graduated with honors
The Lyme Re-code program was developed with the direct input of internationally recognized Lyme disease experts who contributed their clinical knowledge, research perspective, and firsthand patient experience to help shape the program’s protocols and approach. They are not treating physicians within the program but serve as advisors who helped ensure our framework reflects the current frontiers of Lyme disease care.
Michelle McKeon, MS, CNS, LDN
Michelle McKeon is one of the most recognized Lyme disease nutritionists in the United States, with over a decade of experience guiding patients through complex tick-borne illness recovery. As a member of the Clinical Advisory Board, Michelle contributed her nutritional expertise and deep knowledge of hyperthermia-based Lyme protocols to help shape the integrative framework of this program.
Her involvement is both professional and personal: after years of being debilitated by Lyme disease, Bartonella, Powassan virus, and Mycoplasma Pneumonia, she sought whole-body hyperthermia treatment — an experience that saved her life and directly informs the patient perspective she brought to the program’s development.
- MS, Human Nutrition — University of Bridgeport (Summa Cum Laude)
- Licensed Integrative Nutritionist (LDN) · Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- President, Lyme and Cancer Services (LCS)
- Founder, thelymespecialist.com
Christina Carter
Christina Carter serves on the Clinical Advisory Board, bringing something no clinical training can provide: the lived experience of a patient, a mother, and a spouse whose family went through hyperthermia treatment for tick-borne infections together. That firsthand perspective was central to how the program was designed around the patient experience.
Her advisory contribution focused on ensuring the program’s patient journey — from first contact through post-treatment — reflects the emotional and informational needs of people navigating one of the most challenging diagnoses in modern medicine. She continues to educate patients on Lyme disease realities through conferences, articles, and direct advocacy.
Yesenia Jaquez
Yesenia is the Senior Patient Concierge at the Immunotherapy Institute, where she has been a trusted presence for over eight years. She plays a vital role in guiding patients through every step of their journey — serving as a constant, reliable bridge between the medical team and the individuals and families in our care.
From the moment a patient begins their process, Yesenia ensures every detail is handled with precision and compassion. Known for going above and beyond, many patients describe her simply: “She handled everything… and she was always there.” Fluent in both English and Spanish, she creates a seamless experience for international patients at every stage.
- Senior Patient Concierge — Immunotherapy Institute (8+ years)
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Specializes in international patient coordination and support
Gabriela Rodriguez
Gabriela Rodriguez is the Senior Case Manager at the Immunotherapy Institute, where she has built her career over the past twelve years. A graduate of San Diego State University, she brings academic rigor, deep clinical operations experience, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.
For patients navigating a complex international treatment program, Gabriela is the person who makes it all work. She takes ownership of the entire journey — coordinating first consultations, handling logistics, managing documentation, and ensuring every detail is confirmed before a patient arrives. Fluent in English and Spanish, she serves as the connective tissue of the entire patient experience.
- Senior Case Manager — Immunotherapy Institute (12 years)
- B.S. — San Diego State University (SDSU)
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- International patient coordination & end-to-end case management
Mike Barajas
Mike founded the Lyme Re-code and directs every dimension of the program — from clinical partnerships and protocol development to the patient journey from first contact through post-treatment follow-up. He works directly with the medical team to align treatment plans with each patient’s specific history, co-infections, and goals.
Carlos Zavala
Carlos co-founded the Lyme Re-code alongside his role as CEO of the Immunotherapy Institute — the clinical institution within which the Lyme program operates. With over 15 years building and running the Institute’s advanced medical programs, he brings the operational infrastructure, clinical relationships, and institutional expertise that allow the Lyme program to function at hospital-grade standards.
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