LOS ANGELES — Talent Testing Services on Tuesday named Dr. David Smith, M.D., M.A.S., an infectious disease specialist, to head its Internal Medical Council and Outreach Program.
Talent Testing Services (TTS), which is based in Miami and has drawing facilities across the country, said the move was "in response to the recent syphilis outbreak, the growing industry concern over STDs and the misinformation that has come along with it."
The TTS Medical Council and Outreach Program will help answer questions from performers, agents and production companies regarding syphilis treatment, HIV, HBV, HCV and any others related to sexually transmitted diseases, the announcement said.
“Given the recent syphilis outbreak we have seen a lot of misinformation being exchanged back and forth in the industry. This helps no one," said Sixto Pacheco, president of TTS. “The TTS Medical Council and Outreach Program, now headed by Dr. Smith, will have as its prime directive to educate, inform and proactively address the health issues of the Talent community and industry."
Talents, agents and production companies can email questions in full confidentiality to questions@talenttestingservice.com and these will be answered in a timely manner, according to TTS. Production companies and agents interested in scheduling a conference call with Dr. Smith can contact Richard Reiss at rreissm@talenttestingservice.com for additional information and scheduling times.