Through RUMC Connections, you will meet the fantastic doctors, nurses, medical professionals and partners that make our hospital thrive. RUMC Connections will also provide you with useful information about maintaining your own health and provide answers to some of your own medical questions.

NEW! Episode 16: Nephrology

In this episode, Meredith, Alex, and Dan are joined by Dr. Sayed Mahdi Ayat to discuss all things Nephrology. Kidney issues are on the rise around the world, with millions of people each year undergoing treatments for kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. About 1 in 2 people with very low kidney function don’t know they have kidney disease and approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure may have kidney disease.

Episode 15: Rheumatology

In this episode, Meredith, Alex & Dan are joined by RUMC’s new Rheumatologist, Dr. DeMizio, to discuss all things rheumatology. This podcast covers everything from patient diagnosis, various rheumatic issues, treatment methods, pain management, the changing landscape of the rheumatology field and much more.

Episode 14: Pediatric Surgery: Part 2

Meredith, Alex and Dan continue their conversation with RUMC’s pediatric surgeon, Dr. Brian Gilchrist to discuss what life is like as a pediatric surgeon, along with various surgeries that he’s performed.

Episode 13: Pediatric Surgery

When a family is faced with emergency or elective surgery for their child, they may be confronted with mixed emotions, fear and apprehension. In this episode, Meredith, Alex & Dan are joined by RUMC’s pediatric surgeon, Dr. Brian Gilchrist. Pediatric surgery is performed on all age groups from newborns to adolescents and there are less than 500 pediatric surgeons across the United States. Dr. Gilchrist walks us through what it’s like to be a pediatric surgeon who performs more than 700 procedures a year.

Episode 12: Glaucoma – The Silent Thief of Sight

In this episode, we continue our conversation with RUMC’s Optometrist, Dr. Joseph Muscente. Last episode we discussed traumas and emergencies that can affect our eyes. In this episode, we’ll discuss glaucoma and the importance of having your eyes checked regularly to detect any issues early on. Glaucoma is a very common eye disease affecting more than 70 million people worldwide and it’s the leading cause of blindness, accounting for over 12% of blindness around the world.

Episode 11: Eye of the Storm: Ocular Trauma and Emergencies

In this episode, Meredith, Alex & Dan are joined by Optometrist Dr. Joseph Muscente to discuss ocular emergencies. Eye emergencies include cuts, scratches, objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure and blunt injuries to the eye or eyelid. These injuries may cause visual change, pain or discomfort, and changes to the appearance of the eye itself. Dr. Muscente will share some of the more common injuries people experience, how to treat them, and when it’s time to seek medical care.

Episode 10: EMS Life, Tales From The Streets

In this episode, Meredith, Alex & Dan continue their conversation with lead Paramedic, Angela Ciocia, and lead EMT, James Donnelly to discuss personal encounters and what it takes to work in the EMS field.

Episode 9: Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

In this episode, Meredith, Alex and Dan are joined by two of Richmond University Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) leaders, Angela Ciocia and James Donnelly to learn more about life on an ambulance as well as what it takes to be an EMT or Paramedic.

Episode 8: Bariatrics: Surgical Weight-Loss Options: What to Expect

In this episode, Meredith, Alex and Dan continue their conversation with Dr. Alex Barkan, Chief of Bariatric Surgery, Vice Chair of Department of Surgery at Richmond University Medical Center, and founder of the hospital’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Last episode the various bariatric services that are performed at RUMC were covered. In this episode, we’ll discuss the total bariatric journey – from who qualifies to what the process is like before and after, and life post-surgery.

Episode 7: Bariatric Services

On this episode Meredith, Alex and Dan are joined by the founder of RUMC’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Dr. Alex Barkan, M.D., M.B.A, F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., who has performed thousands of bariatric surgery procedures since entering the field in 2006. He is the Chief of Bariatric surgery and Vice Chair for the Department of Surgery at RUMC.  Dr. Barkan discusses the various weight loss procedures that are available at RUMC, who qualifies , and the benefits of weight loss surgery.

Episode 6: Surgical Services

Continuing the conversation with Dr. Loren Harris, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Richmond University Medical Center. Last episode, we talked about robotic surgical services that are performed at RUMC. In this episode, we’ll shift our focus to talk more about RUMC’s Surgical Department and the various procedures its surgeons are performing each day from outpatient to some of the most complex, advanced surgeries. Dr. Harris will also share some behind the scenes news on RUMC’s new operating suites, coming later this year.

Episode 5: Robotic Surgery

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Loren Harris, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Richmond University Medical Center. Listen as Dr. Harris discusses what makes the yearly 10,000+ surgical procedures at RUMC a “cut” above the rest. Hear how RUMC’s Department of Surgery is equipped with the latest technology, including the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, which allows surgeons to treat patients more effectively and accurately. Join us for this deep dive into all things surgery as Dr. Harris shares key insights on this ever growing medical field.

Episode 4: Emergency Care

Continuing the conversation with Johnathan LeBaron, DO, Chair, Emergency Medicine; and Assistant Vice President of Emergency Department Nursing, Jean Gordon, Rn in discussing how RUMC’s new ED offers some of the best emergency care in NYC. In this episode, we take a deep dive into understanding the level of care RUMC’s new ED provides and how its amazing staff is able to stay on top of their patients needs.

Episode 3: State-of-the-Art Emergency Care: NEW ED

In this episode, we are joined by Jonathon LeBaron, DO, Chair, Emergency Medicine; and Assistant Vice President of Emergency Department Nursing, Jean Gordon, RN, to discuss the hospital’s new, state-of-the-art 35,000 square-foot Emergency Department that opened in January 2023! The new department features larger trauma and urgent care areas as well as dedicated units for pediatrics, cardiac and stroke emergencies, sexual assault victims and much more. Learn more about the new features and the high quality care the department’s medical professionals provide every day, including during urgent life-threatening situations.

Episode 2: Heart To Heart, Part 2

Have you ever wondered when it’s the right time to see a cardiologist? In this episode, Dr. Rotatori provides guidance on when it is suggested that you make an appointment with a cardiologist. Learn about some immediate things that you can do to protect and maintain your heart health. Information is power and RUMC’s own Alex Lutz, Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing, shares his personal, life-saving experience with Dr. Rotatori and Mount Sinai Health System. Get to know the personal side of Dr. Rotatori and learn about how he made his way to New York from Italy, along with being an accomplished marathon runner.

Episode 1: Heart To Heart, Part 1

In this podcast episode, we are joined by the Chief of Richmond University Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Department, Francesco Rotatori, MD. Dr. Rotatori discusses heart health, heart disease, how lifestyle choices have a major impact on your heart health, and provides examples of small steps that you can take to start living a healthier lifestyle. Early detection and intervention are the best ways to combat heart disease. When it comes to treating complex heart issues, collaboration and knowledge are key. Dr. Rotatori explains how doctors from RUMC and Mount Sinai Health System work together to ensure all patients receive the best care possible.