RUMC Connections

When a stroke begins, the brain immediately goes into crisis. With each passing minute, millions of brain cells are at risk. That’s why specialists often say, “time is brain.” At Richmond University Medical Center, stroke patients are met with rapid evaluation, advanced imaging, and around-the-clock neurological expertise – care that can dramatically change outcomes and preserve quality of life. B...

When most people imagine a stroke, they picture something sudden and dramatic. But the truth is some strokes don’t arrive with obvious warning signs, and some happen silently – causing damage long before a person even realizes what’s happening. Even more surprising? Stroke is no longer just a concern for older adults. We’re seeing more cases in younger, seemingly healthy people – and too often, th...

On this episode, we’re diving into a topic that affects us all – healthy brain aging. Our brains change as we age, but the good news is that there are many ways we can protect and support cognitive function throughout our lives. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is Danielle Geraldi-Samara, MD – someone who has dedicated her career to helping our community maintain lifelong brain health. Dr. Samara b...

On this episode, we’re diving into one of the most exciting – and life changing – areas in mental health treatment: neuromodulation and specifically Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by two experts in psychiatric care – Dr. Victor Mensah and Dr. Joel Idowu – to unpack what neurmodulation is, who can benefit from it, how TMS works, and why this matters.

On this episode, we’ll pull back the curtain on what happens inside the ICU, how teams handle life-or-death decisions, and the many lessons learned from the crises – from ordinary to extraordinary. This episode’s special guest, Dr. Jay Mbeng Nfonoyim – a critical care physician, educator, hospital leader, and someone whose journey is as inspiring as the work he leads. Host, Meredith Gaskins, will...

On this episode, we’re diving into something that affects every one of us – sleep. Whether you get too little, toss and turn all night, or wake up feeling exhausted, your sleep has a profound impact on your overall well-being. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is Felicia Roseto, manager of respiratory services and sleep services at RUMC and the driving force behind RUMC’s brand-new Suite Dreams Cent...

In our last episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, introduced you to Dr. Arthy Yoga, RUMC’s new breast oncoplastic surgeon, and explored what oncoplastic surgery is and how it works. On this episode, we’re shifting our focus to what happens next: life after surgery. For many patients, the journey doesn’t end once the cancer is removed – it’s about healing, rebuilding confidence, and looking toward the f...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we focus on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and supporting patients and families touched by breast cancer. On this episode, we’re highlighting an exciting advancement in care: oncoplastic surgery. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is Dr. Arthi Yoga, RUMC’s new breast oncoplastic surgeon. Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer removal with reco...

On this episode, we’re focusing on a topic that’s a big concern for many parents – your child’s growth. Is my child growing normally? Are they just on the smaller side, or could there be an underlying medical reason? And when should you seek help? Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is Dr. Ishita Kharode, chief of pediatric endocrinology at Richmond University Medical Center, who specializes in evalua...

On this episode we’re tackling an issue that becomes especially relevant during the warmer months – ticks and Lyme disease. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is Dr. Jessie Saverimuttu, an infectious disease specialist at Richmond University Medical Center. Dr. Jessie brings years of experience treating and educating patients about a wide range of infectious diseases, and on this episode she’s here t...

RUMC is proud to offer a full continuum of behavioral health services – ranging from inpatient care and outpatient counseling to crisis intervention and substance use treatment. On this episode, we’re focusing on one of the most specialized and forward-thinking programs within that system, the Center for Young Adults. Located at 1130 South Ave., the Center is uniquely designed to meet the needs of...

In our last episode, we introduced you to two incredible guests—David Ferrer, Peer Advocate with the Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Team, and Anthony Arcuri, Recovery Peer Advocate with South Shore SafeTY.net. We explored how both programs provide crucial support during some of the most difficult moments in a young person’s life. On this episode, we’re continuing that conversation—diving deeper i...

Welcome back to RUMC Connections, the podcast where we highlight the people and programs making a difference at Richmond University Medical Center and the Staten Island community. We’re diving into two vital behavioral health services: Mobile Crisis Outreach and South Shore SafeTY.net programs that offer lifesaving support and long-term empowerment for Staten Island’s youth and young adults. On th...

RUMC has been a leader in oncology for over 80 years, providing cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, and a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the unique needs of Staten Island residents. But what makes cancer care at RUMC stand out? How is RUMC personalizing treatments, integrating the latest innovations, and supporting patients beyond their medical needs? Joining host, Meredith Gaskin...

As Staten Island’s leading provider of behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and adults, RUMC offers a wide range of vital services, including its Peer Advocacy Program. This program is built on the power of lived experiences – offering mentorship, support and real-world guidance from those who have walked a similar path. If you tuned into the last episode, you know we had eye-open...

RUMC is Staten Island’s leading provider of behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and adults. RUMC offers a wide range of vital behavioral health services, including its Peer Advocacy Program. This program is a lifeline for young people facing addiction, peer pressure, and difficult home environments. The Peer Advocacy Program is built on the power of lived experience – offering me...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death nationally. High blood pressure and cholesterol are two of the primary causes of heart disease. Approximately 27% of Staten Island adults have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, a slightly lower proportion than the nation overall. Despite this finding, Staten Island has historically had a higher rate of death due to heart disease. In this episo...

When you visit Richmond University Medical Center for cardiac care, you put your heart in the very best hands. With support and sponsorship from the nationally recognized Mount Sinai Health Network, our cardiology physicians, nurses and technicians have achieved reputations of excellence and we are dedicated to respecting the dignity and well-being of each individual. We offer comprehensive inpati...

For nearly a century, Richmond University Medical Center has provided a range of oncology services for patients throughout Staten Island, New York. First accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons in 1937, Richmond University Medical Center is fully equipped to treat a wide variety of cancers. RUMC is proud to have an experienced team of board-certified medical onco...

RUMC’s state-of-the-art Emergency Department is fully equipped to handle all levels of adult and pediatric emergencies and has designated areas for triage, pediatrics, chest/stroke care, trauma resuscitation, women’s health, and urgent care to name just a few. As a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, RUMC is equipped to handle any medical emergency. At 958 sq. ft., th...

Trauma is the leading killer of patients under age 44. Trauma Services involves the detailed assessment and care of injured patients. Richmond University Medical Center is a NY State Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, which is the highest designation given for Trauma Centers. RUMC's emergency department is accredited by the American College of Surgeons, which means that RUMC's ser...

On this episode, we’re talking about obesity – not just as a cosmetic concern, but as a serious medical issue affecting over 40% of adults and nearly 20% of children and adolescents in the United States. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. It’s not just about appearance – it’s about dangerous health consequences that c...

Richmond University Medical Center’s Ambulatory Infusion Center provides comprehensive services in a comfortable and stress-free setting conveniently located on Staten Island so you can be close to home. Staffed by experienced medical professionals and nurses who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care through a clinical approach focused on each individual patient’s health. On this epi...

RUMC’s wound care program is part of the Center for Wound Healing’s national network with success rates so high that many managed care companies have designated its locations to be “Centers of Excellence” for the comprehensive management and care of chronic wounds. On this episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Medical Director of Wound Care and Division Chief of Plastic & Reconstructiv...

Diabetes is a chronic disease causing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, which can, in turn, damage your nervous system. This damage can affect the ability to feel sensations in your feet and can lead to injuries. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, once again is Podiatrist, Dr. Michael Piccarelli...