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 future with hope. Dr. Yoga will help us understand what recovery looks like, how women can regain quality of life after surgery, and what exiting new innovations are shaping the future of breast cancer treatment.
We’ll also touch on why prevention and early detection remain the most powerful tools we have – and how RUMC ‘s Breast and Imaging Center is here for our community every step of the way.
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 reconstructive techniques in the same operation, meaning patients can fight cancer without sacrificing their sense of self. It represents a shift in how breast cancer is treated – blending survival with confidence, function, and aesthetics.
In this episode, we’ll discuss what oncoplastic surgery is, how it’s different from traditional approaches, and what patients here at RUMC can expect when they come through the doors of our Breast and Imaging Center at 1161 Victory Blvd.
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 evaluating and treating growth and hormonal disorders in children. We’ll discuss what’s considered normal growth, the possible causes of short stature, how it’s evaluated, and when treatments like growth hormone might be needed. So whether you’re a parent who’s been measuring your child’s height on the kitchen wall, or just want to better understand how kids grow, you’ll want to stay tuned for this episode.
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 to help us separate fact from fear when it comes to tick bites, Lyme disease, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. From early symptoms and proper tick removal to prevention tips and treatment options, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to stay safe this season. So whether you’re hiking in the woods, spending time in your backyard, or just curious about how infectious diseases spread, this episode is for you.
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 individuals ages 11-24 who are facing both mental health and substance use challenges. This dual-diagnoses program provides developmentally appropriate, compassionate, and evidence-based care – supporting not only the young people themselves but also their families and communities. On this episode host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Jenifer Sacaccio, LMHC, Program Manager of the Center for Young Adults, and Liza Schatzman, MA, CASAC, Therapist at the Center for Young Adults, to discuss the unique needs of adolescents and young adults, the power of community partnerships, and how early, personalized intervention can change – and even save lives.
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 into what recovery looks like in real life, how families are engaged, and what it means to build trust with youth who may be hesitant to open up. If you haven’t heard part one yet, I encourage you to go back and check it out. But if you’re ready to keep going, let’s jump back in with David and Anthony.
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 this episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by David Ferrer, Peer Advocate on RUMC’s Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Team, and Anthony Arcuri, Recovery Peer Advocate for South Shore SafeTY.net Program, to discuss pathways to stability, healing, and independence for Staten Island’s youth.
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 Gaskins, is Dr. Victoria Forte, Chief of the Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer Service Line Director, and Fellowship Program Director at RUMC, to discuss how the hospital is transforming cancer treatment through advanced therapies, early detection, and comprehensive patient support. We’ll explore everything from the latest precision medicine to the emotional and psychological aspects of care. Whether you or a loved one have been affected by cancer, or you’re simply interested in the future of oncology, this episode is for you.
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-opening conversation with Peer Supervisor, Stephen Nico and Peer Advocate, Amber Ramos about RUMC’s Peer Advocacy Program and how it’s transforming the lives of young people facing addiction, peer pressure, and difficult home environments. We barely scratched the surface, so on this episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, continues that conversation with Stephen and Amber to dive even deeper into the challenges, successes, and future of peer advocacy.
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 mentorship, support, and real-world guidance from those who have walked a similar path. RUMC employs peer counselors who have personally lived through some of these challenges, allowing them to connect with and understand the struggles of those they serve. On this episode, host, Meredith Gaskins is honored to have two incredible guests who are making a real difference in the lives of Staten Island’s youth. Peer Supervisor, Stephen Nico and Peer Advocate, Amber Ramos will highlight all that this special program provides, as well as the impact it has on its members.
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 episode, Dr. Shehaj returns to join host, Meredith Gaskins, to delve into how the healthcare system has historically overlooked women’s cardiovascular health and the importance of gender-specific research and treatment. We’ll highlight Dr. Shehaj’s fantastic work, challenges in the field, and her vision for the future of women’s heart health.
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 inpatient and outpatient services, from emergency care to sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cardiovascular screening. RUMC’s cardiology team truly provides an exceptional level of expertise and attention. On this episode, we will explore why heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, the unique symptoms women experience, and why these signs are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Dr. Fiona Shehaj, Chief of Women’s Cardiovascular Health, to explain all of this and discuss prevention strategies, including lifestyle changes and the importance of regular screenings, tailored to women’s needs.
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 oncologists and attending physicians on staff. The oncology team conducts thorough assessments for every patient before developing comprehensive treatment plan. After determining the correct approach, they utilize the latest technology to deliver advanced care. In this episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Dr. Calvin Han, Associate Chief of Hematology-Oncology, to discuss cutting-edge cancer treatments at RUMC and the role of immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
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., the main trauma unit provides adequate space for medical personnel to examine patients and immediately administer life-saving care. Enhanced lighting fixtures and rotating medical equipment stations are just some of the features of the unit, located adjacent to the ambulance receiving bay. Treating over 50,000 people annually, RUMC operates one of the busiest emergency departments in the New York metropolitan area. The 35,000 sq. ft. facility is also a New York State Department of Health designated Stroke and STEMI treatment center as well as Staten Island’s only Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Center of Excellence. On this episode, we will explore the continuum of trauma care at RUMC, from the moment a patient arrives to their recovery and rehabilitation. This episode will detail how the trauma center collaborates with departments like emergency surgery, ICU, and physical therapy. Host Meredith Gaskins is joined once again by Trauma Program Director, Tara Harrington and Trauma Medical Director, Dr. Vladimir Rubinshteyn, to highlight some patient stories, discuss the integration of advanced technology and personal care, offering a holistic view of what sets RUMC apart as a Level I Trauma Center.
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 services adhere to rigorous standards, ensuring the highest quality of care, including the ability to treat a high volume of patients 24/7/365. RUMC also has board certified subspecialists available in the areas of Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Anesthesia and Plastic Surgery to help care for injured patients. RUMC's Trauma Service also provides cutting edge Intensive Care for injured as well as surgical patients. On this episode, we will be discussing the critical importance of the "golden hour" - the first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury. We will highlight the protocols, rapid assessments, and life-saving decisions made by the trauma team during this crucial period. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Trauma Program Director, Tara Harrington, and Trauma Medical Director, Dr. Vladimir Rubinshteyn, to illustrate how RUMC maximizes this window to save lives.
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 come with unbalanced, nutrition-poor diet. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Maria Falzone, RD, Clinical Nutrition Manager at RUMC, to explore how poor dietary choices can lead to obesity, and why it’s essential to focus on nutrition for a healthier, longer life. Stay tuned for insights on making better food choices for a better future.
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 episode, host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Lori Gargiso, RN, to discuss all that the center offers and the wide array of infusion treatments available for acute and chronic conditions.
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 & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Michael Lacqua, to discuss wound care and the use of Staten Island’s only hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment.
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, to discuss diabetic limb salvage and the importance of proper foot care for people with diabetes.
The feet are complex mechanical structures of the human body, each consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They serve as the foundation for the entire body, offering support, balance, as well as impacting overall well-being. Ongoing conditions stemming from the feet can lead to patients experiencing pain in their knees, hips, and lower back. Richmond University Medical Center’s Podiatry Department offers a robust lineup of ambulatory and in-patient podiatry services. RUMC’s podiatry experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide assortment of foot and ankle conditions. On today’s episode, Dr. Piccarelli will discuss bunions and the new approaches for treatment.