RUMC Connections

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.