RUMC Connections

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.

Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country and leads to 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year from cigarette smoking alone. While cigarettes cause the most deaths from cancer, respiratory, and vascular disease, they are not the only tobacco product linked to adverse health outcomes. Using smokeless tobacco is also a known cause of cancer, and the rise of new tobacco products like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and products containing synthetic or non-tobacco derived nicotine present emerging health risks. All year long, Nancy Sayegh-Rooney, RN, ONN-CG, CTTS, promotes awareness of the risks of using tobacco products as well as the importance of lung screenings for those at high risk of COPD or lung cancer. Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, on this episode, Nancy discusses RUMC’s tobacco cessation program and how smokers can kick their addiction for good.