RUMC Connections

On this episode of RUMC Connections, host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by general and bariatric surgeon, Dr. Michael Zemaitis to talk about a condition millions of people have heard of, bus surprisingly few understand: hernias.  You’ve probably heard someone say, “I think I have a hernia,” or maybe you’ve seen stories online about people living with one for years. But what exactly is a hernia? When should you be worried? And has surgery evolved beyond the scary images many people still have in mind? Dr. Zemaitis separates fact from fiction about hernias and explains why modern hernia repair is very different from what many people imagine.

When we think about our health, we often focus on the choices we make today. But our health story actually begins long before we’re born. Family history and genetics can play a powerful role in everything from pregnancy and child development to cancer risk and lifelong wellness. On this episode of RUMC Connections, we’re diving into a topic that impacts nearly every family, but one that many people know very little about: genetic counseling. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by genetic counselor, Sylvia Wasserman to discuss all of this. Sylvia works with individuals and families at RUMC to better understand inherited health conditions, genetic testing, pregnancy-related concerns, and family health risks. Whether you’re thinking about starting a family, expecting a child, concerned about a family history or cancer, or simply curious about what your genes can tell you about your health, genetic counseling can provide valuable answers and guidance.

On this episode, we’re talking about a subject that’s relevant to nearly every family: adolescent girls’ health. From puberty and periods to mental health and preventative care, the teenage years bring tremendous physical and emotional changes. Knowing what’s normal, when to seek help, and how to build healthy habits early can make all the difference. Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Dr. Ana Mendez, who has served the Staten Island community for nearly three decades. Dr. Mendez is the Chief of Ambulatory Pediatrics and a faculty member in the Pediatrics Department at RUMC.

On this episode we’re talking about something that affects every single one of us – aging. And more importantly, how to do it well. Most people think aging is about treating one condition at a time. But what if the real risk isn’t any one disease – it’s how everything interacts? Host, Meredith Gaskins, is joined by Dr. Aaron Gottesman, who is leading a brand new geriatric care program right here on Staten Island at Richmond Health Network’s newest site; the New Springville Center for Family Health & Specialty Services, located at the Staten Island Mall.As people age, they’re not just dealing with one issue – it’s often a combination of chronic conditions, changes in mobility and cognition, and evolving social and emotional needs.So today we’re breaking down:• What a geriatrician actually does• How it’s different from a primary care physician• And how to know when it’s time for you – or a loved one – to see one

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. But what happens after the emergency? What does stroke treatment really look like behind the hospital doors? And what should patients and families realistically expect during recovery?Chief of department of Neurology, medical director of RUMC stroke, and immediate past president of New York State Neurological Society, Dr. Allan Perel, joins host, Meredith Gaskins, again to walk us through what happens minute by minute during a stroke, how fast treatment can make a life-changing difference, and what recovery truly looks like – from rehabilitation to regaining independence. At RUMC, patients also have access to the only stroke support group on Staten Island, which brings survivors and caregivers together to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another through recovery.This is an essential conversation for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to be prepared – because when it comes to stroke, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

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, the early signs are missed or dismissed.At Richmond University Medical Center, patients have access to advanced, rapid-response stroke care, specialized neurology teams, and lifesaving treatments designed to protect the brain when every minute counts.Joining host, Meredith Gaskins, is chief of the department of Neurology and the medical director of RUMC’s stroke center, Dr. Allan Perel. Dr. Perel is also the immediate past president of the New York State Neurological Society. He’s here to help us understand the strokes you don’t see coming – what symptoms people ignore, why age doesn’t always protect us, and what everyone should know to act quickly and protect their brain health.This is a conversation you’ll want to hear – and share.

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 breaks down the key habits that support lifelong brain function, including nutrition, movement, social interaction, sleep, and mental stimulation. We also explore the factors that can negatively impact our brain over time and discuss the early signs of cognitive impairment that families should look out for. Whether you’re looking to boost your own brain health or support a loved one, this episode offers practical guidance, compassionate insights, and clear steps for staying mentally strong at every age. Tune in to learn how to stay sharp, stay connected, and age well – from the inside out.

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 also explore Dr. Nfonoyim’s personal journey, which is an inspiring one – from a seminary-style boarding school in Cameroon to leading one of New York’s busiest ICUs and what it really takes to lead a team where every second counts.

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 Center for Sleep & Neurodiagnostic Studies. Located on RUMC’s main campus, the center features four private, bedroom style rooms. Three are dedicated to sleep studies, and one is equipped for continuous video EEG monitoring, which records brain activity and movement at the same time. The design is intentionally cozy – soft lighting, comfortable bedding, and quiet surroundings. But behind the soothing atmosphere lies cutting-edge diagnostic technology that helps clinicians better understand what happens to the body and brain during sleep. The center offers a comprehensive range of studies for both adults and children which we’ll learn more about on this episode.