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.

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.