Best UConn Health Podcasts (2026)

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Healthy Rounds 11-22-25 45:12

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2M ago45:12

45:12

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Kevin Felice, the medical director of research at the Hospital for Special Care’s neuromuscular center, for a deep dive into neuromuscular diseases and how treatment and patient care have evolved. They break down conditions like myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), highlighting what these…

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Introducing "Healthy Rounds With Dr. Anthony Alessi" at UConn Health 1:10

2M ago1:10

1:10

Coming January 2026 Healthy Rounds covers a range of topics, including new medical technologies and treatments, research, disease prevention. Its host, Dr. Anthony Alessi, also shares insights on current developments in health care policy, emphasizing the importance of being an informed patient, understanding preventive measures, and taking control…

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Healthy Rounds 11-8-2025 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Jim O’Dea, senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network and a clinical psychologist. Together, they discuss the current state of mental health in the United States, taking a broad, global view of mental health and how care is delivered nationwide.

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Healthy Rounds 10-25-25 43:52

3M ago43:52

43:52

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Marc Eisen, an MD, PhD, and ear, nose, and throat surgeon who specializes in neurotology, and the Principal at The Ear Specialty Group of Connecticut. Together, they explore the topic of dizziness and vertigo, what it truly means to feel dizzy, how physicians diagnose the underlying causes, and the latest treatments and proc…

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Healthy Rounds 10-18-25 45:29

3M ago45:29

45:29

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Tanya Bilchik of Yale Medicine for an in depth conversation about headaches. Together, they explore the different types of headaches, what causes them, common symptoms to watch for, and the latest treatment options. They also take a closer look at migraine headaches, what sets them apart and how they can best be managed.…

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Healthy Rounds 10-11-25 46:23

3M ago46:23

46:23

Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Niamey Wilson on breast cancer. Dr. Wilson, head of the breast surgery division and director of breast surgery research and quality at Hartford HealthCare, helps clear up confusion surrounding breast cancer, including prevention and treatment options.

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Healthy Rounds 10-4-25 44:41

3M ago44:41

44:41

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Daniel Condit, a pulmonologist at St. Francis Hospital, to discuss pneumonia, its different types, causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical care. He also speaks with Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford, founder and medical director of The Ratchford Eye Center, about common eye conditions, their diagnosis and treatment, and the differe…

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Healthy Rounds 9-27-25 43:41

4M ago43:41

43:41

Dr. Lenora Williams along with Dr Pamela Ohri-Zizzamia talk with Dr Alessi about various aspects of health and care.

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Healthy Rounds 9-20-25 44:20

4M ago44:20

44:20

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Cory Edgar, associate professor of orthopedic surgery and co-director of the Institute of Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut, to discuss throwing, stem cells, and biologics in orthopedic surgery, examining what actually works and what doesn’t. He also reflects on the recent rise in West Nile virus cases, explor…

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Healthy Rounds 9-13-25 44:15

4M ago44:15

44:15

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. David Banach, an infectious disease specialist and head of UConn’s Infection Prevention Program, to discuss infectious diseases and their impact, including COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, as well as vaccination recommendations for Connecticut. Dr. Alessi also discusses an article he recently came across that encourages a new bab…

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Healthy Rounds 8-23-25 45:08

5M ago45:08

45:08

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Gromisch, a PHD neuropsychologist at the Mandel Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care at Mount Sinai Rehab Hospital, to discuss neuropsychology and its role in treating patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as managing aging and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Alessi also highlights the importance of v…

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What to Watch for With Ticks, and When 14:56

5M ago14:56

14:56

Ticks can be active whenever the temperature is above 40 degrees, meaning the tick-borne illness is more than a seasonal worry limited to a portion of the summer. And Connecticut is seeing more types of ticks, and more than just Lyme disease. Dr. Kevin Dieckhaus, chief of UConn Health's Division of Infectious Diseases, explains all this, plus how t…

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Healthy Rounds 8-9-25 44:20

5M ago44:20

44:20

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Stephanie Alessi LaRosa, director of Sports Neurology at Hartford Healthcare, for a timely discussion on sports related brain injuries ahead of the scholastic sports season. They cover the Sports Neurology program at Hartford Healthcare and strategies to help protect children and grandchildren involved in high impact sports.…

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Skin Cancer Risk: Spray Away? 14:49

5M ago14:49

14:49

“There’s no such thing as a healthy tan.” While we may be coming around on that idea, are we getting distracted by potential reasons not to use sunscreen? Are there ingredients in sunscreens that are toxic to us, or to the ocean’s ecosystem? What about those spray sunscreens? Dr. Jenna Kelsey, UConn Health dermatologist, joins to help weigh the ris…

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Examining Energy Drinks 14:33

6M ago14:33

14:33

They come in all kinds of colors, flavors, sizes, and prices — products claiming to deliver a burst of energy to wake you up, keep you going, or give you that needed jolt. Are they more than just high doses of caffeine and sugar? What are we actually drinking? Do we really need them? Are there healthy (or healthier) alternatives? UConn Health regis…

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Healthy Rounds 6-28-25 45:19

7M ago45:19

45:19

Dr. Alessi welcomes Leah Moon, cofounder and board member of Autism Families CONNECTicut, to talk about the organization, what’s currently happening, and the programs they’ve developed to support families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. He is also joined by Dr. Srimathi Manickaratnam, a nephrologist at the University of Connecticut, to disc…

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Angst Over Additives in Our Food 14:10

7M ago14:10

14:10

As the push to ban certain food dyes gains momentum, what should we know about them, and about other additives in our food supply? What are the potential consequences of ingredients that are not naturally occurring? How do we know what to believe and what conclusions to draw? Dr. Rebecca Andrews, UConn Health primary care physician whose roles incl…

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Healthy Rounds 6-21-25 45:14

7M ago45:14

45:14

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Asher R. Qureshi, a pulmonologist specializing in sleep disorders at Trinity Health of New England and the Director of Sleep Disorders at St. Francis Hospital. Together, they discuss a range of sleep related issues, with a focus on sleep apnea, available treatments and devices, and the importance of addressing symptoms s…

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Healthy Rounds 6-7-25 44:14

7M ago44:14

44:14

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford, an ophthalmic surgeon and founder of the Ratchford Eye Center, to discuss dry eye syndrome, its symptoms, how common it truly is, and the latest treatment options. They also talk about the long term effects of sun damage on the eyes and the importance of UV protection. Dr. Alessi also welcomes Dr. Hsung …

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Measles and Vexing Vaccines (Including COVID) 15:25

7M ago15:25

15:25

Vaccines are considered by more than a few scientific experts to be among the most significant developments in modern medicine. Now, it’s hard to know what to believe about vaccinations. The resurgence of measles, effectively eradicated in the U.S. 25 years ago, is one indication that in some pockets of our country, is one indication of doubt in va…

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Healthy Rounds 5-24-25 43:45

8M ago43:45

43:45

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. David Grew, a radiation oncologist from Trinity Health of New England at St. Francis Hospital, to discuss prostate cancer and the use of CyberKnife treatments. He also speaks with Dr. David Kruger, an orthopedic spine surgeon from Advanced Orthopedics New England at St. Francis Hospital, about spine surgery, common condition…

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Healthy Rounds 5-10-25 45:50

8M ago45:50

45:50

Dr. Alessi discusses endometriosis and women’s health issues with Dr. Danielle Luciano. A professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Connecticut, Dr. Luciano highlights the critical role of reproductive healthcare and the importance of her field. Together, they explore key topics in women's health and the impact of gynecological ca…

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Spray Away Severe Depression 14:49

8M ago14:49

14:49

When severe depression becomes treatment-resistant depression, an unconventional medication is proving to be effective. It’s a specific form of ketamine that is administered by nasal spray in a supervised clinical setting, approved by the FDA for this purpose. Dr. Caleb Battersby, director of interventional psychiatry at UConn Health, explains how …

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Healthy Rounds 5-3-25 43:55

8M ago43:55

43:55

Dr. Alessi discusses headaches with Dr. Tanya Bilchik, a neurologist and headache specialist at Yale Hospital. They explore the evolving field of headache treatments, focusing on migraines, available therapies, and devices designed to alleviate pain. Dr. Alessi also addresses the rise in influenza related deaths among children, emphasizing the impo…

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Healthy Rounds 4-26-25 43:01

9M ago43:01

43:01

Dr. Alessi discusses infectious diseases with Dr. Michael Rajkumar. Dr. Rajkumar, a specialist at Hartford Healthcare, explains the science behind infectious diseases, their impact on our daily life, and ways to stay safe and healthy. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of student visas for those studying medicine abroad and expresses concern…

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Healthy Rounds 4-19-25 45:30

9M ago45:30

45:30

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Jonathan Lis, a Primary Care Physician at Active Health, for a discussion on preventive medicine and its role in helping people live longer, healthier lives. They explore the definition of primary care, what’s happening in the field, and ways to improve the healthcare system. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of …

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Healthy Rounds 4-12-25 45:58

9M ago45:58

45:58

Dr. Alessi discusses epilepsy with Dr. Lisa Knopf, Associate Director of Epilepsy Surgery at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute at Hartford HealthCare. They talk about the history of epilepsy, current treatments, and the role of surgery in managing the condition. Dr. Alessi also addresses the recent measles outbreak, emphasizing the importance of vacc…

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Attacking Endometriosis With Awareness and Research 14:57

10M ago14:57

14:57

Treatable but not curable, endometriosis affects one in 10 women and girls of reproductive age. But it's not all that well understood and recognized, and can go undetected, leading to years of avoidable suffering and causing time away from school, work, and other activities. UConn Health is part of a collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory for Ge…

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Fluoride Flak: Dental Experts Weigh In 14:38

11M ago14:38

14:38

Many of us have been told for most of our lives that fluoride is greatly beneficial to our health. So how did we get from fluoride in the public water supply being one of history’s great public health achievements to it standing trial in the court of public opinion? We invite Drs. Bina Katechia and Aadarsh Gopalakrishna from the UConn School of Den…

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Healthy Rounds 2-22-25 43:06

11M ago43:06

43:06

Dr. Alessi discusses LDL cholesterol, its risks, and ways to lower it, highlighting advancements in Electron Microscopy, specifically Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which helps track cholesterol formation and deposition. He also revisits last week’s topic on global threats, including pandemics like bird flu, emphasizing the importance of vaccinatio…

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Healthy Rounds 2-15-25 43:43

11M ago43:43

43:43

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr David Banach to discuss infectious diseases including bird flu.

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Healthy Rounds 2-8-25 42:50

11M ago42:50

42:50

Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Joy Antonelle de Marcaida about a new treatment for tremor

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Healthy Rounds 2-1-25 43:14

11M ago43:14

43:14

Dr. Alessi highlights February as Heart Healthy Month, discussing the history of antibiotics, a University of Michigan study on exercise and cancer treatment, and the importance of physical activity for better health outcomes. He also addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical research. Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a cardiac surgeon at Trinity H…

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Healthy Rounds 1-18-25 42:35

12M ago42:35

42:35

Dr. Alessi begins by expressing gratitude to his listeners and discussing topics such as the history of forensic medicine, the impact of Polio, and the development of its vaccine. He welcomes Dr. Charles Cavo, Chief Medical Officer at Pounds Transformation in West Hartford, to discuss health and nutrition, including healthy eating habits, the evolu…

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Healthy Rounds 12-28-24 43:13

1y ago43:13

43:13

Dr. Alessi discusses X-rays and their medical applications, reflects on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and addresses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He welcomes Dr. Dina Al Rameni, a cardiac surgeon at Hartford Healthcare, who performed Connecticut's first beating heart transplant. Together, they explore her career journey, the history an…

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Expertise in Treating Advanced Melanoma 14:39

1y ago14:39

14:39

The deadliest form of skin cancer is even deadlier when it spreads beyond the skin. When simply cutting out the cancerous skin is not enough, melanoma goes from a dermatology matter to an oncology matter. Dr. Margaret Callahan is a medical oncologist and Dr. Giao Phan is a surgical oncologist. Together they lead UConn Health's advanced melanoma pro…

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Healthy Rounds 12-21-24 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

Dr. Alessi delves into a range of health topics, stressing the importance of addressing cardiac conditions and the growing concern over rising medication costs in the United States, particularly for treatments like those for multiple sclerosis. He advocates for better management of medication affordability. Additionally, he discusses peripheral neu…

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Healthy Rounds 12-14-24 43:53

1y ago43:53

43:53

Dr. Alessi discusses men's health and the impact of noisy work environments on hearing, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating hearing loss, including the use of hearing aids and proactive measures. He also interviews Father Rick Frechette, a West Hartford native and Catholic priest who has been living and working in Haiti since 1987…

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Healthy Rounds 12-7-24 44:52

1y ago44:52

44:52

Dr. Alessi discusses cancer blood tests, with a focus on the Galleri test and its procedure. He also addresses the recent controversy surrounding Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policies on anesthesia coverage for patients in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Cherish Smith, director of The Memory Care Center at…

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Healthy Rounds 11-23-24 44:18

1y ago44:18

44:18

Dr. Alessi shares highlights from his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, offering insights into their healthcare system. He also welcomes Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford from The Ratchford Eye Center for a discussion on eye health, including common conditions affecting the elderly, as well as floaters and strabismus.…

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Retraining the Brain With Neurosurgical Breakthrough 15:02

1y ago15:02

15:02

An emerging approach to stroke recovery involves an outpatient neurosurgical procedure that implants a device capable of stimulating a nerve found to be central to the brain's ability to learn. Dr. Christopher Conner in UConn Health's Brain and Spine Institute is the first neurosurgeon in Connecticut to implant this device, which can make the brain…

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Healthy Rounds 11-9-24 45:05

1y ago45:05

45:05

Dr. Alessi discusses a variety of topics, including how elections influence public health, the science behind behavior change, and practical health tips, such as the FDA’s guidance on expired COVID tests. He also examines the recent update allowing Apple AirPods to function as hearing aids and shares some intriguing facts about Ozempic. Additionall…

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Healthy Rounds 11-2-24 44:26

1y ago44:26

44:26

Dr. Alessi discusses Daylight Savings Time and argues for its elimination due to its negative health effects. He also addresses Medicare Open Enrollment, outlining its benefits and providing recommendations for selecting the best plan for your needs.Additionally, he speaks with Dr. Michael E. Joyce, President and CEO of the Lighthouse Surgery Cente…

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Healthy Rounds 10-26-24 42:44

1y ago42:44

42:44

Dr. Alessi covers several important health and safety topics, including the E. coli outbreak at McDonald's, emphasizing the need for food safety inspections. He also discusses varying helmet laws across states and addresses the implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements for student athletes, particularly regarding health products th…

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Healthy Rounds 10-12-24 43:09

1+ y ago43:09

43:09

Dr. Alessi reflects on his 15th anniversary of hosting Healthy Rounds on WTIC 1080, sharing insights into the origins of the show and how it came to be. He also speaks with Dr. Kapil Meleveedu, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Blood and Marrow Transplantation at UConn Health Center, about the intricacies of bone marrow transplants an…

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UConn Health's Excellence in Huntington's Disease Care 15:27

1+ y ago15:27

15:27

It takes expertise across many specialties to earn a designation as a Center of Excellence from the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. UConn Health has earned that designation. From UConn Health's Huntington’s Disease Program, Dr. Shakaib Khan, medical director, and nurse practitioner Robin Zingales-Browne describe what goes into providing ca…

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Healthy Rounds 9-28-24 45:10

1+ y ago45:10

45:10

Dr Alessi chats with Dr Kapil Meleveedu about cancers affecting the blood cells

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Fall and Winter Respiratory Ailments Await 15:11

1+ y ago15:11

15:11

Whether it's cold or flu, COVID or RSV, get ready for what seems like a growing number of respiratory illnesses this fall and winter. How do we recognize them, how do we react to symptoms, how do we treat them, and how can we reduce their likelihood in the first place? We ask UConn Health infectious diseases experts Nancy Dupont and Dr. David Banac…