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Articles by Jennifer Walker
UConn Athletics and UConn Health Announce Partnership
UConn Athletics today announced a significant expansion of its longstanding partnership with the University of Connecticut’s health system, UConn Health. Beginning with the 2026-27 season, the agreement will place the UConn Health logo on the home and away uniforms of UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball – a first for UConn and among the largest integrated sponsorships in program history.
UConn Health Launches Cutting-Edge CAR-T Cell Therapy Program
UConn Health has reached a major milestone in cancer care with the launch of its CAR-T cell therapy program, making the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center the first program to bring this advanced cancer treatment to patients in the Hartford County area. The program establishes UConn Health as an accredited treatment center for CAR-T cell therapy, joining Yale as one of only two centers in the state offering the innovative treatment.
When Every Minute Matters: Surviving an Aortic Dissection
Tony LaMark was feeding his cats and talking on the phone with a friend when an ordinary day suddenly took a frightening turn. After ending the call, LaMark walked over to his dining room table to organize some paperwork. Without warning, he became sweaty and clammy. “It happened immediately,” LaMark recalls. “I just knew something wasn’t right.” At first, he wondered whether he was coming down with the flu.
What You Need to Know about the Flu, COVID, and RSV Season
Winter and cooler weather will soon arrive, and so will the annual viruses that come with it, flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations COVID-19, flu and RSV. Dr. David Banach, infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at UConn Health, explains the various vaccines that will be available this season.
Ketone supplement trial tests whether it can slow aging in older adults
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain For Judy Donnelly, participating in a UConn Health research study meant driving from Windham to Farmington, drinking four packets of a supplement each day and undergoing a comprehensive series of tests designed to measure everything from her strength and body composition to her cognitive function. She also happened to have a hip replacement in the middle of the 20-week study. By the time she finished, Donnelly was leg pressing 203 pounds (92 kilograms).
Fact vs. Fiction: Separating the Myths from the Science Behind GLP-1 Medications
Few medications have generated as much conversationand as much misinformationas GLP-1 medications. Originally developed to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar, medications such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro® have quickly become household names as highly effective treatments for obesity. Their popularity has sparked countless headlines, celebrity endorsements, viral TikTok videos, and endless online debates. Along with the excitement has come confusion. Are they safe?
UConn Health Recognized as High Performer for Inclusive Care
UConn Health has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare organizations on policies and practices that support equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.
Women's Center for Motion & Performance Helps Patient Find Relief After Years of Knee Pain
For more than two years after a serious car accident, Katie Ralston did everything she was told. She attended physical therapy, strengthened the muscles around her injured knee, waited for it to heal, and sought care from multiple orthopedic specialists. Yet despite her efforts, the pain never truly went away. Katie Ralston and her son Tyler (Photo provided by Katie Ralston) “I could walk around work, so from the outside I looked fine,” Ralston recalled. “But I couldn’t run anymore.
From Employee to Volunteer to Survivor: Carol Continues to Brighten Lives at UConn Health
During National Cancer Survivor Month, UConn Health is celebrating the thousands of individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer and whose stories reflect courage, resilience, and hope. Dr. Melissa Henretta, Gynecologic Oncology Division director and chief quality officer at UConn Health, who shared insights on compassionate cancer care and survivorship.
'Tanmaxxing' and the Pursuit of the Perfect Tan
As summer begins, a new social media trend called “tanmaxxing” is gaining popularity among teens and young adults. The trend encourages people to seek out peak ultraviolet (UV) exposure in hopes of achieving a darker tan often while minimizing or avoiding sunscreen. For dermatologists, it’s a concerning reminder that despite decades of education about skin cancer prevention, the appeal of tanned skin remains deeply ingrained in popular culture.
A Special Mission
For Dr. Chris Conner, director of Functional Neurosurgery at UConn Health, a recent medical mission to Peru was about more than providing life-changing neurosurgical care to underserved patients. It was also an opportunity to share a meaningful professional milestone with someone who inspired his own path in medicine – his father.
UConn Health Celebrates Grand Opening of Expanded Torrington Location
UConn Health officially celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Torrington office at 507 East Main Street marking an important milestone in its commitment to providing convenient access to comprehensive healthcare services for residents of Northwest Connecticut.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Conner Honored as 2026 CHA Healthcare Hero
When it comes to advancing neurological care, few physicians embody innovation, leadership, and service as completely as Dr. Christopher Conner, neurosurgeon, UConn Health. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to patient care and his commitment to improving lives both in Connecticut and around the world, Conner has been named a 2026 Healthcare Hero by the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA).
Rare Cancer Diagnosis Leads to Remarkable Recovery for 86-Year-Old UConn Health Patient - UConn Today
Just a few months ago, Richard Casciano Sr. was in constant pain, losing weight rapidly, and struggling to walk. Today, the 86-year-old is back to doing what he loves, socializing with friends, planning future travel, and even talking about golfing and deep-sea fishing. His remarkable turnaround began with a visit to UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s Emergency Department, where what initially appeared to be chest and back pain led physicians to discover one of the rarest forms of multiple myeloma.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital Named Among Newsweek's America's Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care
UConn John Dempsey Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized Care in Pulmonology for 2026, earning national recognition for the quality of care it provides to patients across Connecticut. Newsweek’s rankings are based on hospital quality metrics, a nationwide survey of healthcare professionals, patient experience data, and results from Statista’s Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Implementation Survey.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital Named a 2026 Best Maternity Hospital by Newsweek
Expectant families across Connecticut continue to turn to UConn John Dempsey Hospital for expert, compassionate maternity care a commitment now being recognized nationally. UConn John Dempsey Hospital has been named one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2026 and is the only hospital in Hartford County to receive the publication’s highest distinction of five blue ribbons.
Continuing education for hoof trimming professionals
Participants of the Kinder Hoof Care Academy practice hoof trimming at a course in California. Image provided by Jennifer Walker. Steve Vai, who many consider to be one of the world’s best guitar players, explained that the key to mastery is to have a passion for music and a desire to improve, and the desire to improve includes playing with others because it is essential to growth. How many of us truly practice in a way that challenges us to elevate our skill set?
Think You’re Allergic to Penicillin? You May Want to Think Again
Many people have been told at some point in their lives that they are allergic to penicillin. But according to infectious disease experts at UConn Health, most patients carrying that label may not actually have a true allergy at all, and that misunderstanding could have significant consequences for both individual patients and public health. Jessica Abrantes-Figueiredo, MD, infectious disease physician at UConn Health.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital Only Hospital in Connecticut to Earn National Patient Experience Award
UConn John Dempsey Hospital has been named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades, placing the hospital among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience and making it the only hospital in Connecticut to receive the distinction this year. The award recognizes hospitals that excel in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while earning high marks from patients on their overall hospital experience.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health – OB/GYN - UConn Today
Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice. Skip to content May 15, 2026 May 15, 2026 | Jennifer Walker WFSB surprised the OB/GYN team as part of Healthcare Week celebrations.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health - Short Stay Unit CT7
Members of the CT 7 Short Stay unit with WFSB personality Renee DiNino celebrating Healthcare Week Today we stopped by the Short Stay Unit on CT 7 with WFSB to surprise the team for UConn Health Healthcare Hero week and bring some treats and giveways from Dunkin’ as a small token of our appreciation for all they do every day. Check out the clips below… and stay tuned to see where we end up for our final day tomorrow.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health- Pharmacy
The UConn Health Pharmacy Team with Dr. Andy and Renee DiNino from WFSB. Another fun day was spent celebrating our UConn Health healthcare heroes during Healthcare Week with special surprise segments on WFSB’s Great Day CT. Today we were joined by a special guest- Dr. Andy Aqwunobi who stopped by to thank the Pharmacy team when we surprised them a with sweet treats and giveaways from Dunkin’ and plenty of appreciation for all they do.
UConn Health Physicians Ranked Among the Nation’s Best in 2026 “Top Doctors” List
UConn Health physicians continue to be recognized among the best in the nation, with 60 physicians named to the 2026 “Top Doctors” list published in the May edition of Connecticut Magazine. Representing a wide range of specialties, the honored physicians were selected through a rigorous peer-review process conducted in collaboration with Castle Connolly, a leading independent healthcare research organization.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health- Cardiology
Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice. Skip to content May 12, 2026 May 12, 2026 | Jennifer Walker WFSB surprised the Cardiology team at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center as part of Healthcare Week celebrations.
Celebrating Healthcare Week at UConn Health
This week is Healthcare Week, and we’re celebrating UConn Health healthcare heroes all week long with special surprise segments on WFSB’s Great Day CT. On Monday, May 11, we surprised the Comprehensive Spine team at the UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute with sweet treats from Dunkin’ and plenty of appreciation for all they do. Check out the clips below and stay tuned to see where will we pop up next?
UConn Health Strengthens Perinatal Mental Health Care for Connecticut Families
May marks Perinatal Mental Health Month, a national effort to raise awareness about mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period and, in Connecticut, a formally recognized observance following the passage of “An Act Concerning Maternal Health,” signed by Governor Ned Lamont in 2025. This time in a person’s life is both transformative and vulnerable. Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting approximately 1 in 5 individuals.
Raising the Bar Again
Earning top marks for patient safety once is notable. Doing it 11 consecutive times is something else entirely. UConn John Dempsey Hospital has again received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, extending its streak to 11 straight grading cycles and placing it among a select group of hospitals nationwide to achieve sustained excellence in patient safety. Maintaining that level of performance over time is no small feat.
UConn Health Reaches New Multi-Year Agreement with Cigna Ensuring Continued Access to Care - UConn Today
UConn Health has reached a new multi-year agreement with Cigna following months of constructive negotiations. The agreement recognizes the quality and value of care UConn Health provides to its patients and the people of Connecticut. There will be no interruption in coverage, and Cigna members can continue to see their trusted UConn Health providers and seek care at John Dempsey Hospital, as they normally would.
National Infertility Week - Genetic Counseling
UConn Health Genetic Counselors Olivia RIccio and Brittany Gancarz with WFSB personalities Caitlin Francis and Scot Haney (Photo credit: Jennifer Walker Wrapping up our week-long series on WFSB’s Great Day at 9a for National Infertility Awareness Week, UConn Health genetic counselors, Brittany Gancarz and Olivia Riccio discuss how genetic counseling can help families get answers about infertility.
National Infertility Week- Maternal Fetal Medicine
Midway through our week-long series on WFSB’s Great Day at 9a for National Infertility Awareness Week, UConn Health OB/GYN Dr. Elizabeth Morgan highlights the role of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and how this specialized care supports patients both before and during pregnancy.
National Infertility Week- PCOS and Weight Management
As part of a week-long series on WFSB’s Great Day at 9a for National Infertility Awareness Week, UConn Health OB/GYN Dr. Jason Schneider discusses a common condition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as well as the role weight management can play in infertility.
Health & Well-Being
Massive Eye Drop Recall Reflects Ongoing Issues with Manufacturing and FDA Inspections The Power of Academic Medicine: Multidisciplinary Team Saves Young Man with Rare, Aggressive Cancer ‘Healthy Rounds’: Inquiring About Quality, Patient Safety Soaking Up the Sun to Provide Clean Water UConn Health Team Navigates Rare Pregnancy Condition to Deliver Healthy Baby ‘Healthy Rounds’: Dealing With Dementia A Commitment to Students’ Well-being is Focus of Symposium Popular Anti-Aging Compound Causes...
The Power of Academic Medicine: Multidisciplinary Team Saves Young Man with Rare, Aggressive Cancer
Just weeks before his life changed, Sebastian Sanchez was doing everything right. At 23, he was active, health-conscious, and working long hours in a kitchen where he had just begun to discover a passion for cooking. His days were structured around work, workouts, and routine. Then, in early December 2023, his body sent a signal he couldn’t ignore. What felt like a cold quickly escalated into relentless nausea, vomiting, and crushing fatigue. Sleep offered no relief.
UConn Health Team Navigates Rare Pregnancy Condition to Deliver Healthy Baby
For Andrea Garfield, the moment she learned she was pregnant will always be tied to another profound life event. “I found out the day of my grandmother’s funeral,” she recalls. “It was very bittersweet.” At 34, Garfield entered her first pregnancy expecting a typical journey: routine appointments, growing excitement, and the milestones so often portrayed as joyful and seamless.
Connecticut Launches New Era for Community Hospital Care Original
Marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and attended by Governor Ned Lamont, state legislators, Waterbury officials, and community leaders, UConn Health celebrated the acquisition of Waterbury Hospital which as of today is now the UConn Health Waterbury Hospital. “This is a defining moment for healthcare in Connecticut,” said Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health Community Network.
UConn Health’s Rapid, Coordinated Care Saves Woman with Ultra-Rare Blood Cancer
When Chris Callasky called her husband one afternoon in July 2024, she sounded frightened and confused. She was sitting in her car and couldn’t figure out how to put it in park. For weeks, the 66-year-old had been experiencing unsettling lapses. She forgot PIN numbers. Used the wrong credit cards. Repeated herself. At times, she couldn’t remember how to roll down a car window. Friends noticed changes, too. At the pool, Chris seemed “spacey.” Her walking looked off.
Waterbury Hospital Joins UConn Health Community Network, Strengthening Care for the Community - UConn Today
Effective March 1, 2026, Waterbury Hospital has officially transitioned to UConn Health Waterbury Hospital as part of the UConn Health Community Network. This transition follows months of planning and collaboration with state leaders and community partners to ensure the Waterbury community has access to award-winning care close to home. “It is our privilege to welcome Waterbury Hospital into the UConn Health Community Network,” says Andrew Agwunobi, M.D., CEO of the UConn Health Community Network.
UConn’s Play4Kay Partnership with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Grows from Game Day to Lasting Impact
What began nearly two decades ago as a shared commitment on the basketball court has grown into something far deeper. Today, UConn’s partnership with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund reflects a broad, coordinated approach to fighting cancer, one that brings together education, access to care, and community support for women affected by the disease. Staff and Patients of the UConn Health Cancer Center with Sarah Womack from Kay Yow Cancer Fund accepting grant check.
Stopping Heart Disease Before It Starts
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but for many patients, the first warning sign doesn’t have to be a heart attack. At UConn Health, preventive cardiology is redefining what heart care looks like – shifting the focus away from emergency interventions and toward identifying cardiovascular risk early, often years or even decades before symptoms appear.
Cancer Awareness Takes the Court at Coaches vs. Cancer Game
On a Saturday afternoon when the focus was on fast breaks and three-pointers, cancer awareness quietly took center stage. As thousands of fans filled the People’s Bank Arena in Hartford on Saturday, January 24 to watch the UConn men’s basketball team take on Villanova for an exciting overtime win, few arrived expecting to think about their own health. But thanks to UConn Health’s continued partnership with UConn Athletics, the annual Coaches vs.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence
Each year, UConn John Dempsey Hospital celebrates the people who make exceptional care possible, those whose dedication, leadership, and compassion elevate the experience of patients and colleagues alike. The Annual Awards of Excellence, sponsored by the hospital’s Medical Staff, recognize individuals whose extraordinary contributions strengthen UConn Health’s clinical operations and set the standard for excellence.
Beyond Hot Flashes: Rethinking Menopause and Midlife Health
For many women, midlife health changes can feel sudden, confusing, and deeply personal. Weight gain despite “doing everything right.” Sleepless nights that stretch into exhausting days. Brain fog, aching joints, and an overwhelming sense of depleted energy. Mahima Gulati, MD, endocrinologist at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health) “These symptoms are real,” says Dr. Mahima Gulati, an endocrinologist at UConn Health and a leader in lifestyle medicine.
UConn John Dempsey Hospital Implements Postpartum Bracelet Initiative
UConn John Dempsey Hospital is participating in the Connecticut Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Bracelet Initiative, a statewide effort to reduce preventable pregnancy-related complications and save lives. As part of this program, postpartum patients at UConn John Dempsey Hospital will receive an orange bracelet before leaving the hospital.
UConn Health Cancer Center Named State Partner in Comprehensive Cancer Control Program - UConn Today
UConn Health’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center has been named a partner with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) in the state’s statewide cancer coalition the Connecticut Cancer Partnership (CCP), recognizing UConn Health’s leadership in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
EndoRISE Fall Forum unites leaders to advance innovation in endometriosis research and care
Scientific innovation and collaboration were central themes at the 2025 EndoRISE Fall Forum, hosted by The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) on Monday. The statewide event, dedicated to advancing awareness, advocacy, and innovation in endometriosis research and care, was held at JAX’s Farmington, Conn. campus and streamed virtually to participants worldwide.
UConn Health’s Comprehensive Spine Center Achieves Prestigious Blue Distinction® Center+ Status
UConn Health’s Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine teams have earned the 2025 Blue Distinction® Center+ (BDC+) designation for Spine Surgery, a national recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield plans awarded to hospitals that deliver high-quality, effective, and patient-centered spine care.
Precision Technology and Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Care at UConn Health
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, making early detection, timely intervention, and multidisciplinary care critical. At UConn Health, a dedicated team of pulmonologists, radiologists, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, nurse navigators, and supportive specialists work together to provide coordinated, compassionate care for every patient—from initial screening through treatment and survivorship.
Grateful Patient Finds Strength and Support Through UConn Health’s ALS Program - UConn Today
When Cheryl Cook found herself tripping on sidewalks and hearing from others that she seemed to be limping, she knew something was off. Though she had recently had foot surgery, her recovery seemed to be going well—her X-rays showed nothing unusual, and physical therapy offered no relief. “I did every test—spinal tap, MRIs, blood work—you name it,” said Cook, a retired attorney and longtime community leader in Simsbury.
Read to Grow Books for Babies Launches at UConn Health Original
UConn John Dempsey Hospital is now participating in Read to Grow’s Books for Babies program, which provides families of newborns with a free book and vital early literacy resources before they even leave the hospital. On November 6, Read to Grow officially launched the program in UConn Health’s labor and delivery unit, celebrating a partnership designed to give every baby born here a strong start in life through the power of reading, singing, and talking from day one.
UConn Health’s Myasthenia Gravis Program: Giving Patients their Life Back - UConn Today
At UConn Health’s Neuromuscular Center, patients living with myasthenia gravis (MG) find more than just expert care; they find renewed strength, understanding, and hope. MG is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, blocking the signals that allow movement. This disruption leads to muscle weakness that can appear suddenly and fluctuate throughout the day.
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