Brad Biskup, physician assistant from UConn Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Program, leads a walking group every Wednesday at noon.
Author: Chris DeFrancesco
West Road Open to 2-way Traffic Dec. 7
On Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 a.m., West Road will transition to two-way traffic from the Academic Building Entrance intersection to Main Road.
- The transition will open the entire length of West Road to two-way traffic beginning at the Munson/Middle Road campus entrance. Drivers entering the UConn Health campus at the Munson/Middle Road entrance will be able to reach Main Road by taking a left onto West Road.
- Traffic from Parking Lots A, B, D, K located at the Academic Building entrance will be able to turn right onto West Road.
- Traffic will be able to turn left or right onto Main Road from West Road.
- Stop signs will be in place on West Road at the Academic Building entrance and the Main Road intersection.
- When parking on West Road, your vehicle must be facing in the same direction as the traffic lane.
Please adhere to the 15 mph speed limit and use extra caution in this area as we all become familiar with the new traffic pattern.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Parking and Transportation Office, x4248 or parking.transportation@uchc.edu.
(See the slide show above for more details.)
Thanksgiving Gift of Footwear, Foot Care at Homeless Shelters
Dr. Lauren Geaney, UConn Health foot and ankle surgeon, helps distribute footwear at the Friendship Service Center on November 24, 2015. Dr. Michael Aronow (back left), formerly of UConn Health and now in private practice, has been the local organizer of the annual "Our Hearts to Your Soles" campaign since 2007. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health Photo)
The volunteers included three from the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute at UConn Health – Dr. Lauren Geaney, cast technician Kathleen York and medical assistant Lori Engengrro – as well as Dr. Michael Aronow, a former UConn Health physician now in private practice. It was Aronow who first got UConn Health involved in the nationwide Our Hearts to Your Soles campaign eight years ago.
At the Friendship Service Center, 28 people received a new pair of shoes or boots and left with a least one pair of socks, and 15 more people received footwear at the Salvation Army. Some also received a free foot exam.
The shoes and boots were donated by Red Wing Shoes, and the socks were provided by Dignity U Wear. Enough shoes, boots and socks were left behind at the two locations to give to at least 100 other people in need in the coming months.
UConn Health Dietitian Helps Navigate the Holiday Eating Season
Generally considered the start of the winter holiday season, Thanksgiving also represents the start of the holiday eating season.
We may not need a registered dietitian to tell us that it’s easy to overindulge this time of year and we should enjoy food and drink in moderation.
But what an R.D. can tell us is how to make wiser choices when it comes to holiday meals and parties, snacks that show up in the office, and the eating options available to us while we’re on the go during this often busy time of year.
Click on image to hear the broadcast.
“I think before you go [to a party], you kind of have a plan, and decide, ‘OK, I’m going to eat the dinner, and I’m not going to eat a lot of the appetizers, and maybe I’ll have either one drink or a dessert,’” says Linda York, a registered dietitian at UConn Health. “Make a pact with yourself, decide what you’re going to do.”
Drinking alcohol, while it may not increase our hunger, may cause us to be less mindful about what we’re eating.
Another tip is to avoid showing up to a party or dinner on an empty stomach.
“Make sure you have something to eat beforehand so you’re not totally famished,” York says. “Have a big salad. It’s high in fiber, it fills you up… Or have a Greek yogurt, very high in protein and carbohydrates, before you go, and an apple. You’ll still want to eat, but you’re going to eat in a more controlled way.”
Drinking water before a meal also can make us less prone to overeating.
York shared her tips this week on “The Wayne Norman Show” on WILI-AM 1400. She cited research that found most people of normal weight average only a pound of weight gain over the winter holiday season, but they kept that pound.
“You might think that’s not a lot, but in 10 years, that’s 10 pounds,” York says, adding that the same study found people who were overweight or obese did gain more than a pound over the holiday season.
Other holiday weight-gain traps include straying from our exercise routine, substituting fast food for planned out meals, and nibbling on holiday goodies at work.
The Thanksgiving Feast
At the Thanksgiving table, the turkey may be the least of our worries.
“Turkey’s a great lean protein, there’s really nothing wrong with turkey,” York says. “It’s the gravy we tend to put on the turkey. So just be aware of that. Whenever you add a topical fat – gravy, butter, whatever – think of your thumb tip, or a teaspoon. Try to think, ‘I’m only going to add that much.’ Be aware of those topical fats, remembering that one teaspoon is about 45 calories… You can really get a lot of calories that way.”
Another Thanksgiving staple, stuffing, carries the dual threat of oversized portions and high calories. York recommends limiting starches – that’s both stuffing and potatoes – to a quarter of your plate, with turkey occupying another quarter and vegetables getting the rest of the plate. Modifying the stuffing’s ingredients can also help.
“You can make over any recipe. If you make it lower in fat, it’s going to be lower in calories,” York says. “I make my own homemade stuffing. I might not put sausage in it. I might use chicken broth instead of a lot of butter, which is fat, or margarine, which has the same calories as butter. I might add some nuts or I might add some cranberries to make it interesting. I’d add some celery to it. Put other things, don’t always fill everything with fat.”
When the desserts come out, here again it’s a matter of quantity as well as how they’re made. For those who can’t decide which one to eat, York recommends taking samples to try that collectively are no larger than a single dessert portion.
“After you eat a meal, to me, it’s just having two bites of something sweet,” York says. “And after about two bites, you’re just like, ‘I’ve had enough.’ You don’t have to feel stuffed. That doesn’t have to be the goal.”
Some dessert recipe makeovers include losing the fattening crust and substituting pumpkin pudding or apple and berry crisps for pies, and replacing oil with apple sauce or sweet potatoes when baking.
“I think at Thanksgiving and those special holidays – remember, there’s not many – enjoy it, eat it slowly, and eat the meal, and less of the appetizers.”
Ready to Lose
York runs the six-week “Ready to Lose” weight management program at UConn Health. The next one starts Jan. 12. The introductory session is followed by meetings from 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday through Feb. 16. Each session includes a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as strategies for eating out, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, or $50 for past participants. The number to register or to learn more is 800-535-6232.
Obamacare Enrollees Turn to UConn Health Financial Counselors
It’s open enrollment for people seeking health coverage under what’s become known as “Obamacare,” and that makes for a busy time for UConn Health’s financial counselors.
The Patient Financial Services group gets involved when a “self-pay” patient – often someone without health insurance – comes to UConn Health for care.
“We’ll screen them for a host of things, depending on income, family size, and if they don’t qualify for HUSKY or Medicaid, then we’ll go to Obamacare as an alternative,” says John Resendes, who supervises six financial counselors. “Now that open enrollment is here, we’re getting a lot more people now, and we will through January.”
This is due in part to increased penalties –from $95 to $695– for not having health insurance and to an enrollment process that has become smoother –thanks to greater awareness, technical improvements, and access to financial counselors like Tanya Ledesma.
“Tanya has a lot of experience with the program, the eligibility requirements and all that,” Resendes says.
Ledesma joined UConn Health early last year, hired for her expertise in Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance marketplace. She helps patients understand the questions they may not know to ask.
“Being knowledgeable about your income is one of the biggest things, and also, what is your household composition, are you a tax dependent on your parents, for example,” Ledesma says. “Instead of going into the initial low-monthly-premium, high-deductible plan, we’re here to educate them, where if you pay $10 more that could make a huge difference on your deductible. That’s what I’m seeing more of now.”
Ledesma often finds herself on conference calls with the patient and Access Health CT.
“The most common mistake is that they’re self-employed and they say what their gross income is, and that’s not something you have to disclose,” Ledesma says. “What you have to disclose is from Schedule C (income or loss from the business), so that makes a huge difference in the credits that they get.”
The financial counselors work with patients by phone or in person, either in the office, or elsewhere on the UConn Health campus. They will meet patients at their appointments.
“What we do is, there are three different plans, we’ll bring them all up and see which one is the best for you, or which providers are on that network,” Resendes says. “We help the patient, we fill out all the paperwork.”
The objective is to find ways to avoid unpaid medical bills, which ultimately helps both the patient and the clinical enterprise. John Dempsey Hospital receives no funding for charity care, and therefore provides this care at a loss. UConn Health has seen a 50 percent reduction in charity care grants since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
New Clinicians, Researchers at UConn Health
Meet some more of the clinicians and researchers who recently joined UConn Health.
 Dr. David Karimeddini leads the nuclear medicine section of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics. His clinical interests include radiology, nuclear cardiology, thyroid disease and oncology imaging. His training includes a nuclear radiology fellowship at Yale University, a diagnostic radiology residency at Hartford Hospital, and an internship in medicine at UConn Health. His M.D. is from the Temple University School of Medicine. He is board certified in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology. |
 Dr. Keri Discepolo is a dentist who is board certified in pediatric dentistry. She sees patients in several locations, including Farmington and West Hartford, and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Discepolo completed a pediatric dentistry residency at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, where she remained as a clinical instructor for nearly seven years. Her interests are in infant and adolescent oral health interventions, with a focus in hospital dentistry. She holds a D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery) from the New York University College of Dentistry and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. |
 Dr. Saira Cherian is a primary care physician seeing patients in the Outpatient Pavilion. Her clinical interests include preventive medicine and osteopathic medicine, including treatment of back and neck pain. Cherian stayed at UConn Health, joining the faculty after completing an internal medicine residency here. She holds a D.O. from the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Cherian is board eligible in internal medicine and speaks English, Spanish and Malayalam. |
 Lyla Natt is a family medicine nurse practitioner who sees patients in West Hartford. Her experience includes medical-surgical, step down, psychiatry, and long-term care. Other clinical interests include primary and preventive care, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to being licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse, Natt holds a Master of Nursing from the Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences. |
 Dr. Cristina Sánchez-Torres is now a member of the UConn Health psychiatry faculty, with whom she trained as a fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry. She sees patients in Farmington and West Hartford. Her clinical interests include electroconvulsive therapy, autism, attachment, psychotic disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sánchez-Torres completed medical school and a psychiatry residency at the University of Puerto Rico before her fellowship at UConn. She is board eligible in both psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, and speaks English and Spanish. |
 Kristyn Zajac is a researcher in the Behavioral Cardiovascular Prevention Division of the Calhoun Cardiology Center. She earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Delaware, then completed a National Institute of Mental Health-funded postdoctoral research fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina’s National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. Zajac’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of interventions for substance abuse and mental health disorders among high-risk adolescents and young adults. |
Photos by Janine Gelineau/UConn Health (except Zajac’s, which was submitted)
UConn AMA Chapter Promotes Student Wellness at Recipe Swap
Second-year medical students Alyssa Ettinger (right) and Sarah Mattessich (second from left) secured a grant from the American Medical Association to create a "Cooking Healthy on a Student Budget" event in the student lounge Nov. 13. Also pictured are classmates Yumi Kovic (left) and Evins Clauthier. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)
But for many medical students, time and money are often very limited, which can sabotage healthy eating habits.
Recognizing this, second-year medical students Alyssa Ettinger and Sarah Mattessich organized “Cooking Healthy on a Student Budget,” during which they and other second-year students prepared dishes and shared samples in the student lounge Friday.
“The idea is, what can we make for a meal for under $20, that might last for a week, that’s healthy,” Mattesich says.
Along with the samples were recipe instructions, including nutrition facts and cost.
“We want to show them it’s pretty easy if you know what to do with fresh foods,” Ettinger says. “Just showing a variety of ways to use ingredients for multiple different recipes, and even ways that you can make portions and freeze it for later, but at least the original food was fresher because you made it and you know what’s in it.”
Funding from the American Medical Association Section Involvement Grant program made Friday’s healthy cooking event possible.
“We are really proud of our students for applying for and attaining a grant to support this event,” says Dr. Suzanne Rose, UConn School of Medicine senior associate dean for education. “This initiative is part of our very important efforts to promote student wellness. We applaud our students’ initiative, creativity and their leadership in enhancing our school and fostering a warm, caring, and healthy environment.”
Ettinger and Mattesich are among the 10 second-year students who make up the UConn School of Medicine’s AMA chapter board.
“Our chapter is extremely active,” says Mattesich, who, as treasurer of the UConn AMA chapter, handles much of the grant writing. “We sponsor a lot of schoolwide activities that are really well attended. We’re one of the largest groups on our campus.”
Both students are also part of AMA’s Integrative Medicine Group, with Ettinger serving as student leader. They also are on the medical school’s newly formed student wellness committee.
“The wellness aspect of this event is a great way for our AMA chapter to contribute to UConn’s Student Wellness Initiative,” says Ettinger, whose role on the board is recruitment chair. “This also is an opportunity to have students learn more about the AMA, all the resources it gives and all the ways it contributes to student development.”
Finish Line in Sight for UConn Health’s New Hospital Tower
New UConn Health hospital tower as it appears Oct. 15, 2015 (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)
The new building, which will feature 169 single-bed inpatient rooms, is widely considered to be the centerpiece of UConn’s share of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s Bioscience Connecticut initiative, an $864 million package of state investments designed to be a catalyst for economic growth in the health care and biomedical research industries. As of Sept. 1, the total number of construction jobs associated with Bioscience Connecticut was 4,540.
Malloy was on the UConn Health campus 14 months ago to sign the steel beam that would top out the tower. Construction started on the building and an adjoining 400-space parking garage April 2013.
Clinical staff and administration have started touring parts of the building and seeing finished mock-ups of patient rooms, emergency department bays and operating rooms. The new tower will include:
- An expanded emergency department
- Four 28-bed units that will house surgery, orthopedic, oncology and medical patients
- A 28-bed intensive care unit with expanded surgical, medicine and neurology critical care services
- A 29-bed intermediate unit
Once the new tower construction is complete and the hospital opens, there will be a second phase of work to make the final connections to the main building through the existing emergency department. There will also be additional exterior site work to complete near the existing ED entrance that cannot be done until after the ED moves.
Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion has one final milestone ahead: the establishment of a women’s health center on the top floor, with services including a women’s radiology center, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, and advanced women’s ultrasound.
The first practices moved in to the new building in February, and by early summer floors 1 through 7 were operational. The result has been the movement of nearly all outpatient services into a single place on the lower campus, in a patient-friendly environment, with convenient parking in a connected garage.
With its abundance of natural lighting, energy efficient design, and shower facilities to encourage employees to bike to work, the pavilion is on its way to earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Additionally, the Connecticut Green Building Council has just named the building the winner of its 2015 Institutional Award of Merit.
Academic Building
Construction is well underway at the academic entrance, where a modernization and expansion of space for the medical, dental and graduate schools is taking place. Bioscience Connecticut calls for a 30 percent increase in class sizes and the addition and renovations will provide space to support this growth. UConn Health held a groundbreaking on convocation day. The academic entrance will remain a construction site through May.
L Building
Though less visible than the projects already mentioned, a rebuild of UConn Health’s laboratory space in what’s known as the L Building is a significant portion of the Bioscience Connecticut construction. The renovations are being accomplished under two separate projects. Project 1 started in late 2012 and is complete. Project 2 is scheduled to be complete by early 2017, at which time UConn Health will boast modern lab layouts that are open plan and conducive to collaborative research.
Cell and Genome Sciences Building
The addition of incubator laboratory space continues at the Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave., which will enable UConn Health to attract more biotech startups. It’s another aspect of the vision of Bioscience Connecticut to create a worldwide biomedical research/biotech hub in the state. This project is scheduled for completion by the end of November 2015.
Clinic Building
The design work is complete for major renovation to the Dental School clinical space, the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, and the Main Lobby. This phased renovation will take more than two years to complete but when finished will provide state-of-the-art dental clinical space and an expanded cardiology center with additional exam space. The Main Lobby will also be given a significant update that enhances the patient flow and provides easy access to the renovated spaces. The renovations are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2016.
UConn Health December 2015 Programs, Events
Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for December and early January 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.
Holiday Bazaar and Basket Raffle
Friday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual winter holiday shopping event includes vendors in the main lobby and mezzanine and the Auxiliary’s popular raffle of gift baskets created and donated by UConn Health employees. Drawing is at 3:30. For more information please call 860-679-2963.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Free Discovery Series: “Recognizing the Signs of Stroke”
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. It can happen to anyone at any age and any time. UConn Health stroke experts Dr. Sanjay Mittal and Dr. Ryan Zengou will discuss the warning signs and preventive measures. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Dec. 16, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.
Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Dec. 21, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.
Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Jan. 2, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.
Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, Jan. 7, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.
New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, Feb. 16, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.
Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.
Veteran’s Day Observance Kicks off ‘40 Days of Thanks’
Robin Frank (right) gives opening remarks at the Student Services Center's Veteran's Day observance on November 10, 2015. (Chris DeFrancesco/UConn Health Photo)
It was the start of Student Services’ “40 Days of Thanks” campaign, which also includes holiday cards people can sign and send to a member of the military.
“We also are accepting donations for South Park Inn, and we also have a Wall of Thanks,” says Alison Valone Suhocki, assistant registrar and one of the organizers. “Students, faculty, staff can come over and sign on the wall and say what they’re thankful for. It’s really some things to really home in on being thankful for where we are in our lives and for those who have served, and to support those who are serving.”
The celebration included cupcakes—260 of them frosted red, white and blue, arranged to resemble an American flag.
Among the veterans on hand was Suzanne Zimmerman, a receptionist in the UConn School of Dental Medicine, who provided administrative support for a military intelligence unit while stationed in West Germany during the Cold War. She says today’s service members face a different world.
“We’re out there, and this is a time when I wouldn’t want to be out there,” Zimmerman says. “I wouldn’t want my son to be out there, but I give these women and men a lot of credit to be out there.”
Gregory de Gruchy spent four years on active duty with the Marines, including tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, before finishing his undergraduate studies at UConn. Now in his first year at the UConn School of Medicine, he says his experience helped steer him toward a career in medicine.
“When I was in the military I really realized I wanted to work in health care,” de Gruchy says. “I was involved in my unit in some of the aspects of the stress of deployments. We were a very high-deployment unit and we had to deal with a lot of the issues that come up with that pace of operations.”