Community Conversations

Colorectal Cancer

Are you over 45 and hesitant about scheduling a colonoscopy? Did you know there are now several types of screenings that you should discuss with your primary care provider? Join Matthew A Grossman, MD for a discussion on the importance of getting a screening and the latest technology to support this important procedure.

Weight Loss Options

Are you struggling to lose weight or manage potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and more? Find out if bariatric surgery or options such as diet, exercise, behavioral changes or weight loss medications are right for you. Join Drs. Muhammad Feteiha and Ashish Padnani as they discuss the options, benefits and what to expect as part of Atlantic Health’s Bariatric Surgery Program. 

RSV in Our Community

Hospitals and pediatricians' offices across the nation are filling up with young patients suffering from a respiratory virus – but it’s not necessarily COVID-19. RSV—called respiratory syncytial virus—Enterovirus and Rhinovirus are seasonal viruses that are spreading like wildfire. On the next Community Conversation, Christina Gagliardo, MD, a physician with the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children's Hospital, will sit down to answer your questions about what symptoms you need to look out for and when you should bring your child to the doctor. 

Monkeypox Update

Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 1:30pm — Before this summer, most Americans had never heard of Monkeypox, but since the first case was reported in May, there have been thousands of cases confirmed across the US. In this Community Conversation, find out what you need to know about the latest virus making headlines from Suja Mathew, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Atlantic Health System.

A Healthy Holiday Weekend

Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 12:30pm — This weekend marks the third Memorial Day holiday since the pandemic started, but we’re in a much different place than in previous years. On Atlantic Health System’s next Community Conversation, Jason Kessler, MD, section chief of Infectious Disease at Morristown Medical Center, will share the latest information on how to gather safely, provide an update on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, and tell you what you need to know about the latest virus making headlines – Monkeypox.

Stepping into Summer

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 2:00pm — Warmer weather is here, and for many people that means exercising outside, playing sports and enjoying family time. But if your winter was a quiet one, returning to activity too quickly can lead to injuries. So how can you tell the difference between a sprained ankle and something that requires a trip to a specialist?

On this Community Conversation, James C. Wittig, MD, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics, Morristown Medical Center, and Medical Director, Orthopedic Oncology, Atlantic Health System, answered questions on how a visit with an orthopedic specialist can get you back on your feet and back in the game.

How to Manage Your Allergies

Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 12:30pm — Itchy eyes, runny nose, plugged sinuses…yep seasonal allergies are in full effect! Maybe you’ve lived with allergies your whole life…or maybe they are something new this year, either way you don’t have to suffer in stuffy silence. In this Community Conversation, Michael Gerardi, MD, an emergency medicine physician with Atlantic Medical Group, answered allergy-related questions and shared how a visit to your doctor or local urgent care center could leave you breathing easier when it comes to fighting seasonal allergies.

Improving Black Maternal Health

Monday, April 11 at 12:30pm — Did you know Black women in New Jersey are seven times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than White women? That’s just one of many statistics that shows the challenge facing New Jersey and the nation in improving Black maternal health. Nkechinyere Amadi, MD, OB/GYN at Atlantic Medical Group and Ophelia M. Byers, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Overlook Medical Center examine the various causes of this crisis and share potentially life-saving information.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 12:30pm — Pediatric eating disorders are serious illnesses that require prompt treatment. Two Atlantic Health experts will help parents recognize the signs of an eating disorder and know where to turn for help.

New Ways to Treat Head and Neck Disorders

Friday, December 10, 2021 at 12:30pm — Tom Thomas, MD, MPH, director of Head and Neck Reconstructive and Transoral Robotic Surgery and director of Sleep Surgery at Morristown Medical Center, joins us to share ways you can prevent head and neck cancers as well as new technologies that help patients with debilitating sleep apnea.

Taking Care of You!

Friday, October 22, 2021 at 1:00pm — For a lot of people, separating their work life from personal life has become increasingly difficult. On this episode of Community Conversations, Federico Cerrone, MD, medical director, Atlantic Health Sleep Centers, and Kathy Robb, CHC, well-being coach, Chambers Center for Well-Being, shared how to address work-life balance, incorporate self-care practices and the importance of good sleep to recharge your batteries and boost your mental health. 

Mammograms Save Lives

Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 12:30pm — Mammograms can help find breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful. On this episode of Community Conversations, Lisa Bash, MD, radiologist and medical director of the Breast Center at Chilton Medical Center, discussed the most common risk factors for breast cancer, the latest advancements in detection and the #AskHer campaign, which encourages everyone to ask the people they love to get screened.

Back to School

Friday, September 17 at 1:00pm — In this Community Conversation, pediatrician Walter Rosenfeld, MD, chair of Pediatrics at Goryeb Children's Hospital and medical director of Children's Health for Atlantic Health System, shared what parents need to know as their kids return to in-person learning, how we’re helping make schools safer and the latest pediatric COVID-19 news.

COVID-19 Update

Friday, August 20, 2021 at 2:00pm — On this Community Conversation, Jason Kessler, MD, infectious disease specialist and section chief of Infectious Disease at Morristown Medical Center, shared what you need to know about the Delta variant, third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for the immunocompromised and why it’s more important than ever to be vaccinated.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 12:30pm — With a particularly hot summer, it’s especially important to protect yourself from melanoma and other skin cancers. In this Community Conversation, Eric Whitman, MD, surgical oncologist, medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care and the director of the Atlantic Melanoma Center, discussed how to prevent skin cancer, symptoms you should be aware of and the exclusive groundbreaking treatment options and clinical trials available through Atlantic Health System.

New Heart and Liver Transplant Program

Tuesday, July 22, 2021 at 12:30pm — Atlantic Health System is now offering patients easier access to life-saving heart and liver transplants through a new partnership with the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. Linda Gillam, MD, MPH, FACC, cardiologist and chair of cardiovascular medicine for Atlantic Health System, and Sharen Anghel, MD, internal medicine and chair of medicine, Overlook Medical Center, discussed how this program provides New Jersey residents access to world-class transplant care close to home. 

Why Every Woman Needs a Gynecologist

Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 12:30pm — Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility? Why is a gynecologist so important for a woman’s health as she ages? In our Community Conversation, Diana Contreras, MD, medical director of OB-GYN and Women’s Health, Atlantic Health System, separated fact from fiction and shared how women can make the most of their relationship with their doctor. 

Living with Scoliosis 

Tuesday, June 8 at 1:00pm — Does your child have scoliosis? Would you even know what to look for? Watch our Community Conversation with Jason Lowenstein, MD, medical director of Atlantic Health System’s Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Center, to learn how it’s diagnosed and why early identification is key to treating spinal deformity.

Treating Brain Tumors

Tuesday, May 25 at 12:30pm — If you think brain tumors are too rare to affect you, think again. Currently, 700,000 people in the United States are living with one. Physicians from the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center explain the newest advancements in treatment options.

AFib, Heart Health and Stroke Prevention

Tuesday, May 11 at 12:00pm — People with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are five times more likely to have a stroke than the average person. In this Community Conversation, Atlantic Medical Group cardiologists Timothy Mahoney, MD, and Michael Katz, MD, answered questions on managing AFib and reducing your risk of stroke. 

Vaccine Updates and Variant Testing

Wednesday, April 28 at 12:30pm — Approximately 4 million people in New Jersey have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In this Community Conversation, Brian Gragnolati, our President and CEO, and Steven Sheris, MD, SVP, Physician Enterprise, Atlantic Health System, discussed New Jersey’s new eligibility guidelines and Atlantic Health System’s ability to rapidly screen and identify multiple disease variants. 

Summer Safety and Fun for Kids

Thursday, April 15 at 12:30pm — Preparing children for a healthy summer of activity starts now! Pediatrician Sarah Nielsen, MD, shared some must-see information on childhood health and safety, whether they are at home or at camp, including the latest news about COVID-19 and children.

COVID-19 and Communities of Color

Thursday, February 4 at 12:30pm — Every community has felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but none more so than communities of color. Christina Johnson, PhD, MD, a family medicine physician and community health advocate, shared some of the ways communities of color have been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19 and what viewers need to know about the vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:00pm —The journey is underway to make sure every eligible person who wants to receive the vaccine can get it. Find out how Atlantic Health System is opening new doors for vaccine distribution and what’s being done to increase capacity from Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO and Kevin Lenahan, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. 

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Monday, December 14, 2020 at 12:00pm – Brian Gragnolati, president and CEO, Atlantic Health System, shared what you need to know now about the COVID-19 vaccine and took a look at what’s to come in the weeks and months ahead.

How to Win by Quitting

Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 1:30pm — As Americans raised attention to the fight against lung cancer by taking part in the Great American Smokeout, Stanley Fiel, MD, Regional Chairman of Medicine, Atlantic Health System, shared why this year’s smoking cessation efforts are more important than ever. 

Healthy Holiday Decisions

Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 1:00pm — The seasons of gratitude and giving can also come with some real dietary challenges. Elkin Nunez, MD, director of Endocrinology at Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, shared some important tips to help those with diabetes make healthy holiday decisions. 

The Road to Recovery

Tuesday, October 27 at 12:30pm — For some individuals who have COVID-19, recovering from the virus can take weeks or months of battling various symptoms.  Steven Sheris, MD, SVP, Physician Enterprise, Atlantic Health System, shared how the Atlantic COVID Recovery Center is helping patients on their journey to recovery. #CaringTogether 

#Ask Her

Wednesday, October 7 at 12:30pm — Join Atlantic Health System in asking the women in your life if they have had their annual mammogram. This life-saving screening is one of the most important things a woman can do to protect herself against breast cancer.

Atlantic Medical Group Breast Surgeon, Rebecca Yang, MD, Atlantic Breast Associates, and Lydia Nadeau, Executive Director, Oncology Service Line, Atlantic Health System, discuss mammograms and how you can #AskHer!

Take Charge of Your Health

Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 12:30pm —  Scott Lauter, MD, MBA, FACP, FHM, Chief Medical Officer, Atlantic Medical Group and Faith Goldman, MD, Atlantic Breast Associates - Branchburg shared some crucial information and answered questions about the screenings and examinations you should get now to protect your health and well being!.

When Will High School Sports Resume?

Thursday, Aug. 27 at 12:00pm — The school year is about to begin, but what’s the latest when it comes to school sports? Damion Martins, MD, answered questions about what student-athletes and parents can expect this fall season. 

Back to School Safety Tips

Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 12:30pm —  Whether it’s in-person or virtually, children will be going back to school in the fall. So how can parents keep their kids safe, healthy and ready to learn? Tyree Winters, DO, a pediatrician with Atlantic Medical Group, discussed some important tips that will help make this school year an A+. 

Why COVID-19 is Increasing Among Young People

Thursday, July 23 at 12:00pm — Young adults are the fastest growing group testing positive for COVID-19 in New Jersey. In our most recent Community Conversation, Doctor Mike examined what is driving this trend and what can be done to stop it.  

What You Need to Know Now About Coronavirus

Thursday, July 9 at 12:30pm — Every day more and more crucial information about COVID-19 surfaces. So what’s the most important guidance for you and your family? Jason Kessler, MD, discussed separating fact from fiction when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Stay Safe this Summer

Tuesday, June 30 at 12:30pm — Is your family ready to enjoy summer – safely? In our last Community Conversation, Christopher Zipp, DO, chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Morristown Medical Center, shared some important tips on summer safety, and why, as we coexist with COVID-19 – if you don’t have a family doctor – you should get one.

Important Guidelines for Returning to Sports and Activities

Wednesday, June 24 at 12:30pm — After the last few months it’s understandable we’re itching to restart our old fitness routines or get back to the sports activity we love. But there are some important guidelines to know before hitting the gym or the playing field.

During this Community Conversation, Damion Martins, MD, medical director of Sports Medicine for Atlantic Health System, team physician for New York Jets and a leading voice in the reopening of sports activities, and Matthew Martinez, MD, director of Atlantic Health System Sports Cardiology at Morristown Medical Center, will discuss the latest steps to begin organized sports across New Jersey for student athletes and some general fitness best practices for “weekend warriors” as they return to activity. 

Anxiety, Uncertainty and Coexisting with COVID-19

Thursday, June 18 at 12:30pm — Peter Bolo, MD, chairman of Overlook Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Atlantic Health System Resiliency Advocate, discussed the importance of maintaining your mental and behavioral health as we continue to coexist with COVID-19.

Let's Get to Work!

Thursday, June 11 at 12:30pm — Nikki Sumpter, SVP and chief human resources officer at Atlantic Health System, discussed how you can prepare to maximize your success as we return to work in the “new normal.”

Guiding Patients with Cancer

Wednesday, June 3 at 12:30pm — Eric Whitman, MD, Medical Director, Atlantic Health System Cancer Care, shared guidance for patients with cancer as we coexist with COVID-19.

Keeping Kids Healthy & Safe this Summer

Tuesday, June 2 at 12:30pm — Walter Rosenfeld, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Goryeb Children's Hospital and medical director of Children's Health for Atlantic Health System, answered your questions in a Facebook Live about what parents need to know to keep kids healthy and safe this summer. 

Scheduling Surgeries and Procedures

Wednesday, May 27 at 12:30pm — James Wittig, MD, chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at Morristown Medical Center and the medical director of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Oncology and Sarcomas Surgery for Atlantic Health System, discussed how surgeons at Atlantic Health System are able to treat every patient.

Returning to a New Normal

Tuesday, May 19 at 12:30pm — Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO of Atlantic Health System, discussed how hospitals are seeing a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel and delivering safe and accessible care to every patient.

3 Things About Our Hospitals You're Not Hearing in the News

Tuesday, May 12 at 12:30pm — Find out the keys to our response to COVID-19 from Amy Perry, CEO Hospital Division, SVP, Integrated Care Delivery, Atlantic Health System.