Richmond University Medical Center Speaker’s Bureau

Are you interested in bringing engaging and informative speakers to your community organization?

Does your group have an interest in specific health issues or ways to live a healthier life?

If so, Richmond University Medical Center’s Speakers Bureau is a great way to educate members of your organization about important health topics. Our experienced medical professionals are available to discuss a wide variety of healthcare related topics and issues through customizable programs suited to meet your group’s interests and needs.

Working with Our Healthcare Speakers

Our Speaker’s Bureau is an excellent opportunity to provide valuable information during your next event or meeting. All of our speakers are accomplished and knowledgeable, many are board certified in their area of expertise, and are available to speak to your organization at no cost. The wide range of topics available makes it easy to find subject matter that will connect with your group and have a positive impact on everyone’s well-being.

Our speakers can provide presentations and answer questions from a variety of audiences, including:

• Community groups
• Houses of worship and faith-based organizations
• Educational institutions, including public and private schools
• Small and large businesses
• Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops
• Senior centers and retirement communities
• Non-profit organizations
• And more…

If you would like to have someone speak with your group, fill out the form below to request a speaker. These presentations can be adjusted for the size of your group and whatever time restrictions you may have.

Current Programs and Speakers

The Speakers Bureau currently offers the following programs from our healthcare speakers:

Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery

Dr. Alex Barkan, Chief of Bariatric Surgery
Founder of Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute

Gain a better understanding of the different types of weight loss surgery available. Learn who qualifies and how weight loss surgery is fighting the obesity epidemic across the country and closer to home.  Discover the current statistics on obesity in the United States and how you can begin leading a healthier life as you consider if weight loss surgery is an option for you.

Comprehensive Cardiology Care: Prevention, Treatment and Beyond

Francesco Rotatori, MD Chief, Department of Cardiovascular Services

Learn about the various diseases and conditions of the heart. Understand the treatment options and procedures currently available to help you lead a healthier, active lifestyle, including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Hear firsthand how heart conditions differ between men and women as well as steps you can take to avoid heart disease or a cardiac episode, including heart attacks.

Using Nicotine: Can We Talk?

Nancy Sayegh-Rooney, RN, ONN-CG, CTTS Lung Nurse Navigator and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist

Learn how the lungs function and diseases that impact your ability to breathe. Understand the dangers of nicotine products and vaping while also discussing alternate stress relievers. Learn the facts about young people and nicotine products, how to start a conversation with your child about not using nicotine products, and how you can start your own path toward a healthier lifestyle.

Glaucoma – The Silent Thief of Sight

Joseph Muscente, OD, Optometrist

Learn about the silent thief of sight: glaucoma and the importance of having your eyes checked regularly to detect any issues early on. Glaucoma is a very common eye disease affecting more than 70 million people worldwide and it’s the leading cause of blindness, accounting for over 12% of blindness in the world.

Big Prostate, Big Problems

Richard Maggio, MD, FACS, Board Certified Urologist, or Michael Wilson, DO, Board Certified Urologist, Chief of Urology, Chief of Robotic Urology

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Benign prostate hyperplasia – also called BPH – is a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. Learn about the importance of men getting their annual PSA screening RUMC offers minimally invasive urological procedures, UroLift System and Aquablation therapy as a form of treatment.

Urology: The Inside Tract

Richard Maggio, MD, FACS, Urologist, or Michael Wilson, DO, Chief of Urology, Chief of Robotic Urology

Learn about the advanced treatments and procedures for adult male and female patients. From kidney stones to urologic cancers, including prostate care, RUMC’s team of experienced specialists offer comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical care. Learn how to relieve symptoms, enhance comfort, and restore function.

Eating the Rainbow

Maria Falzone, MS, RD, CDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager

Learn the fundamentals of good nutrition from a trusted medical professional and explore how to apply this knowledge to improve your own health and physical well-being. Learn more about how to adjust your diet to accommodate various medical needs.

Can You Feel the Beat? Cardiovascular Care for Women

Fiona Shehaj, MD, Chief, Women’s Cardiovascular Health

Learn about the different symptoms and risk factors that women face with cardiovascular issues compared to men. Explore the cardiac statistics related to trends among women on Staten Island and receive advice for women so that they can stay heart healthy.

Rheumatology: What Is It?

Daniel DeMizio, MD, Chief, Rheumatology

Did you know that there are over 200 rheumatic diseases? Learn about the fascinating field of rheumatology – a field of medicine that is often misunderstood by patients and providers alike. Understand the various medical conditions that are treated by a rheumatologist such as different forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Gout or pseudo gout.

Controlling Your Diabetes So It Doesn’t Control You!

Philip Otterbeck, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Chair, Department of Medicine, Chief, Division of Endocrinology

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 38 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Learn about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, symptoms, and how to effectively manage the condition so you can lead an active, healthy life.

Let’s Digest It: Conversations about Gut Health

Vahe Shahnazarian, MD, Gastroenterologist

Learn about the most common gastric issues and how to go about treating them. Learn about the importance of a colonoscopy, what the procedure entails and why it is the “gold standard” for early detection of colon cancer.

Understanding Rehabilitation Services and Which One is Best for You

Kristine Delgado, M.A., CCC-SLP, Rehabilitation Director

Learn about the various rehabilitation services offered at Richmond University Medical Center. Whether you require speech and language therapy or rehabilitation for a sports injury, the physical, speech and outpatient therapists can tailor programs to your personal needs.

Nephrology: Keeping your Kidney’s Healthy

Sayed Madhi Ayat, MD, Nephrologist

Kidney issues are on the rise around the world, with millions of people each year undergoing treatments for kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. About 1 in 2 people with very low kidney function don’t know they have kidney disease and approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure may have kidney disease.

Neurology: The Brain the Brain, The Center of the Chain

Allan Perel, MD, Chief, Neurology

Learn about various neurological conditions such as stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease, head trauma, neuropathy and dementia. Understand how you can spot early symptoms and learn various treatment options.

How to Participate

No matter which speaker you select, presentations can be adjusted for group size and available time limits. To request a presentation, fill out the form below. For more information, please contact Richmond University Medical Center at 718-818-2104. Book Your Speaker Today.

“I just wanted to send you a thank you email for helping me to schedule Gail Degannes-Hoyt.  She came to the MS group and spoke about diabetes and she was fantastic.  One of the best speakers we have ever had.  We would like to have her come back in the spring.  We have so much more to learn.”
-Linda Kickman, Elizabeth Connelly Center,