Pedro Cox, M.D., an interventional cardiologist and Medical Director of Structural Heart Disease at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, explains what aortic stenosis is and how a minimally invasive heart procedure can get patients back to enjoying what they love. Sondra Luxenberg shares her journey back to health.

Seven-time All-Star NBA Champion and Miami Heat icon Alonzo Mourning shares his battle with prostate cancer. Mourning is now teaming up with Sanoj Punnen, M.D., a urologist at the world-renowned Desai Sethi Urology Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, to encourage all men to get their prostate cancer screenings.

Dr. Hillary Snapp, Chief of Audiology at the University of Miami Ear Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, describes some of the symptoms of hearing loss and why it’s so important to your overall health to get your hearing checked.

Maria Suurna, M.D., an otolaryngologist who specializes in sleep medicine and sleep surgery at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, describes the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and how an implantable device is helping some patients get a sound night’s sleep. Donn Atkins is one of those patients.

Ihtsham ul Haq, M.D., Chief of the Movement Disorders Division at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, clears up some of the misconceptions about Parkinson’s disease. Mindy Mcilroy, a successful businesswoman, shares her journey since her diagnosis.

Arash Bornak, M.D., is a vascular surgeon specializing in carotid disease at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. For more information on vascular surgery options and services, click here or visit the UHealth Collective.

Maria Delgado-Lelievre, M.D., Founder and Director of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, explains how controlling your blood pressure and making some simple lifestyle changes can turn back your biological age and improve your life.

Joseph Lamelas, M.D., Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, discusses the 20th anniversary of the minimally invasive cardiac procedure he pioneered, known around the world as the Miami Method.

Robert Starke, M.D., Tenured Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology at UHealth, explains how he performs a very delicate brain procedure while the patient is awake, to avoid harming critical areas of the brain such as speech. Fernando Vera is one of those patients.

Rodolfo Galindo, M.D., an endocrinologist and Director of the Comprehensive Diabetes Center at UHealth, explains how technology is helping Type-1 diabetes patients better manage the disease. Daniel Naranjo calls the automated insulin delivery system life changing.

Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D., a human geneticist and Director of the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, discusses the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease locally and how our ancestry plays a role when it comes to who’s at risk. Carolyn Banks is a study participant encouraging others to get involved.

Nipun Merchant, M.D., Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, discusses how breakthrough research underway at Sylvester is bringing promising new therapies to pancreatic cancer patients.

Morgan Sendzischew Shane, M.D., and Laura Martin, D.O., are the founders of UHealth’s Comprehensive Women’s Health Alliance, a new program dedicated to the health and wellness of women through all stages of their lives. Loretta White is a patient who shares her experience and encourages other women not to neglect their health.

Mikkael Sekeres, M.D., Chief of the Division of Hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, discusses blood and bone marrow cancers, and the benefits of joining a clinical trial. Eddie Nurquez, a two-time blood cancer survivor, shares his story.

Brandon Mahal, M.D., a radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of prostate cancer at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, offers life-saving advice when it comes to prostate cancer, especially men considered high risk. Darryl Brown shares his cancer journey.

Lee Kaplan, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and Director of the UM Sports Medicine Institute at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, discusses the prevalence of adolescent sports injuries, specifically baseball, and what student athletes need to know to stay safe and in the game. His son, Nate, shares his story and journey back to baseball.

Ivette Cejas, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Director of Family Support Services as part of the Children’s Hearing Program at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. For information on hearing loss treatments and services click here or visit the UHealth Collective.

Frank Penedo, Ph.D., Director of Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, explains what cancer survivorship means, and offers tips to help reduce stress, and address emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing, after cancer.

Liza Smirnoff, M.D., a neurologist and headache specialist at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, describes some of the symptoms and causes of migraine, and how new treatments like preventative therapies are helping patients get relief. Andrea Marron is one of those patients.

Erika Marulanda, M.D., M.S., a neurologist in the Stroke Division at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, says when it comes to stroke, it's critical to know your risk factors and this life-saving acronym.

Henry Moore, M.D., a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders at the University of Miami Health System, discusses the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, and describes how Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS is helping some patients live a more active life. Giselle Casimiro is one of those patients.

Joseph Lamelas, M.D., Chief and Program Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System, explains how a minimally invasive procedure he pioneered is helping patients who need aortic valve replacement get back on their feet and back to their lives. Jeff Neale, M.D. is one of those patients.

Nestor De La Cruz-Munoz, M.D., Director of Bariatric Surgery at the University of Miami Health System, discusses how UHealth's award-winning bariatric program helps adults and adolescents battling obesity lose weight and improve their overall health.

Raveen Syan, M.D., a urologist at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System who specializes in pelvic floor disorders, explains how a tiny device is changing the lives of patients with overactive bladder. Dana Prytula is one of those patients.

Firdaus Dhabhar, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, describes the signs and symptoms of the 'holiday blues' and how taking simple steps, like reaching out to a friend, can help overcome feelings of stress and anxiety.

James Galvin, M.D., the Founding Director of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, describes how projects like the Healthy Brain Initiative is helping to understand the risks of diseases like Alzheimer's and how to improve our brain health. Geraldine and Alan are both study participants.

Gregory Basil, M.D., a UHealth neurosurgeon and Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery at UHealth/Jackson Neurosurgery, discusses the benefits of an ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery he performs, and the power of a new partnership that brings together world class resources for patients. Jesus Deus is one of those patients.

Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., the Director of Reproductive Urology at Desai Sethi Urology Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, explains how the ORBEYE 3-D microscope is improving outcomes for patients with male infertility. The Pimentel family is grateful for the procedure and their daughter Ruby!

Michelle Pearlman, M.D., a gastroenterologist who specializes in weight management and nutrition at the University of Miami Health System, discusses aging and weight loss and why it's never too late to make healthier choices. Agustin Arellano is one of those patients.

Corinna Levine, M.D., MPH, a rhinologist who specializes in sinus and skull base surgery at the University of Miami Health System, describes chronic sinusitis, its symptoms, and how a multidisciplinary team approach is helping patients breathe again. Susy Bobenrieth is one of those patients.

Jenna Best, SLP, a speech-language pathologist at the University of Miami Health System, discusses the evidence-based techniques UHealth offers patients who have lost the ability to communicate due to stroke or other neurological disorder. Ruby Villalonga is one of those patients.

Jenna Best, SLP, a speech-language pathologist at the University of Miami Health System, discusses the evidence-based techniques UHealth offers patients who have lost the ability to communicate due to stroke or other neurological disorder. Ruby Villalonga is one of those patients.

Triathlon competitor Todd Saunders knew something was wrong when his balance was off.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo are holding a news conference Tuesday at the University of Miami Health System.

Gillian Gordon Perue, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology and Vascular Neurologist at the University of Miami Health System, discusses stroke awareness and the acronym we all need to know to save lives. Crystal Williams, a young mom and stroke survivor, shares her story.

There’s a potential breakthrough for patients with inoperable metastatic melanoma.

Dipen Parekh, M.D., Founding Director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, announces the dedication of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. The premier academic medical center will train the next generation of urologists while advancing breakthroughs in research that can be applied to clinical care.

Luanda Grazette, M.D., M.P.H., FACC, a cardiologist and director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Failure Recovery Program at the University of Miami Health System, discusses heart disease, what we can do to prevent it, and how UHealth is working to manage and in some cases reverse heart failure in patients. Dominick Esposito is one of those patients.

University of Miami Health System has created a designated COVID heart program to follow coronavirus patients throughout their recovery.

Joseph Lamelas, M.D., Chief and Program Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System, discusses aortic valve replacement, and how a minimally invasive procedure he pioneered is helping patients get back on their feet and back to their lives. Juan Quesada is one of those patients.

Michelle Pearlman, M.D., a gastroenterologist who specializes in weight management at the University of Miami Health System, discusses the steps to healthy weight loss, especially for patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Andrea Galante is one of those patients.

Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., a dermatologist and Director of the Miami Itch Center at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, part of the University of Miami Health System, discusses chronic itch and how a new class of drugs called biologics is changing the lives of patients. Rachael Bronstein is one of those patients.

Joseph Lamelas, M.D., Chief and Program Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System, discusses mitral valve disease, and how a minimally invasive procedure he pioneered to repair the valve, is helping patients get back to their active lives. Walter Tombs is one of those patients.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools partnered with the University of Miami Health System to have the pediatric mobile clinic visit eight schools in November to provide students with free vaccines.

Dr. Victor H. Hernandez, the Division Chief of Joint Replacement at the University of Miami Health System, explains how new technology through a wearable device is helping patients recover faster from knee replacement surgery. Alina Schuh is one of those patients.

Dr. Jacques Morcos, director of skull base and cerebrovascular surgery at the University of Miami Health System, explains what a meningioma is, how this type of tumor can affect a patient, and the surgical techniques involved in removing them. Dean Metzler is one of those patients.

Dr. Lisa Gwynn, a pediatrician at the University of Miami Health System and President of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, discusses the safety precautions students should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 now that they're back to in-person learning. Also, she addresses how parents can best support their children through this challenging time.

Dr. Sunil Amin, a gastroenterologist at the University of Miami Health System, explains how a minimally invasive procedure called G-POEM is helping patients with a debilitating condition where the stomach does not empty properly. Samantha Cowan is one of those patients.

Dr. Stephan Zuchner, a world-renowned geneticist and Chair of the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, talks about the research his team is doing to uncover the underlying genetic causes of diseases to better diagnose and treat patients. UM’s Miller School of Medicine’s genetics program is ranked number two in the nation.

Dr. Julianne Munoz, an orthopedic surgeon at UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, explains how total shoulder replacement works, who is a good candidate, and how the procedure is helping patients get back to the activities they love. Reynaldo Segui is one of those patients.

Dr. Ellen Koo is an ophthalmologist and LASIK specialist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information about LASIK surgery, click here or visit the UHealth blog.

Dr. Jorge Rey, a vascular surgeon at the University of Miami Health System, describes the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the innovative treatments a team of specialists at UHealth are using to get patients back on their feet. David Raska is one of those patients.

Dr. Jose G. Romano, Professor of Neurology and the Chief of the Stroke Division at the University of Miami Health System, describes the symptoms of stroke, and how a team of specialists at UHealth's Stroke Division is getting patients back on their feet and enjoying their lives. Cipora Auslander is one of those patients.

Dr. Abraham Chileuitt, Sports Neurologist at the University of Miami Health System, describes the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and how a team of specialists at UHealth's Concussion Clinic works together to get patients back to enjoying the sports and activities they love - safely.

MIAMI, Fla. – The race to vaccinate with current statewide age eligibility set at 50 and older is up against a South Florida spring break season that has featured teeming crowds of mostly maskless visitors. That’s why medical experts are watching two key metrics right now: The state’s vaccination rate and COVID-19 case numbers. Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, M.D., of University of Miami Health System, an internal medicine and primary care doctor. We are concerned of them taking it back where they came from, but that they also interact with the locals. The numbers stand at more than 1,000 UK variant cases, 23 of the Brazilian variant and 10 South African variant.

Dr. Giovana Thomas is a head and neck oncologic surgeon at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Director of the Robotic Surgery Program for the Department of Otolaryngology at UHealth. For more information about how our team at Sylvester treats head and neck cancers, click here or visit the UHealth blog. Bruce went to see Dr. Giovana Thomas, a head and neck oncologic surgeon at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Director of the Robotic Surgery Program for the Department of Otolaryngology at UHealth. Transoral robotic surgery means a faster recovery for patients often eliminating the need for further therapies. “They did a wonderful job through the surgery, and especially with robotic surgery, which really was a lifesaver,” says Bruce.

For more information about Dr. Lamelas and his minimally invasive heart procedure, click here or visit the UHealth blog. He needed surgery to replace a failing heart valve and went to see UHealth cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Lamelas, who pioneered a minimally invasive heart procedure. Ad“Why would someone need reoperative minimally invasive cardiac surgery?” asks Focusing on You anchor Pam Giganti. And performing the operation through a minimally invasive approach has many benefits,” Dr. Lamelas says. Instead of open surgery where the sternum is cracked to access the heart, Dr. Lamelas was able to perform the reoperative minimally invasive procedure on Rene to replace the infected valve.

Dr. Maria Delgado-Lelievre is the Director of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center at the University of Miami Health System. For more information about Dr. Delgado and how the center helps patients, click here or visit the UHealth blog. AdThat is when he went to see Maria Delgado-Lelievre, M.D., the head of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center at UHealth. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Mikkael Sekeres is the new Chief of Hematology and leukemia specialist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. For more information about Dr. Sekeres and the hematology department, click here or visit the UHealth blog. MEET DR. MIKKAEL SEKERESMeet Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, the new Chief of Hematology, and a world-renowned leukemia specialist now treating patients at Sylvester. We’re able to offer that to patients today,” says Dr. Sekeres. “People who have blood disorders, particularly blood cancers are at a much higher risk of not only getting very sick from the virus, but also potentially even dying,” Dr. Sekeres says.

For more information about current clinical trials, go to https://umiamihealthresearch.org/ or visit the UHealth news blog. The fact that we have vaccines in less than a year was not possible without the hundreds of thousands of people that volunteered for the clinical trials,” Dr. Carrasquillo says. There are ongoing clinical trials for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental health, pediatrics, and much more. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Public Schools has partnered with the University of Miami Health System to offer additional COVID-19 testing dates for children ages 4-18 in Miami-Dade County. The health system’s Pediatric Mobile Unit will be placed at various school parking lots throughout the month for testing. Those wishing to have their child tested are encouraged to make an appointment, although walk-ups are welcome, as well. February testing dates and locations will be announced in the near future. Below is a list of testing dates and locations for January:

For more information about services offered, click here, or for more on Dr. Pearlman click here, or visit the UHealth health news blog. Dennis went to see UHealth gastroenterologist Michelle Pearlman who offers a comprehensive weight management program to her patients. An avid cyclist before his weight gain, Dennis worked his way to riding 60-miles a day on his bike, inspiring Dr. Pearlman to try! For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

MIAMI – Registered clinical trials reached record levels in the past year, increasing the demand for people willing to participate, and Miami resident Marilyn Strauss Diaz was eager to join a COVID-19 vaccine trial underway at the University of Miami Health System. We have to have human trials for there to be a successful vaccine, so we have to have humans come forward and be a part of trials,” she said. “Before COVID, we usually would have a couple of hundred clinical trials here going at the same time at the University of Miami that are focused on a lot of different diseases. We also have a lot of cardiovascular disease, a lot of other studies focused on stroke, on preventing dementia,” Carassquillo added. To learn more about clinical trials at the University of Miami Health System go to: https://umiamihealthresearch.org/

To find out more about pediatric glaucoma, click here or visit the UHealth news blog. That’s where Dr. Alana Grajewski, an expert in pediatric glaucoma, told them this was very different from the disease adults get. And it is one where the price is high if it doesn’t happen at an appropriate time,” Dr. Grajewski says. So, the small white bulb at the end is what touches your eye and collects your eye pressure. “I am able to see Rianna’s pressure at times of the day that I otherwise never would,” says Dr. Grajewski.

Dr. David Lang is the Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at the University of Miami. To find out more about emergency room procedures and precautions, click here or visit the UHealth news blogEMERGENCY ROOM SAFETYVisits to emergency rooms here and across the country are declining as COVID-19 cases rise. Dr. David Lang, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at the University of Miami, says COVID should not be a reason that emergency care isn’t sought out, especially when every second counts. How important is it for people, despite being in the middle of a pandemic, to seek out emergency medical treatment? What kinds of precautions are being taken now, specifically within the emergency room at UHealth Tower?

Dr. Alan Pollack is the chair of radiation oncology and interim deputy director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information on the Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center at UHealth, please visit this website or the UHealth health news blog. PROTON THERAPY TREATMENT CENTER OPENSAt Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System, patients are now being treated with proton therapy, an advanced type of radiation that is extremely precise. The Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center, located behind UHealth Tower in Miami’s health district, opened Sept. 22, 2020, and is named after Steven Dwoskin for his generous gift to support cancer research at Sylvester and the new cutting-edge facility. This is the only proton treatment center in Florida located at an NCI-designated cancer center.

Dr. Michael Wang is chief of neurosurgery at the University of Miami Health System. For more information on outpatient spinal surgery at UHealth, call 305-243-6946 or visit the UHealth health news blog. After pain management treatments failed to help, she was referred to Dr. Michael Wang, chief of neurosurgery at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy is Director of Reproductive Urology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. But thanks to counseling and treatment provided by Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy, Director of Reproductive Urology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Dwyers were able to better plan for the future. It was great that he had brought up fertility right off the bat, says Kevin, who chose to freeze sperm on his initial visit with Dr. Ramasamy. We believe that the discussion about fertility preservation and fertility preservation counseling needs to happen at the time of diagnosis, he says. As part of Sylvesters Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (AYA), all patients are offered fertility preservation counseling.

COCONUT GROVE, Fla. – Free COVID-19 testing is expanding this week through a special free program focused on community outreach. After that, it will be at the Church of the Open Door, 6001 NW 8th Avenue, Miami. Specialists with the unit have the capacity to test anywhere from 200 to 400 children and young adults per day. In more COVID-19 news, researchers continue to debate the impact of weather on the virus. If COVID-19 is seasonal, the study’s authors say that won’t likely be established until 2021 or 2022, after the pandemic wanes.

Dr. Victor Hugo Hernandez is an orthopedic surgeon at University of Miami Health System. For more information on whole joint replacement surgery at UHealth, call 305-243-3000 or visit the UHealth health news blog. In addition to knee replacement, hip replacement surgery is also performed as an outpatient procedure at UHealth. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Orthopedic Surgery at University of Miami Health SystemPublished: August 11, 2020, 10:55 amDr. Victor Hugo Hernandez, orthopedic surgeon at the University of Miami Health System, discusses the many benefits of outpatient knee replacement surgery.

Dr. Ranya Habash is an ophthalmologist and medical director for technology innovation at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the nations number one eye hospital. For more information on telemedicine at Bascom Palmer, call 305-243-2020 or visit the UHealth health news blog. This is super advanced, creative telemedicine, says Dr. Ranya Habash, ophthalmologist and medical director for technology innovation at Bascom Palmer. Everyone was looking to Bascom Palmer to see what we would do, says Dr. Habash. Im really proud of Bascom Palmer for that.FOCUSING ON YOUFocusing on You: Innovations in Modern Medicine is a series of healthcare-related stories airing regularly on WPLG Local 10.

Dr. Laurence Sands is chief of colorectal surgery at the University of Miami Health System. COVID-19 AND COLORECTAL SURGERYDelaying surgery is not an option for many patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. I reassure them that extra safety measures are in place.Dr. Sands says the University of Miami Health System has taken every precaution to ensure patients can safely undergo surgery. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Gilberto Lopes is a medical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information on the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium, visit the UHealth health news blog. COVID-19 CANCER CONSORTIUMWhen the novel coronavirus first began spreading across the U.S., it was unclear how it might affect people with cancer. The COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium has enrolled more than 2,500 patients, yielding data that is providing doctors with a better understanding of the relationship between cancer and COVID-19. Our mission at Sylvester Comprehensive Center is not just to treat patients with cancer but to generate the treatments that would bring better results, says Dr. Lopes.

Dr. Dushyantha Jayaweera is a physician-researcher at University of Miami Health System. COVID-19 CLINICAL TRIALAs the work continues to find a vaccine for COVID-19, researchers at the University of Miami Health System are hopeful an anti-inflammatory drug may help hospitalized patients better recover from the disease. According to Dr. Jayaweera, Aviptadil has been widely studied and is considered safe for treating some chronic pulmonary diseases. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger is the chief of the Cardiovascular Division at University of Miami Health System. For more information on UHealth’s COVID-19 Heart Program, call 305-2-HEART-U (305-243-2788) or visit the UHealth health news blog. With concerns about underlying conditions at an all-time high, UHealth’s COVID-19 Heart Program has a plan in place for those who are concerned about their heart health and want to be evaluated. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

SURFSIDE, Fla. – Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar, of The Shul of Bal Harbour, is making a steady recovery after being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in March and has resumed conducting religious services via Zoom, a spokeswoman from the University of Miami Health System confirmed to Local 10 News. “My initial symptom was a high fever, but because of my age I had a high risk of complications,” Lipskar said. Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar and his wife, Chani. (Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar)“While I didn’t want to go to the hospital, that decision may have saved my life,” the rabbi said. “For the first time in my life, it was just me and Chani celebrating Passover,” Lipskar said.

Dr. Dipen Parekh is interim chief operations officer at University of Miami Health System. UHealth interim chief operations officer Dr. Dipen Parekh says patient safety is paramount as UHealth welcomes patients for everything from surgeries to routine medical appointments. But if you need to see your doctor in person, Dr. Parekh says every precaution is being taken. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

To learn more about UHealth’s auditory brainstem implant (ABI) program, call 305-243-3564 or visit the UHealth news blogAUDITORY BRAINSTEM IMPLANT PROGRAMA multidisciplinary team of otolaryngology and neurosurgery specialists at the UHealth, the University of Miami Health System has introduced an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) program -- one of just a handful in the U.S. -- that uses signals to bring back sound for people without auditory nerve function. The skull base surgery team performed UHealth’s first implant surgery in March 2019 on Hildeana Bodden, a woman in her 60s whose NF2 was causing her hearing to decline. The team’s bilingual ABI audiologists, Dr. Sandra Velandia and Dr. Diane Martinez, were able to communicate with Hildeana in Spanish, her native language, at her activation. Most people with NF2 generally are not candidates for cochlear implants, which require a working auditory nerve. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

An employee of the University of Miami Health System died of complications with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. The University of Miami released a statement on Tuesday evening. “This longtime employee was dedicated to serving our mission and will be greatly missed,” the statement said. “The entire health system family is grieving and sends an outpouring of love and condolences to family and friends who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.”The statement also said the University of Miami community is beyond grateful for all health care providers and anyone standing on the frontlines of this pandemic. “We stand together with our UM family and their loved ones now and always,” the statement said.

Dr. IL Joon Paik is a neuro-gastroenterologist and motility specialist at University of Miami Health System. Using advanced technologies, GI Motility specialists at UHealth can precisely identify the root causes of common conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn. In addition, the UHealth GI Motility Lab will now provide transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure used to fix small hiatal hernias that contribute to GERD symptoms. UHealth GI motility providers are uniquely qualified to provide minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions, says Dr. Paik. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Robert Myerburg is a cardiac electrophysiologist at University of Miami Health System. To find out more about UHealth’s cardiac genetics clinic, call 305-243-5554 or visit the UHealth news blogCHRISTELLE’S STORYChristelle Caron enjoys being active. Another benefit of genetic testing is that it helps the cardiology team determine the best treatment plan. “I do not believe that everybody should have genetic testing,” says Dr. Myerburg. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Joseph Lamelas is Chief of Cardiac Surgery at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. For more information on a minimally invasive approach to cardiac surgery or to make an appointment, call 305-689-2784 or visit the UHealth health news blog. In urgent need of treatment, Leo turned to UHealth chief of cardiac surgery, Dr. Joseph Lamelas, a pioneer in the field of minimally-invasive heart surgery. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Jose Net is a breast imager at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth, University of Miami Health System. CONTRAST-ENHANCED MAMMOGRAMSSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of just a few cancer centers in South Florida offering a new technology in breast cancer detection called contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM). “It’s really wonderful to have confidence in what you read and what you're reviewing, giving our patients a more precise diagnosis.”The best candidates for CEM are women with intermediate risk of breast cancer. This includes women with:Personal history of breast cancerFamily history of breast cancerPrior high-risk lesion at biopsyDense breast tissueCEM is also a great alternative to an MRI for women who required advanced screening but are claustrophobic, have metallic implantable devices which are not MRI safe, or are allergic to gadolinium. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Lee Kaplan is director of UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, as well as Medical Director and Head Team Physician for the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Marlins. To learn more about preventing and treating ski injuries or to make an appointment, call 305-689-5555 or visit the University of Miami’s health news blog. SKI SEASON BRINGS INJURIESDespite -- or perhaps because of -- its tropical climate, South Florida is home to a large population of avid skiers. “That was it, my ski season was over.”When Mr. Serrano returned to Miami, fellow skiers who had sustained similar knee injuries referred him to Dr. Lee Kaplan, director of UHealth Sports Medicine Institute. “In fact, it was stronger than the one that wasn’t.”This ski season, Mr. Serrano was back on the slopes.

Dr. Jonathan Jagid is chief of functional neurosurgery and a researcher at UHealth, University of Miami Health System. To find out more about the paralysis implant study or to make an appointment, call 305-243-6946 or visit the University of Miami’s health news blog. PARALYSIS IMPLANT STUDYAt The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, part of UHealth, University of Miami Health System, a unique research study has helped a Miami man regain movement. I heard about The Miami Project and I was interested in this study to try to help cure paralysis,” says German. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Ricardo Komotar is a neurosurgeon and director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centers Brain Tumor Initiative. Dr. Ricardo Komotar, neurosurgeon and director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centers Brain Tumor Initiative, discovered that Andreinas symptoms were the result of a tumor pressing on the part of her brain that controls temperament. Soon after Andreinas diagnosis, Dr. Komotar and his team completely removed her brain tumor. With a team that includes neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, radiation oncologists and neuro-oncologists, Sylvester delivers comprehensive care to brain tumor patients based on their individual needs. In addition, brain tumor patients gain access to clinical trials not available outside of academic medical centers.

Dr. Teshamae Monteith is a neurologist and chief of the Headache Division at the University of Miami Health System. To learn more about comprehensive migraine care at UHealth or to make an appointment, call 305-243-3100 or visit the University of Miami's health news blog. Dr. Monteith is the chief of UHealths headache division, a rare find in South Florida. There are only so few academic headache programs as well as certified headache specialists within our nation, she says. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Debora's storyA week after her thirty-sixth birthday, Debora Pedrini was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. When a clinical trial for patients with triple negative breast cancer opened at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Debora was considered a perfect fit. The hope is that it will have a similar results for patients with triple negative breast cancer, for which there are fewer treatment options. Dr. Frances Valdes-Albini, breast oncologist at Sylvester and principal investigator of the trial says, "Immunotherapy has already shown a positive impact in patients with advanced triple negative breast cancer. The immunotherapy study is just one of more than 15 clinical trials now open for breast cancer patients at Sylvester.

Dr. Gilberto Lopes is a medical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth, University of Miami Health System. If you have further questions about lung cancer treatment at Sylvester, or to schedule an appointment, call 305-243-1000. Traci is the new face of lung cancer, says Dr. Lopes, who is among the top lung cancer researchers in the world. Although Dr. Lopes says its impossible to know exactly what causes an individuals lung cancer, second hand smoke and exposure to a radioactive gas called radon might be contributors. While lung cancer remains the largest cancer killer, there is positive news to share.

When Bill began to explore treatment options, he discovered a non-invasive treatment called High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) offered at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. PSA levels, detected using a blood test, can be an indicator of prostate cancer. Ever since the FDA approved HIFU for the treatment of prostate cancer in December 2015, Dr. Parekh has been using HIFU to treat prostate cancers. This is a paradigm shift in the way we are treating men with prostate cancer, says Dr. Parekh. His findings show promise for HIFU as an alternative to other treatment methods for a specific subset of men with prostate cancer.

Dr. Allan Levi is a spine surgeon at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. When Nick started having back spasms so severe he couldnt get out of bed, he turned to Dr. Allan Levi, a spine surgeon at UHealth, University of Miami Health System. Dr. Levi diagnosed Nick with an injury to the vertebrae at the lower back of the spine called a pars fracture. The technique we developed is a way to place a screw across the fracture site without opening the back, says Dr. Levi. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Jacques Morcos is a neurosurgeon at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. To learn more about brain stem surgery or to make an appointment, call 305-243-6946 or visit the University of Miami's health news blog. But thats not true anymore.The brain stem is the control center for nearly all bodily functions including breathing, sleeping and consciousness. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Joseph Lamelas is chief of cardiac surgery at UHealth, University of Miami Health System. For more information on minimally-invasive cardiac surgery or to make an appointment, call 305-689-2784 or visit the University of Miami's health news blog. We know that a severe leak in the mitral valve will have a long-term impact on survival if its not fixed early, says Dr. Lamelas, chief of cardiac surgery at University of Miami Health System. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

For more information on the treatment of noise-induced hearing loss or to make an appointment, call 305-243-1110 or visit the University of Miami's health news blog. Years of exposure to these loud noises led Carlos to UHealth Ear Institute, where he was screened and diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). There are several treatment options for patients with noise-induced hearing loss, says UHealth audiologist Dr. Sandra Velandia. But noise-induced hearing loss can happen to anyone. "So, if you're exposed to 85 decibels eight hours a day, you need to start wearing protection to prevent hearing loss."

Dr. Negar Asdaghi is a neurologist at University of Miami Health System. I should have pushed harder.Last December, after another similar episode, April made an appointment with Dr. Negar Asdaghi, a stroke neurologist at University of Miami Health System. An expert in mild stroke, Dr. Asdaghi warns that seeking immediate medical attention is critical when it comes to prevent damage to the brain as a result of a stroke. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Mecker Moller is a surgical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of University of Miami Health System. For more information on the treatment of melanoma at Sylvester or to make an appointment, call 305-243-1000 or visit the University of Miami's health news blog. The localized treatment, called TVEC (talimogene laherparepvec), was fast tracked for approval by the FDA in 2015 due to an encouraging response rate in melanoma patients. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System

Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger is chief of the Cardiovascular Division at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. THE LEAF TRIALThe cardiovascular team at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, has just opened a new clinical trial that may improve treatment outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation. Also known as Afib, atrial fibrillation is a common cause of irregular heart rhythms and is a major risk factor for stroke. The LEAF (Liraglutide Effect in Atrial Fibrillation) trial is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and available only at UHealth. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System.

Dr. Bernard Baumel is a neurologist and director of Memory Disorders Clinical Trials at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Clinical trial for new Alzheimer's drugNeurologists and researchers with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, have opened a new clinical trial for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers disease. Dr. Baumel says, People come to the University of Miami to be evaluated in a comprehensive manner. For more stories like this one, visit YouTube channels for UHealth, the University of Miami Health System. Above content provided by UHealth, the University of Miami Health System