Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS)

Chris DeFrancesco has been writing for UConn Health since 2007. He is a proud graduate of UConn’s journalism program. As an undergraduate in Storrs he was one of the play-by-play voices of UConn men’s and women’s basketball on WHUS-FM, a writer for the Daily Campus, and a campus shuttle bus driver. He’s been a freelance writer, editor of two weekly newspapers (Bloomfield Journal and Windsor Locks Journal), and most notably a reporter and anchor on WTIC NewsTalk 1080. He is a four-time winner of the Connecticut Associated Press Broadcasters Association Walt Dibble Award for Personal Excellence in Radio. His work also has earned recognition from the Connecticut pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Chris is an elected officer in his union (UHP Local 3837) and serves on the board of the Newington Children’s Theatre Company, Connecticut’s longest-running youth theatre program. He lives in Newington with his wife, Caroline, daughter, Audrey, and their dogs, Spot and Alex.


Author Archive

Image of surgoen manipulating robotic surgical tools

Robotic Surgery’s ‘Big Difference’

Traditional surgery and less-invasive laparoscopic surgery still have limitations when it comes to access, visibility, and precision. Robot-assisted surgery can overcome those obstacles — and in many cases, eliminate them — as Dr. Eric Girard, a colorectal surgeon at UConn Health, explains.

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Podcast: Play Without Pain, Perform at Peak

The co-directors of the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine explain what they and their colleagues can do for athletes to prevent/reduce injury risk, treat injuries and help them recover, and even use innovative ways to analyze movement to enhance performance.

Dr. Hilary Onyiuke looking at spine image

Guidance to Treat Underdiagnosed Spine Problem Conceived at UConn Health

UConn surgeons and medical students establish a grading scale, named for Dr. Hilary Onyiuke, to help physicians manage Bertolotti syndrome, a frequently underrecognized debilitating spine condition.

Dr. Kevin Becker explains a brain image

Can Polio Virus Help Treat Brain Tumors?

UConn Health is enrolling patients in a national trial testing a therapy derived from the polio virus paired with an established cancer medication to treat a type of aggressive brain tumor

Dr. Jose Soriano

Melding Empathy and Expertise for Compassionate Pulmonary and Critical Care

Seeing his grandmother struggle with lung disease and experiencing expert care and compassion during his wife's final days in the ICU gave Dr. Jose Soriano the motivation to provide top-level, empathetic pulmonary and critical care.

Dr. Khalid Shalaby in white coat presenting at podium

Research Commitment Elevating UConn’s Internal Medicine Residency

Making better doctors by strengthening research and academics along with clinical training

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‘Urban Service Talks’ (About Interprofessional Learning)

The future physicians, dentists, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and physician assistants who take part in the Connecticut Area Health Education Center's (CT AHEC) Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program are walking the walk and now, talking the talk.

A doctor holding a clipboard with an illustration of the digestive system speaks to a patient in a medical office

Leading UConn Health’s Emergence in Advanced Endoscopy

You'll find Dr. Murali Dharan at the forefront of UConn Health’s advanced endoscopic techniques.

UConn Health Auxiliary quilt

5 Decades of Good Deeds

The UConn Health Auxiliary leaves a legacy of financial and volunteer contributions in support of the institution’s missions going back to 1969.

woman drinking water during exercise

Marathon Training Is not a Sprint

A smart plan can go a long way when it comes to running a long way. Experts at the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine can help with training to both reduce injury risk and improve performance.