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

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Conscious During Carpel Tunnel

With "wide-awake surgery," UConn Heath's hand, wrist and elbow surgeons use a technique that keeps the patient awake, enabling the testing of the repair while the procedure is in progress and allowing a faster recovery time.

Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in operating room

A Safer, More Precise Prostate Biopsy

After nearly two years of using a biopsy method known as the transperineal approach, UConn Health urologists report higher-quality prostate samples and zero infections.

portraits of Elizabeth Haskell and Ashley Brennan-McBride, white coats

Committed to Curtailing Sepsis

Nurses Elizabeth Haskell and Ashley Brennan-McBride lead UConn Health’s effort to reduce sepsis risk and mortality.

Exterior of new emergency department at UConn John Dempsey Hospital. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

UConn Health Helps Paramedic Trainees Get Back on Track

True to its educational mission, UConn Health opened the John Dempsey Hospital ED to a class of paramedics in training who found themselves without a place for their clinical rotations when the pandemic struck.

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Better Sleep, Best Self

“More people think that they need less sleep than they actually do.” Dr. Jennifer Kanaan, sleep medicine expert, tells the UConn Health Pulse podcast, making sleep a priority is a key to optimal performance, especially for adolescents.

Mother sending daughter off to school, both in masks

Back-to-School: A Family Medicine Perspective

In this year of uncertainty, what will the new school year bring? A UConn Health family medicine physician shares some thoughts on how to prepare.

Young female soccer coach wearing surgical mask

Fall Sports: OK to Play?

As pandemic mode extends into a new school year, UConn Health sports medicine physicians offer perspective on student athletics.

anatomic image of central nervous system

A United Fight Against Brain and Spinal Tumors

UConn Health, in collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, establishes a brain and spinal tumor board to enhance its unique position to provide precision treatment.

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You Have a Brain Tumor. Now What?

Those found to have a brain or spinal tumor can benefit from a neuro-oncologist directing their care. Dr. Kevin Becker, who joined UConn Health to build its neuro-oncology program, joins the UConn Health Pulse podcast to explain.

Lenny's father-daughter dance

‘Longshot Lenny’ Finds Hope at UConn Health: ‘I Didn’t Want to Die’

He was told he had less than six months to live, and he should get his affairs in order. But Lenny Lewis wasn’t ready to give up, and neither was his team of UConn Health providers.