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

Older inpatient using tablet

Bypassing COVID-19 Barriers via Video

UConn Health has 100 iPads available to for real-time interactions in areas where person-to-patient contact is limited or unavailable.

A photo illustration of a stressed person on July 23, 2015. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Tolerating Uncomfortable Emotions During a Pandemic

UConn Health clinical psychologist Cassandra Holinka suggests there’s a time and place for accepting our feelings rather than trying to change them.

Dr. Laurencin seated in office

Analysis Suggests COVID-19 Racial Disparities

A UConn Health study led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin shows communities of color are more vulnerable to coronavirus infection and mortality.

Health care providers in personal protective equipment on busy hospital floor

UConn Health Adds Support Resources for Front-line Staff

Telehealth counseling, team debriefs, a comfort room, and daily meditation are among the offerings to prioritize the emotional well-being of burdened care and support staff.

Surgeon in scrubs, gown, gloves in a lamenting seated position

When Added Burdens Can Lead to Burnout

Three UConn Health experts weigh in on the COVID-19 pandemic’s strain on the health care system, and how it can impact the providers on the front lines.

Portrait of recipients in scrubs outside the OR

OR Team Shares 1st Dr. Richard Simon Award

The Dr. Richard Simon Excellence in Clinical Neurosciences Award goes to Ellen Benson, Shevonne White, and Georgia Priestley from UConn Health’s Operating Room.

Care for the Caregiver in the Age of Coronavirus

UConn Health's Dr. Karina Berg discusses how to care for someone at home with coronavirus - and how caregivers should maintain their own health.

Dr. Merrill wearing virtual reality goggles and holding simulator controllers

(Surgical) Social Distancing

UConn Health’s orthopedic surgery residency program will continue surgical training with remote virtual reality technology.

When to Get Your Next Colonoscopy

The chief of UConn Health’s Division of Gastroenterology explains the latest recommendations.

Medication in the Time of COVID-19: Listen to the Experts

A panel of UConn experts cut through misinformation and rumor about drug treatments for COVID-19.