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

Diagram of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aneurysm Detection and Correction

UConn Health’s vascular surgeons can treat blood vessel disease and abnormalities before they turn into life-threatening emergencies.

Lenny Ferri, 99-year-old WWII veteran

Continuity of Care to Reduce Readmissions

Hospital stays are getting shorter, with elderly patients often discharged into a skilled nursing facility. UConn Health’s Dr. Jaclyn Olsen follows them there as their attending physician.

Dr. Easwar Natarajan with the 2019 Charles N. Loeser Award

Teaching Awards Roundup

Several UConn Health faculty recently were honored for their contributions as educators.

Mom and kid in protective clothing

The Fallacy of the Healthy Tan

May is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, with the first Monday designated as Melanoma Monday.

Screen grab of myUConnHealth patient portal

UConn Health Reaches EHR Milestone

UConn Health went live with its integrated electronic health record and patient portal one year ago.

Dr. Marja Hurley accepts a 2019 STEM Achievement Award from Connecticut Science Center' Matt Fleury and Amy Sailor, and State Rep. William Petit.

UConn Health Honored for Diversifying STEM Workforce

The Connecticut Science Center honors the Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative with a STEM Achievement Award.

Carolina Vicens-Cardona in Panama

Support for UConn Global Health Scholar

M.D./MPH candidate Carolina Vicens-Cardona will continue her study of health care access in Panama with the backing of the Maria and Edward P. Hargus, M.D., Professor Judy Lewis Global Health Education Scholarship.

Dr. Ben Ristau, transperineal prostate biopsy

Cleaner Path to Prostate Biopsy

When a biopsy is needed, UConn Health urologists take a new approach, with less risk and greater precision.

Maria Santiago with volunteers Stephen Schneeberger, Bruce Hamilton, and Reggie Lavoie

UConn Health Salutes Its Volunteers

‘We could not function without all of their dedicated spirits and selfless attitudes.’

Dr. Eric Girard, a surgeon who specializes in colorectal surgery, with da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System. (Kristin Wallace/UConn Health Photo)

UConn Health Expands Robotic Surgery Capabilities

Dr. Eric Girard, a surgeon who specializes in colorectal surgery, says use of the new robot can translate to 'people feeling better faster and getting back to their families and their jobs sooner.'