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

Gold for UConn Health Heart Failure Team, EMS

The American Heart Association recognizes the UConn Health Heart Failure Team and Emergency Medical Services for outstanding patient care.

Dr. Lauren Geaney and patient Tyler Kozaczuk who was the first patient to undergo a surgical procedure in the new UConn John Dempsey Hospital operating room.

First Surgery in New UConn Health Patient Tower

Dr. Lauren Geaney, UConn Health orthopaedic surgeon, performed a successful ankle arthroscopy on Tyler Kozaczuk of Stafford Springs May 12 - making him the first patient to undergo a surgical procedure in the new UConn John Dempsey Hospital operating room.

Hospital Patients Move into New Tower

Seventy inpatients were safely relocated, as the new building at UConn John Dempsey Hospital opened for business.

UConn Health Nightingale Nurses at the annual awards ceremony May 5 at the Connecticut Convention Center. From left, Jennifer Sposito, Lisa Gentile, Dawn Smith, Arlene Morin, JoAnne Donaldson Blythe, and Anne Niziolek.

Honoring UConn Health’s Nurses

UConn Health is celebrating its nurses with a series of events to mark National Nurses Week.

Dr. Danielle Luciano leads the group of surgeons, nurses and clinical support staff who helped UConn Health earn the distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. (Photo by Frank Barton)

UConn Health Recognized for Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology

UConn Health is now designated as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. This designation is reserved for health care facilities and surgeons who have demonstrated excellence in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic procedures.

Jeffrey Pan examines a patient in the dental clinic. (Photo by Ze Horak)

New Generation of Family Dentistry

Jeffrey Pan is the student speaker representing the UConn School of Dental Medicine at the 2016 UConn Health Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 9.

Alex Hennessey is trained in both music and medicine. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

Dr. Hennessey’s Opus

Alex Hennessey is medical school student speaker for UConn Health's 2016 Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 9.

That Tan Is Not Healthy, and Other Tips for Melanoma Monday

May is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

UConn Health Employee Engagement Survey Coming May 9

UConn Health, in partnership with Press Gainey, is administering a survey for employees starting on May 9. Dr. Andy Agwonobi encourages all employees to participate to improve our workplace culture to make it better for everyone.

UConn Health’s Rodriguez: Woman of Innovation

Dr. Annabelle Rodriguez-Oquendo, whose research has led to two patents and a startup company that is developing a drug that could help millions with particular genetic variations, is this year’s winner of the Connecticut Technology Council’s Women of Innovation Award for Research Innovation and Leadership.