Ask A Doc with Hackensack Meridian Health and Shawn Michaels

Ask a Doc with Shawn Michaels brings you straightforward conversations with the medical experts at Hackensack Meridian Health. Shawn asks the questions listeners actually have, breaking down health and wellness topics in a clear, relatable way.

From everyday concerns like pediatrics, weight loss, and preventive care to timely topics such as telemedicine and public health issues, each episode is designed to inform and empower you with practical takeaways.

January 26. 2026

New Jersey winters can be rough on our ears, especially when you add in colds, the flu, and time spent outdoors. Joining us today is Dr. Eric Winarsky, an ear, nose, and throat specialist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, to share simple ways to protect our ears and hearing aids this season.

February 2, 2026

We often dismiss things like shortness of breath or a lack of energy as just a sign of getting older or being out of shape. But what if it's your body sending an early warning signal about your heart? Today, cardiologist Dr. Shahid joins us to discuss the early signs of heart disease everyone should know.

February 9th, 2026

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’re taking a closer look at love and that exciting, heart-pounding feeling that can leave you thinking about someone day and night. But what really happens in our brains when we fall in love? To help explain the science behind those powerful feelings, we’re joined by Dr. Gary Small, Director of Behavioral Health Breakthrough Therapies at Hackensack Meridian Health.

February 16th, 2026

As we move through these colder months, many families are dealing with the double challenge of freezing temperatures and the peak of winter virus season. For children with asthma, this stretch of weather can be particularly taxing on their lungs. Joining us to help parents navigate these weeks safely is Dr. Alfin Vicencio, a pediatric pulmonologist, the Northern Regional Chair of Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian Health, and Professor of Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Welcome, Dr. Vicencio!

February 23rd, 2026

Today, we’re talking with Dr. Cynthia Kos, an Advanced Heart Failure and LVAD Cardiologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and JFK University Medical Center, part of Hackensack Meridian Health. Taking care of your heart is so important, and knowing the warning signs can make a big difference. Recognizing symptoms early and getting the right medical attention can help prevent serious complications, including heart failure.

March 2nd, 2026

A Vitamin K shot given to newborns at birth has been standard practice for decades, helping protect babies from a serious bleeding disorder. However, a recent study found that fewer newborns in the U.S. have been receiving this important shot over the past 10 years. Joining us to explain why Vitamin K is so important and what parents should know is Dr. Cathleen Ballance, Vice Chair of Quality and Safety at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

March 9th, 2026

When we talk about cancer awareness, the conversation often focuses on breast and prostate cancer, but blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma often go under the radar. Because these conditions affect the body in unique ways, knowing what to look for is vital. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 10% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in 2025 were blood cancers and, on average, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 3 minutes. Joining us today is Dr. Michele Donato, lead of the Stem Cell team at Hackensack University Medical Center’s John Theurer Cancer Center. She is here to share information that could truly benefit you and your loved ones. Welcome, Doctor!

March 16th, 2026

We often associate lung cancer with smoking, but there's a concerning trend emerging: rising rates among non-smokers. Joining us today to talk about this shift is Dr. Thomas Bauer, Chair of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, as well as the chair of Thoracic Surgery for the southern region.

March 23rd, 2026

When we think of improving heart health, we often think about adults. Dr. Mitchel Alpert, Pediatric Cardiology Chief at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, joins us to discuss the importance of promoting heart-healthy habits for children, too.

March 30th, 2026

We've seen the tragic deaths of young actors like Chadwick Boseman and James Van Der Beek due to colon and colorectal cancer. Their stories have amplified the conversation around these types of cancer. We are here with Dr. Evan Orosz, MD, a gastroenterologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Ocean, to discuss the importance of colon cancer screening.

April 6th, 2026

Spring weather is finally here in New Jersey, but for many – including children – that also means sneezing, itchy eyes, and tree pollen season. Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo is a board-certified pediatric allergy and immunology specialist at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He shares more on how to help us enjoy the season a little more comfortably.

April 13th, 2026

A Look at the growing social media trend "rage bait" and how it affects our health. We are joined by Doctor

April 20th, 2026

Sleep and Sleep Disorders. Sleep is very important to your overall health. Dr. Peter Polos talks about sleep

April, 27th 2026

Many women in their 40s or 50s wake up hot in the middle of the night, or their moods feel like they're on a rollercoaster, or they feel like their bodies have suddenly gone completely haywire. Millions of women search for answers online but today we are here with Dr. Soma Mandal, Medical Director of Women's Health at Hackensack Meridian Health - Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Her expertise can help women navigate this exact stage of life.

May, 4th 2026

It may not officially be summer yet, but the temperature is rising. And that means many of us are already thinking about spending time outdoors and at the shore. But before we hit the beach for some fun in the sun, it's important to remember that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. We are joined today by Dr. Andrew Pecora, the Chief of Skin and Sarcoma care at Hackensack University Medical Center’s John Theurer Cancer Center.

May 11th, 2026 

Ask A Doc.....When we think about women's health, we often focus on things like heart health or breast cancer - but lung health is becoming a major part of the conversation for women today, too. Joining us today to talk about what women should know is Dr. Ziad Hanhan, Thoracic Surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Health.

May 18th, 2026

Ask A Doc... Dr. Katherine Beckwith-Fickas, Pediatric Endocrinologist. Talking about diet and "sugar-free" foods.

If you’re curious about your health and want expert advice you can trust, check out Ask a Doc with Shawn Michaels, powered by the specialists at Hackensack Meridian Health.

May 26th, 2026

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, making it a great time to learn the warning signs of a stroke. When someone is having a stroke, every minute matters. Getting medical help quickly can reduce brain damage and even save a life. The problem is that many people don’t recognize the early symptoms. Joining us to explain what to watch for is Dr. Laura Risley, a vascular neurologist at the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

June 1st, 2026

With Hackensack Meridian Health serving as an official New York-New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, today we’re talking about how to stay healthy on the field this summer and avoid common soccer injuries. We’re joined today by Dr. Chris Cherian, a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group Orthopedic Specialists of New Jersey.

June 8th, 2026
Chest discomfort can be a confusing symptom, and while many people associate it with heartburn, it’s often a sign of a much broader digestive issue. Understanding when that sensation is just a temporary nuisance versus a chronic condition is key to long-term health. Joining us to explain what we need to know is Dr. Annie Laurie Benzie, a General and Complex Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group.

June 15th, 2026

Dr David Greenberg Talks About Summer and Skin Protection and Care. With summer upon us, many Jersey Shore residents are heading to the beach and spending more time outdoors. While we all love the sun, it’s critical to be mindful of sun safety. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases of the most common types of skin cancer diagnosed each year. Joining us to discuss how to protect yourself and your family is Dr. David Greenberg, Chief of Medical Oncology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

June 22nd, 2026

An ACL tear can be a major setback for any athlete, especially teens and young adults who want to get back to the sports they love. Today, we're joined by Dr. Yair Kissin, orthopedic surgeon and vice chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, to talk about a newer option called BEAR surgery and what families should know.

June 29th, 2026

Summer is here, and for many families, that means more time spent outdoors enjoying the warm weather. But with the fun comes a few risks. Joining us today to discuss how to keep our kids safe this summer is Dr. Marie Grace Ponce, pediatric emergency medicine chief at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

July 6th, 2026

Ready to enjoy the summer, but worried your Parkinson’s symptoms might spoil the fun? Today, we are joined by Dr. Diviya Kaul, director of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health. Dr. Kaul is here to talk about what the summer heat means to patients with Parkinsons disease.

July 13th, 2026

Testicular Cancer information with Dr Mina Fam, a uro-oncology expert from Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center.

July 20th, 2026

Advice on how to make the most of family vacations this summer and minimize stress. Dr. Stacy Doumas, Chair of Department of Psychiatry, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, at Hackensack Meridian Health.

July 27th, 2026

The summer season often inspires us to embrace the outdoors and engage in more physical activities, whether that's tending to the garden, playing a round of golf, or swimming at the beach. But this welcome increase in movement can unfortunately bring a higher risk of orthopedic injuries. Studies have shown a significant uptick in emergency room visits for issues like sprains, strains, and fractures during the summer months. To guide us on how to enjoy an active and injury-free summer, we're pleased to have Dr. Marc Levine, chair of orthopedic surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and chair of orthopedic surgery for Hackensack Meridian Health's southern region.

August 3rd, 2026

The slow, warm days of summer are typically ideal for rest, travel and recharging your battery. But for people managing multiple sclerosis, life gets more challenging when the temperature rises. Today, we are joined by Dr. Amos Katz, a neurologist specializing in Multiple Sclerosis at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Dr. Katz is here to share ways you can enjoy the summer weather without experiencing an MS flare-up.

August 10th, 2026

Autumn is coming - and with that, outdoor sports and activities. This is when old injuries can come back to haunt you. Or maybe you have been battling shoulder, hip, and knee pain for a while. Joining us today to talk about how to strengthen and nurse those injuries is Dr. Alexander Shustorovich, a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

August 17th, 2026

Back-to-school approaches and the need to be safe on our roads is very important as kids head to and from school. Addressing safety is our focus. Our guest is Dr. David Bergamo, Emergency Medicine Physician at K Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore Medical Center.

August 24th, 2026

We are talking about travel and lower back pain and how it can affect our vacation time. Joining us is Spine Specialist Dr. Mark Levine. Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Chair of Orthopedic Surgery for HMH Southern Region.

August 31st, 2026

It’s Back to School! Teens are headed off to high school or college for new adventures. But when managing a chronic medical condition, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or Crohn’s, parents wonder how they can help make the transition easier.

We are joined by Dr. Rachel Penn, director of pediatric epilepsy at Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune. Dr. Penn is here to discuss how best to prepare your teen for their new school while managing their condition.

September 8th, 2026

We are talking about "video gaming," and joining us is Dr. James Sherer from Hackensack Meridian Health. Dr. Sherer is Medical Director For Addiction Services at Hackensack Meridian Health. He is the co-editor of the book Internet Gaming Disorder: A Clinical Strategy Guide for Providers, Parents, and Players.

September 14th, 2026

You’ve probably heard about some major gastrointestinal outbreaks sweeping the country, from Salmonella to Cyclospora. But if you wake up with terrible stomach pain, how do you know if it's just a run-of-the-mill stomach bug, or if you're suffering due to an outbreak? Joining us today is Dr. Vikas Taneja, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Neptune to help explain what’s happening.

September 21, 2026

We are talking about an issue that affects many of us as we get older or try to stay active: hip pain. Joining us is Dr. Karl Blum, M.D., an orthopedic specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health.

September 28, 2026

Scrolling, texting, emailing with our head down, chin tucked, shoulders rolled forward, and our eyes locked on a screen. Many of us are suffering from headaches, stiffness, and shoulder pain due to what’s called “text neck”. We're here with Dr. James Herzog, CD, a chiropractor with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Freehold to explain what’s happening

October 5th, 2026

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Joining us to discuss breast cancer is Dr. Roshani Raman Patel, MD, Breast Surgery in Neptune, NJ.

October 12th, 2026

How often have you been urged to look on the bright side, to “shake it off.” It’s true that with time and perspective, we often are able to move past many problems that once might have seemed insurmountable. But in the moment, these pieces of advice, while often well-intentioned, can leave people feeling unheard and dismissed. It’s called “toxic positivity.” We’re joined today by Dr. Gina Radice-Vella, Chief Psychologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

October 19th, 2026

If you or a family member have been living with seizures, tremors, unexplained dizziness, or persistent facial pain, it might be time to meet with a neurosurgeon. Today, we are joined by Dr. Shabbar Danish, chair of Neurosurgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health.