Rochester Regional Health

03/30/2026

To the physicians across Rochester Regional Health: Thank you. 🙏

Today and over the past week, we honored Doctors' Day with celebrations at Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, UMMC, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, Clifton Springs Community Hospital, and throughout the St. Lawrence Region.

Every day, our physicians help us advance health, side by side with our patients, our communities, and each other. They’re more than medical experts—they’re listeners, problem-solvers, mentors, and advocates. They bring knowledge and compassion to every appointment, every procedure, and every moment of care.

To all our doctors: thank you for the difference you make. We’re so grateful for you. Happy Doctors' Day! 🩵🌟

03/26/2026

Your body may be trying to tell you something. Are you listening? 🩺

⚠️ Symptoms like re**al bleeding, blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained stomach pain, bloating, or weight loss can be red flags for colore**al cancer, and they shouldn't be ignored.

We know it can feel uncomfortable to talk about these things, but your health is worth the conversation. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your primary care provider get the answers you need.

Early detection can change everything, and we're here to help you take that first step. 🩵

03/25/2026

When you strive to be a Katie but know deep down you’re an Ashley… 😅

No matter your care vibe, we’re here for it.

Find a new primary care provider or get same-day care at roc.health/getcarenow

03/23/2026

👋 We’re excited to welcome Vincent Laurence, MD, a board‑certified plastic surgeon specializing in:

🩺 Skin cancer reconstruction
🩺 Complex wound care
🩺 Facial trauma
🩺 Breast reconstruction
🩺 Hand surgery

Dr. Laurence brings advanced training from around the world - including a plastic surgery residency at UC Irvine, a microsurgery fellowship in Taiwan, and a hand surgery instructorship at the University of Pittsburgh. He is committed to delivering precise, patient‑centered care for patients needing reconstructive or hand surgery.

🌱 Outside of work, Dr. Laurence brings a lifetime of hands-on creativity. Before becoming a surgeon, he worked as a carpenter, a writer and photographer for national craft and gardening publications, and even ran trial gardens and an heirloom seed catalog. He’s an avid gardener, woodworker, beekeeper, and outdoor enthusiast, and he and his partner Ann (along with their three cats 🐾) are excited to put down new roots here in our community.

➡️ Dr. Laurence is now welcoming new patients in Greece and Batavia, NY. To make an appointment, call 585-723-7670.

03/20/2026

Match Day 2026 was one to remember! 🎉

Today, Rochester Regional Health and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated an incredible milestone with LECOM’s 4th‑year students as they opened their envelopes and learned where they’ll begin their residency programs.

Congratulations to every student who matched, including those who will be continuing their journey at Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, and United Memorial Medical Center.

We’re so proud of all the hard work that brought you to this moment, and we’re grateful to have supported you along the way.🩵

Thank you for letting us share in your Match Day excitement. We can’t wait to see everything you’ll accomplish as you take this next step in caring for our communities. 🩺 ✨

03/18/2026

When it comes to protecting her family’s future, Jackie Newman never hesitates. ✨

Jackie lives with kidney disease and is raising two sons with Alport Syndrome. She has spent years going to appointments, asking questions, and pushing for information so she can do what she does best: take care of her family. When she signed up for GenoWell, our no‑cost genetic screening community health research program, she saw a chance to learn more about her own health, and theirs.

Her results revealed a genetic mutation linked to Lynch Syndrome, which can increase the risk for several cancers, including colore**al cancer. Within days, RRH genetic counselors helped her understand what this meant for her and her children, and guided her toward earlier screenings, specialist visits, and a proactive plan for her future health.

“I chose to do the screening because I needed to know for my kids,” Jackie shared. “These are my children and I take care of them. It’s not just about me.”

Her journey is a reminder that knowledge can guide us, empower us, and help us care for the people we love most. 🩵 🧬

➡️ Read Jackie's full story and see if screening is right for you at https://rochealth.com/jackie

03/17/2026

We couldn’t let St. Patrick’s Day pass without adding a little local magic to your scroll. 🌈🍀

From RGH to Unity, UMMC, and Massena, these moments caught over the years remind us why we do what we do. Just like a rainbow signals brighter days ahead, our teams show up every day to bring hope, comfort, and care to our patients and families.

Today, we’re feeling extra lucky to serve such amazing communities. 💚

03/16/2026

Celebrating a Milestone in Lung Care in the North Country! 🎉

Our St. Lawrence Region Bronchoscopy team, led by Dr. Rishi Kumar, celebrated 100 robotic bronchoscopy procedures performed for patients in our community.

This milestone reflects the incredible teamwork of our board certified pulmonologist, anesthesiologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and surgical support staff who bring advanced, minimally invasive lung care close to home.

Because of their dedication, 100 patients have received cutting-edge technology and compassionate care right here in our region - helping support earlier detection and better outcomes.

👏 A huge thank you to our entire multidisciplinary team for continuing to raise the bar in lung care for our communities!

03/13/2026

Let’s be honest... colonoscopies get a bad rap. But most of it comes from myths, not facts. ❌ ✅ Here are five common ones we want to clear up:

1️⃣ “You only need a colonoscopy if you have symptoms.”
Colon cancer can grow quietly. Things like IBD, genetics, smoking, being overweight, or being male can raise your risk even if you feel totally fine.

2️⃣ “The prep is difficult.”
Prep does take a little planning, but it isn’t painful and it only lasts one day. The hardest part is usually avoiding food for a bit. A small inconvenience now can help prevent major health problems later.

3️⃣ “The procedure is painful.”
During a colonoscopy, you’re given medicine to help you relax or sleep. Most people don’t feel anything at all, and your care team stays with you the entire time to watch your vital signs and keep you safe.

4️⃣ “It’s embarrassing.”
Care teams perform colonoscopies every day. For them, it’s a routine medical procedure, not something to feel shy about. Their focus is your comfort, dignity, and health from start to finish.

5️⃣ “Colonoscopies are only for screening.”
A colonoscopy can find issues, but it can also fix them. Polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer and evaluate bleeding, inflammation, or other symptoms.

If you’re curious to learn more about when to get screened or what to expect, click the link in the comments and talk with your P*P at RRH.

For preventative care that keeps you moving forward, we’re here for it. 🩵

03/12/2026

Setting the Standard for Nurse Education - and Nurse Excellence. ✨

🏆 We’re proud to congratulate our Nurse Residency Program for their recent Accreditation with Distinction from the ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center - the highest national recognition for practice transition programs - underscoring our commitment to exceptional mentorship, education, and support for new nurses.

🩺 Also this month, we welcomed nursing students to our Clinical Kick-Offs at Rochester General Hospital and Unity Hospital where they connected with recruitment and unit leaders to explore specialties, ask questions, and discover the paths that inspire them as they begin their careers.

For every nursing student, every new graduate, and every step of the journey - we’re here for it. 🩵

03/09/2026

We turned awareness into action on Friday. 🩵

Dress in Blue Day brought our RRH family together to support colore**al cancer awareness. Thank you to everyone who showed up in blue and helped shine a light on the importance of screening and prevention. Your support truly makes a difference.

If you're due for a colore**al cancer screening, don't wait - talk to your provider today. Early detection saves lives. Find screening resources in the comments below.

03/05/2026

🚨 Tick Alert: They're Back! 🕷️

As temperatures climb above 35°F, ticks are waking up and on the move. Even with snow on the ground, these little hitchhikers are looking for a ride.

After outdoor adventures or yard work, do a thorough, full-body tick check. Pay extra attention to warm, hidden spots on your body.

➡️ We're here for your health, from head to toe. More tick‑prevention tips are waiting in the comments. 🌱

With warm weather comes the presence of ticks. Learn how to prevent tick bites and what to do if you are bit.