New TV program “Medcast” aims to connect Brooklynites with doctors

A one-stop show for all your medical questions and needs.

That’s the goal of “Medcast Plus,” a new television program aimed at informing Brooklynites about various health issues, with doctors as featured guests.

“Basically, it brings doctors’ expertise and knowledge to the community,” said Executive Director Gregori Romenski, who also produces “Victoria’s Stars,” a show hosted by Co-Publisher of this paper, Victoria Schneps. “Sometimes people need to talk to doctors and it’s hard, whether there is no time or they don’t spend valuable time talking to the patient about some subjects. In the show, the doctors are willing to share their knowledge and expertise to explain some very delicate issues and bring the community awareness.”

After running a support group for four years focused on treatment of Hepatitis C patients, Romenski decided to broaden his scope.  “I decided to extend to some degree so the community will benefit,” he said, mentioning that the show will tackle topics such as alcoholic dependence.  “We’re beginning to touch sensitive areas and that’s very valuable.”

Dr. Sofia Novak was the guest for the program’s first episode and found the show to serve a significant purpose. “The show is designed to increase public awareness of health screenings and an understanding of tests and their function,” she said. “I did a segment for him on screening tests for colorectal cancer. We also did a segment on constipation.”

Novak stressed that the show will serve an even greater purpose over time: “To bring awareness to Brooklyn residents about screenings available to them and their importance, because screening tests are designed for patients prior to having symptoms,” she said. “A lot of times, patients don’t want to seek health care advice. Many of them don’t understand the importance of tests.”

The show is hosted by Asaya Ulanova, a nursing student at Hunter College. “Being thrown into this, I’m getting a lot of insight,” she said. “Going into it, I didn’t know what was going to transpire. It’s conversational but very natural. Greg doesn’t tell me what to say. He lets me work my way. Any question that arises, I can ask it. I have free creative reign.”

“My goal is to connect doctors with community,” said Romenski.

Medcast Plus, which is sponsored by City Drugs, premieres Thursday, November 24 at 2 and 10 p.m. and will air the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Viewers can catch the show on Channel 79 on Time Warner, 68 on Optimum, 83 on RCN, and 43 on Verizon Fios. It will also be streamed online at http://www.bricartsmedia.org/tv-shows-videos/brooklyn-free-speech.