Recipe: Summer Fruit Salad

Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Ingredients: 

  • 3 cups spring mix lettuce 
  • 2 ½ cups pecans, coarsely chopped 
  • 2 or 3 fresh shallots, minced  
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar  
  • 2 teaspoons red wine
  • ¼ cup dried apricots 
  • ¼ cup fresh red raspberries 
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries 
  • ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled 

 

Make the chipotle-candied pecans 

  • ½ cup granulated sugar 
  • ½ cup water  
  • 2 ½ cups pecan pieces
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1/8 teaspoon chili powder 

 

Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a small saucepan on the stovetop, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar.  

Remove from the heat, stir in the pecans and toss to coat. Spread the nuts on a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until toasty.  

While still warm, sprinkle the nuts with a mixture of cinnamon and chili powder. 

Set aside to cool completely. Once cool, you can store the candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. 

 

Make the dressing  

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced shallots, sugar, red wine vinegar and red wine. 

Heat the saucepan to low heat and add the mixture. Cook for 5 minutes or until shallots are tender.  

The minimum internal temperature should be 140 degrees F. or above.

Cool quickly to an internal temperature of 40 degrees F. or below. 

Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F. or below for up to 1 week. 

 

Assemble the salad  

Put the lettuce in a stainless-steel serving bowl. 

Add the blue cheese, raspberries and blueberries.  

Top with candied pecans and apricots. 

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, to taste. 

 

Nutritional information: 

  • Serving size: 1 salad (about 3 cups) 
  • Calories per serving: 300  
  • Total Fat: 15 g  
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg  
  • Sodium: 230 mg  
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g  
  • Fiber: 3 g  
  • Sugar: 17 g  
  • Protein: 3 g 

 

Approved by:  

Clay Simmons  
Executive Chef  
Genesis Food and Nutrition Services 

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell. 

 

 

 


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Summer Fruit Salad

This colorful and nutritious summer salad recipe features candied pecans, apricots, berries, and blue cheese on top of fresh lettuce. Pull it all together with a homemade dressing featuring fresh shallots and red wine vinegar.

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Sweet Treats of the Season

Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Nothing screams summer quite like fresh fruit. From juicy watermelons to plump peaches to a rainbow of fresh berries, summer recipes featuring fruit look and taste delicious. Make sure your fruit-based recipes are top-notch with these tips for choosing the best fruits this summer. 

 

The selection process  

Whether you’re visiting the grocery store, farmers market or roadside stand, it’s important to know how to choose fresh fruits. Some signs of poor-quality fruits are obvious, like brown spots or cuts. However, each fruit has its own checklist to ensure you get the freshest, most delicious option. 

 

Peaches  

Look for brightly colored peaches. Avoid peaches with green skin as this is a sign they were picked too soon. Once you’ve identified a peach with the right coloring, squeeze it gently. If it’s firm, it might need more time to fully ripen. If it’s soft, it’s ready to eat. 

Storage: 

Store peaches at room temperature stem side down.  

 

Watermelons  

Experts recommend using the “Look, lift and turn” strategy when choosing a watermelon. 

Look – Choose a watermelon that is firm and doesn’t have any bruises or dents.   

Lift – Pick the watermelon up to gauge its weight. It should feel firm and heavy.  

Turn – Turn the watermelon over and check for the ground spot. Make sure the spot is yellowish in color instead of white.  

Storage: 

You can store a whole watermelon on your counter at room temperature. Once it’s been cut, the halves or slices should be stored in the refrigerator.  

 

Blackberries  

Look for berries with a deep color, and make sure to double-check for any crushed or bruised berries in your package.  

Storage: 

Store your blackberries in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for two to three days. Wash them before using them.  

 

Strawberries  

If you’re buying your strawberries from the grocery store, make sure to smell them to get the freshest and most flavorful batch. Choose berries that are bright red with green leaves. Avoid berries that are green or white as strawberries don’t ripen after they have been picked. 

Storage: 

Strawberries won’t stay fresh for longer than 24 hours if you leave them on your counter, so make sure to pop them in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life. Don’t wash your berries until you’re ready to use them. 

 

 

 


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Sweet Treats

How to pick and store the best summer fruits. 

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Recognizing Depression

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Occasional sadness is a normal part of life. We all experience things that upset us or make us angry. However, if you or someone you care for is persistently sad, irritable or angry, you or they could be suffering from depression.  

What is depression? 

Depression is a common and serious medical illness. Also known as major depressive disorder, it negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable.  

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, if you, a family member or friend report the following for more than two weeks, a visit to a doctor is a good idea.   

  • Feeling sad, anxious or empty 

  • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic  

  • Feeling irritable, frustrated or restless 

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness 

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities 

  • Feeling tired all the time or feeling like you are moving slowly 

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions 

  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much  

  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes 

  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts 

  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and that do not ease with treatment 

Next steps 

Untreated depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease the ability to function at work and at home. 

If you’re concerned that you or someone close to you is depressed, you’re not alone. Let your primary care provider know what you are thinking and feeling, and urge your family and friends to do the same.  

Learn more about depression at genesishcs.org/behavioralhealth

Recognizing Depression

Occasional sadness is a normal part of life. We all experience things that upset us or make us angry. However, if you or someone you care for is persistently sad, irritable or angry, you or they could be suffering from depression.

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Take Time to Reflect

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Do you feel like something in your life is off, but you’re not sure what? Maybe you feel like your brain is racing all the time. If you think of thoughts and feelings like these as warning signs, learning to practice reflection is a holistic approach to bettering your overall health.   

What is reflection? 

Reflection looks like different things to different people. Some people call it mindfulness. Maybe it’s thoughts of gratitude. Reflection can be a mantra you repeat. It can be a time to focus on your breathing. If you’d like, it can be an affirmation of your faith or prayer. What’s important is you take time for yourself. Take a step back from your ongoing tasks. Turn your attention to yourself. Listening deeply to your mind, body and soul comes with many health benefits.  

What are the benefits? 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that learning to pause and reflect can reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Taking five to 10 minutes to reflect has physical benefits as well. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, calming meditation may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. With these facts alone, you may be ready to jump into this practice.   

How can you reflect? 

Sit quietly with your eyes closed. Start to inhale and exhale deeply. Relax your muscles. Settle your body and mind. Begin your reflection for the day. This can be as simple as one word: peace, love or kindness. You can recite a prayer. Ask yourself a question. No matter your focus, try to center your thoughts around only that. If your mind starts to wander, take another deep inhale. Bring your thoughts back to your reflection. Give yourself grace. This requires practice. You will get better in time.   

When you first begin practicing, you may feel uncomfortable with silence. If you normally put others’ needs ahead of your own, it can feel strange. Set aside any bad feelings. Remember, to serve others, you must also tend to your needs. Your body and mind will thank you.   

As always, talk with your primary care provider if you are experiencing any health issues. 

Want more breathing tips? Read our Daily Breathing article at genesishcs.org/breathing

Take time to reflect

Do you feel like something in your life is off, but you’re not sure what? Maybe you feel like your brain is racing all the time. If you think of thoughts and feelings like these as warning signs, learning to practice reflection is a holistic approach to bettering your overall health.   

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Recipe: Insta Pot Lentil Soup

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Ingredients:  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced  

  • 4 medium carrots, diced  

  • 3 stalks celery, diced  

  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme  

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt  

  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika  

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper  

  • 1 ½ cups French green lentils  

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)  

  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, diced (15 ounces)  

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)  

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth  

  • Fresh parsley for serving, chopped  

  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, optional  

  • Crusty bread, optional  


Instructions:   

Drizzle the oil into the pot. Set to sauté. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and stir. Continue to cook the onion, stirring often, until it is very soft, beginning to lightly brown and break down, about 8 minutes.  

Dice carrots and celery and add to the pot. Sauté until the carrots and celery are barely soft, about 2 minutes. Bundle the thyme sprigs together to make them easier to pull out later. Add salt, smoked paprika and pepper.  

Add the lentils and garlic to the pot and stir to coat them in the spices. Let cook 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.  

Cover and seal the instant pot. Set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the cooker to release pressure naturally. This will take about 10 to 15 additional minutes.  

Open the lid and stir the soup. Remove the thyme stems, leaving the leaves in the soup. If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin with a bit of water or additional stock until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.   

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley, Parmesan cheese and bread for dipping.  


Nutritional information:  

  • Serving size: 1 ½  cups  
  • Number of servings: 6   
  • Calories per serving: 236   
  • Total fat: 12 g  
  • Saturated fat: 5 g  
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg  
  • Sodium: 516 mg  
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g  
  • Fiber: 16 g  
  • Sugar: 10 g  
  • Protein: 36 g  

Storage:

Place leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 


Approved by:  
Maurine Maneely  
Genesis Registered Dietitian 

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell

lentil soup

Learn how to make this delicious lentil soup with an insta pot.

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Three Sneaky Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet if You Don’t like Meat

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Protein. You know you need it, but if you don’t like meat or are opposed to eating it, it might feel like your options are limited. After all, you can only dip apples in peanut butter so many times before it starts to get old. It’s tempting to ignore, but protein is crucial for a healthy diet. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, protein can help you heal more quickly, support healthy weight loss and lower your blood pressure. 

If the thought of a big juicy steak doesn’t make you salivate, don’t worry. Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.  

1. Add snacks to your rotation     

Have you ever grabbed a snack to appease your grumbling stomach, only to still feel hungry? According to the National Library of Medicine, a protein-rich diet can help you feel fuller longer. Fend off the midday munchies with one of these snacks. 

  • Keep sunflower or pumpkin seeds, edamame or string cheese on hand for a quick pick-me-up. 

  • Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse. It’s a great snack on its own or with fruit. 

2. Swap an ingredient in one of your go-to meals with a protein-rich alternative    

If an ingredient isn’t crucial to the structure of the meal, try switching it out with a protein-fueled substitute. Experiment to find the best fit for your dish. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth it in the long run. 

  • Switch up your spaghetti dinner by using whole-grain pasta. If you don’t like the taste of whole- grain noodles, try chickpea pasta instead. Both are protein-rich options. 

  • Is plain Greek yogurt too bitter for you on its own? Try using it in place of sour cream. You probably won’t notice the difference during your next taco night.  

  • Making a rice dish?  Use quinoa or lentils as the base. 

3. Boost your favorite meals by adding protein 

Adding protein to a meal doesn’t have to mean adding a piece of grilled chicken to your plate. Adding an extra ingredient (or two) can enhance the flavor of your meal while making it healthier. You never know, you might find a new way to prepare your favorite dish. 

  • Next time you pour yourself a bowl of cereal, toss in some cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch and boost of protein. 

  • Love ramen? Add an egg, mushrooms or high-protein vegetables like cooked spinach or peas to your noodles. 

three sneaky ways to add protein to your diet if you don’t like meat

Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.  

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Genesis Coshocton Medical Center

Submitted by emily.griffin on

The new 60,000-square-foot center brings together 200+ employees, including the region’s best physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, multi-skilled technicians, technologists, therapists, and other clinical and support staff.  

The Genesis Coshocton Medical Center offers:  

Emergency Department open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  

  • 10 patient rooms  

  • Specialized rooms for major medical resuscitation and behavioral health needs  

  • Genesis Community Ambulance Service medical transport  

Outpatient Surgery  

  • 9 pre/post rooms, 2 surgical suites and 1 minor procedure room  

  • Surgeries and procedures: examples include orthopedics and orthopedic sports medicine; podiatry, ENT, urogynecology, OB/GYN, endoscopy and general surgery  

Overnight Observation Unit 

  • 10 patient rooms  

Imaging 

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging   

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans 

  • X-ray   

  • 3D Mammography   

  • Ultrasound  

Laboratory for patient testing such as blood draws open 24/7  

  • Cardiac diagnostics such as echocardiograms, stress tests, vascular ultrasound, EKGs, Holter monitors and cardiac computed tomography scans (CTs)  

  • Respiratory therapy, including pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases   

  • Physical, occupational and speech therapies  

  • Medical offices for physician specialists: 

    • Surgeons
    • General and Invasive Cardiologists
    • Gastroenterologists
    • Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists 

High-quality healthcare throughout Coshocton  

In addition to the Coshocton Medical Center, Genesis offers other healthcare services in the Coshocton area, including:  

• Primary Care, 410 Main Street, Suite A & 23599 Airport Road  

• Orthopedics, 23599 Airport Road  

• Urogynecology, 23599 Airport Road  

• OB/GYN, 23599 Airport Road  

• Podiatry, 23599 Airport Road  

• Occupational Health, 23599 Airport Road  

Celebrating the opening  

Before the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center officially opened its doors, multiple events were held to celebrate what this new healthcare facility means to the residents of Coshocton and surrounding counties.  

Here is the look at the festivities:

GCMC Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day

Community members of all ages toured the new facility on Saturday, March 18. They met their future caregivers, viewed new diagnostic and treatment equipment, and enjoyed refreshments and a door prize drawing. 

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Genesis board and team members and Coshocton community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 16. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
GCMC LiveWell

The new 60,000-square-foot center brings together 200+ employees, including the region’s best physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, multi-skilled technicians, technologists, therapists, and other clinical and support staff.  

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Restored: Muscle Cars and Torn Muscles

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Taking a worn-down, broken muscle car and transforming it into a flashy fresh ride takes time, skills and finances, but John Rusinko and his wife Haddi say it’s worth it. They spend retirement side by side, saving vintage vehicles from rusty fates by restoring them into gorgeous, roaring rides. 

Last year, John’s attention broadened from restoring muscle cars to restoring muscle when he was thrown from his lawn mower after sliding down a steep hill on his property.  

“I believe that’s when I hurt my hamstring,” he said. “A month later, I went hunting and fell.” 

For the next several months, John lived with a sharp, stabbing pain. An MRI revealed a partially torn hamstring muscle. Despite steroid injections and physical therapy, the pain remained. Then he met Brenton Bohlig, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine, who recommended a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. 

Brenton Bohlig, M.D.

Brenton Bohlig, M.D.
Fellowship-trained and Board-certified
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Accelerate healing by fueling up  

PRP treatments use the patient’s blood cells to accelerate healing. To create the platelet-rich plasma, a sample of whole blood is usually drawn from the arm and then placed into a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins until the platelets separate and become concentrated within the blood’s plasma. This platelet-dense precious plasma can fuel and accelerate healing when injected directly into an injured area.  

“Using platelet-rich plasma harnesses the body’s natural healing ability,” said Dr. Bohlig. The injection utilizes the patient’s blood as the activating agent, so patients sidestep adverse reactions that may come with medications or foreign substances. 

“It’s a more natural way. Harnessing the proteins and growth factors that promote healing lets your body do what it’s meant to do. We simply direct where the healing takes place. It’s wonderful to see how this treatment benefits people with partially torn tendons and ligaments,” Dr. Bohlig said. 

PRP injections deliver results 

On the day of the injection, Dr. Bohlig told John not to anticipate results for about six weeks. John waited patiently, and relief came right on cue. 

“Within the seventh week, I was walking fine. Before, it felt like someone had stuck a knife in me and never pulled it out, but after those six weeks, I had no pain. All because of my blood,” he said. “No medications, no therapy, just my blood.” 

Guiding patients on the road to recovery 

With his hamstring healed, John returned to living his best life. He remains pain-free more than a year after the PRP injection. He hunts, chops wood and cares for his land. On most days, John uses his restored hamstring to twist and turn around the vehicles he and his wife enjoy restoring.  

For Dr. Bohlig, success stories like John’s fuel his desire to restore people to their best quality of life. “It’s great to see people return after treatment,” he said. “Where there was a grimace on their face from pain with certain movements, there’s now a smile as they show off what they can do. I’m thrilled that we can provide the care they need on the road to recovery.” 

Restored: Muscle Cars and Torn Muscles

Taking a worn-down, broken muscle car and transforming it into a flashy fresh ride takes time, skills and finances, but John Rusinko and his wife Haddi say it’s worth it.

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Portion Control and Power Walking

Submitted by emily.griffin on

A few years ago, Tim Lewis of Coshocton, Ohio, had trouble doing most things. He was morbidly obese, suffered from emphysema and had trouble sleeping. He was constantly out of breath and could barely walk from room to room in his house.  

Tim knew he had to do something about his health because he is a single father to a preteen daughter.  “It was hard for me to go to school and athletic events and fun things she enjoys, like shopping,” he said. “I had to find a way to take better care of myself, so I could take care of her.”  

A Transformation Takes Root

Unfortunately, his health was so poor that Tim suffered two heart attacks in the summer of 2021. After the second heart attack, he had stents put in at Genesis Hospital, which he said helped with his breathing. After his discharge, Tim was worried about recovery. “I knew I needed to eat better and exercise to get back on track, but I didn’t feel like I had the energy to do anything. I felt so fragile,” he said.  

Then he noticed something that turned out to be the key to a complete transformation in his health and life. “I got home and saw that I’d lost 20 pounds during my hospital stay. I was happy about it but couldn’t figure out how it happened.”   

At his first check-up with Christy Zigo, APRN-CNP, Nurse Practitioner at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group in Coshocton, Tim told her about his fear of not being able to recover fully.  

Zigo took the time to discuss his treatment, recovery plan and the future at length. Reassured about many of his concerns, Tim asked how he could have dropped 20 pounds so quickly.  

“When Tim came to the office, he was motivated to improve his health and unsure how he had made such progress while in the hospital,” said Zigo. “I explained that while in the hospital, Genesis dietitians planned his meals to follow the portion, caloric and nutritional guidelines for his illness. In a nutshell, portion control.” 

Christy Zigo APRN-CNP

Christy Zigo, APRN-CNP
Nurse Practitioner
Genesis Heart & Vascular Group

Half his size and completely whole  

At home, Tim adopted the hospital menu. “Portion control and encouragement from the Genesis nurses and specialists worked wonders for me,” said Tim. He also started walking daily. He was so dedicated to following both regimens that he lost 190 pounds in 13 months. “Walking is my number one hobby now,” he said. He leaves his house every day before noon and walks a few different routes he’s created throughout the city of Coshocton.   

Since he started working with the Genesis Heart and Vascular team, Tim said that everything has improved for himself and his daughter. He feels better, and she is happy to have a more active dad. “I want to tell my story to everyone,” he said. “I am so grateful to Genesis for getting the ball rolling for me.”   

Portion Control and Power Walking

A few years ago, Tim Lewis of Coshocton, Ohio, had trouble doing most things. He was morbidly obese, suffered from emphysema and had trouble sleeping. He was constantly out of breath and could barely walk from room to room in his house.  

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Spotlight on Edmund Kassis, M.D.

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System.  

In addition to performing surgeries at Genesis Hospital, Dr. Kassis serves as medical director of cardiothoracic surgery within the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group.   

Dr. Kassis specializes in the surgical removal of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors. He performs a full range of traditional and minimally invasive procedures, and optimizes patient benefits by frequently utilizing innovative robotic-assisted technologies in the treatment of thoracic cancers.    

“Robotic-assisted technology allows outstanding visualization of the chest,” he said. “The instrumentation is like working with your hands but doesn’t require spreading a patient’s ribs and uses much smaller incisions. Patients who are candidates benefit from shorter hospital stays, less pain and the ability to return to work and normal activities faster.”    

Initially inspired to pursue medicine by family members who passed away from lung cancer, Dr. Kassis aims to help others facing similar diagnoses. He takes a direct approach to educating patients and strives to provide top-quality surgical care. “I always have my patients’ best interests in mind and want them to understand their treatment,” he said.  

When asked about his most rewarding professional moments, Dr. Kassis said they include the satisfaction of an operation well done, seeing patients thriving in the hospital post-surgery and congratulating patients at the five-year mark when they are declared cancer-free.

Outside of work, Dr. Kassis enjoys taking his body to the extreme. Always moving, he has completed multiple Ironman competitions and is training for a 36-hour endurance hike. He also golfs and scuba dives.

Doctor of Medicine:    
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

General Surgery Residency:    
The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland 
Chief Resident   

Fellowships:    
Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 
Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas   

Board-certified:    
American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

 

Edmund Kasis, M.D. LiveWell

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System.  

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