What does a top surgeon have in common with a champion ballroom dancer? More than you might think. <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/thomas-l-bauer/1319269" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thomas Bauer, M.D.</a>, chairman of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is featured in Hackensack Meridian Health&rsquo;s &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; YouTube series for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKW-x3XS9WE&amp;list=PLV6QUIdm9NEeMsm7obqEhx8g85EPm0HCs&amp;index=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">passion for competitive dance</a>. We asked him how the discipline of the dance floor makes him a better surgeon for his patients.
Q1: Dr. Bauer, your episode of &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; shows a very different side of a surgeon. Why is ballroom dancing so important for you?
Dr. Bauer: Surgery is my life's work, but dance is my reset. It&rsquo;s a demanding physical and mental discipline that requires a different kind of focus. In the operating room, I am methodical and precise, and I find that the structured nature of ballroom dance complements that perfectly. It&rsquo;s an outlet that is both creative and highly disciplined, which helps me maintain the stamina and concentration my profession requires. As the series highlights, having this balance is key to avoiding burnout and staying at the top of your game. Furthermore, my wife of 38 years has stood beside and supported me through my training and every position that I have held since then. This pursuit is dedicating time to us as a couple to focus on a passion that not only makes us better as individuals, but also more importantly as a couple.
Q2: How do the skills you&rsquo;ve honed as a champion dancer influence your work as a surgeon?
Dr. Bauer: The parallels are undeniable. Both surgery and competitive dance demand precision, flawless technique, and the ability to lead with confidence. On the dance floor, every step, turn, and hold is deliberate and practiced to perfection. I bring that same meticulous attention to detail to every procedure I perform. Leading a surgical team or my department&nbsp; is like leading a dance partner&mdash;it requires clear communication, trust, and the ability to adapt in the moment, all while making it look effortless.
Q3: What can a patient who needs surgery expect from you and your team?
Dr. Bauer: They can expect a surgeon who applies the same level of discipline, focus, and commitment to their care as I do to my dancing. My passion for excellence extends from the dance floor to the operating room. My team is built on a foundation of precision and trust, ensuring every patient receives the highest quality of care. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. If you are seeking a surgical team with an unwavering commitment to excellence, I invite you to schedule a consultation.
For information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center&rsquo;s (JSUMC) surgical services visit <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/surgical-services" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/surgical-services</a>. To make an appointment with Dr. Bauer or another surgeon at JSUMC, call 844-HMH-WELL.

Monmouth County

New York City Metropolitan Area

Asbury Park

New Jersey

From the Operating Room to the Ballroom: Q&A...

What does a top surgeon have in common with a champion ballroom dancer? More than you might think. Thomas Bauer, M.D., chairman of Surgery at...

From the Operating Room to the Ballroom: Q&A with Dr. Thomas Bauer

In the high-stakes world of neurosurgery, finding an escape is essential. For <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/shabbar-f-danish/2012713" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shabbar Danish, M.D.</a>, chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, that escape comes with a bass guitar and a microphone. As featured in Hackensack Meridian Health&rsquo;s &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38pl19c9uPY" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">series</a>, Dr. Danish unwinds by performing in a band. He discusses how this musical passion sharpens his skills as a surgeon. 
Q1: Dr. Danish, as a neurosurgeon, you perform incredibly complex procedures. How does playing in a rock band help you manage that pressure?Dr. Danish: It&rsquo;s the perfect counterbalance. Neurosurgery requires an intense, quiet focus, while playing music is a powerful, collaborative release. After a day in the operating room, creating music engages a different part of my mind and allows me to decompress in a productive way. The &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; series does a great job of showing why this is so important. When we as physicians take time to pursue our passions, we prevent burnout and return to our patients with renewed energy and a clearer perspective.

Q2: How does the experience of playing in a band translate to your work leading a neurosurgery team?
Dr. Danish: The connection is incredibly strong. A band is a team where every member must be in sync, listening to cues, and working together to create a cohesive sound. The same is true in my surgical team. Every nurse, tech, and fellow physician plays a critical role, and seamless communication is non-negotiable for patient safety. Music is a constant exercise in collaboration and harmony, and I bring that same ethos to the operating room. It reinforces the teamwork that is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.
Q3: For a patient facing a neurological condition, what does this balanced, team-focused approach mean for their care?
Dr. Danish: It means they will be cared for by a team that is not only technically proficient but also deeply connected and communicative. My philosophy is that every patient deserves a team that works in perfect harmony, just like a band. We are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care. My goal is to ensure every patient feels confident that they have a dedicated, collaborative team focused on their health.
For information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center&rsquo;s (JSUMC) neurosurgical services visit <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/neurosciences/neurosurgery" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/neurosciences/neurosurgery</a>. To make an appointment with Dr. Danish or another neurosurgeon at JSUMC, call 844-HMH-WELL.

Neurosurgery & Rock ‘n’ Roll: Q&A with Dr....

In the high-stakes world of neurosurgery, finding an escape is essential. For Shabbar Danish, M.D., chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian...

Neurosurgery & Rock ‘n’ Roll: Q&A with Dr. Shabbar Danish

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Southpaw Gym, 32 State Rt. 35 N., Neptune. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is hosting a FREE lecture on Community of Lifesavers CPR, Tuesday, May 12, 5 - 6:30 p.m. at the Asbury Park Public Library, 500 1st Ave. Asbury Park. Join us to learn about the steps of hands-only CPR and relief of choking in an adult. This class does not issue a certification card at completion. Registration is required. Please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 to register.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Monday, May 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the ShopRite of West Long Branch, 71 State Route 36, West Long Branch. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Wednesday, May 20, 1 - 4 p.m. at the Jane H. Booker Family Health Center, 1828 W. Lake Ave., Neptune. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpreters will be available. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Tuesday, May 26, 12 - 2 p.m. at the CASA Freehold,4 Jackson St., Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpreters will be available. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Peter&rsquo;s Church, 33 Throckmorton Street, Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpreters will be available. No registration required.

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University...

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Southpaw Gym, 32 State Rt. 35 N.,...

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center May Community Events

With a rising number of rotavirus cases being reported across the country and in New Jersey this spring, experts from Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against this common and potentially severe illness. Rotavirus is a contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, which can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, and &ndash; in rare cases &ndash; death.
Before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2006, nearly every child in the United States was infected with the virus at least once by their 5th birthday. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-19-rotavirus.html#:~:text=In%20the%20prevaccine%20era%2C%20an,age%203%20to%2035%20months." target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, this resulted in more than 400,000 doctor visits, more than 200,000 emergency room visits, 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations, and 20 to 60 deaths annually in children under five. Since the vaccine's introduction, the CDC estimates that hospitalizations for rotavirus among young children in the U.S. have dropped by 40,000 to 50,000 each year.
For New Jersey in particular, data from the <a href="https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker?charts=CmEQACABSABSBmUxMzZjMVIGZDU4Yjg5UgY3M2U2MWNSBjU0N2M1ZFIGYWQ2OWRiUgZjNTlmMmVaBFJvdGFyCjIwMjUtMDQtMTZyCjIwMjYtMDQtMTaKAQZjNTViMWK4AZML&amp;selectedChartId=c55b1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">WastewaterSCAN dashboard</a> (a public surveillance tool that tracks infectious disease pathogens in wastewater in real time and utilized by the CDC&rsquo;s Wastewater Monitoring Program) shows a general resurgence across the state.
"Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect our children from rotavirus," says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/daniel-ruderfer/3183810" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Daniel Ruderfer, M.D.</a>, chief of pediatric infectious disease at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC). "The vaccine has an excellent safety profile and has been proven to prevent severe illness, keeping children out of the hospital and giving parents peace of mind."
"The rotavirus vaccine is a safe and highly effective tool for preventing severe diarrheal disease in young children. We've seen a dramatic decrease in hospitalizations due to rotavirus since the vaccine's introduction, which means fewer children are suffering from the serious complications of the illness, such as dehydration,&rdquo; notes <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/harpreet-pall/1316806" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Harpreet Pall, M.D.</a>, chief medical officer at JSUMC whose specialty is pediatric gastroenterology at K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital.
&ldquo;We strongly encourage parents to speak with their pediatrician to ensure their children are protected," adds Dr. Pall, who is also a professor of pediatrics at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.&nbsp;
The rotavirus vaccine is given orally in two or three doses, depending on the brand, starting when a baby is two months old. It is crucial for infants to receive the first dose before 15 weeks of age and to complete the series before they turn 8 months old.
"As pediatricians, our goal is always prevention first. The rotavirus vaccine is a cornerstone of our infant immunization schedule because it prevents a common, miserable, and potentially dangerous illness. Before the vaccine, our emergency rooms saw a constant flow of dehydrated infants. Today, it's a largely preventable disease. We urge all parents to ensure their baby gets this simple but life-saving protection," says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/stefan-hagmann/2444630" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Stefan Hagmann, M.D.</a>, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/hackensack-university-medical-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center,</a> and professor of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.&nbsp;
Additional information can be found at: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts</a>.&nbsp;

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Experts Stress...

With a rising number of rotavirus cases being reported across the country and in New Jersey this spring, experts from Hackensack Meridian Children...

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Experts Stress the Importance of Vaccination as Rotavirus Surges

While an uncomfortable topic for many men, testicular cancer is a common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. While a highly curable disease if caught early, the reluctance to talk about it can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/mina-m-fam/1497224" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Mina Fam, M.D.</a>, director of uro-oncology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and director of robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, notes early detection is crucial &ndash; not only for successful treatment but also for managing the long-term effects that can surface decades later. He shares more during this Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.While testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 1 in every 250 male cancer diagnoses, its incidence has been on the rise in the United States and many other countries for several decades. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, there will be about 9,810 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed and about 630 deaths from the disease. The good news is that the lifetime risk of dying from testicular cancer is very low, about 1 in 5,000, largely because it is so treatable. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized testicular cancer is 99 percent.





One of the most critical messages of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is the importance of self-examination. Being familiar with your own body is the first line of defense. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Other symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or a change in the size or feel of a testicle. It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, but it's always best to get checked by a doctor. Delaying a visit to the doctor can allow the cancer to spread, making it more difficult to treat.


Performing a monthly self-exam is a simple and effective way to detect any changes early. The best time to do this is during or after a warm shower or bath when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum. Check each testicle separately, using both hands to gently roll each testicle between your thumbs and fingers. Feel for any hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps, or any changes in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles.
You will also feel a soft, cord-like structure on the top and back of each testicle called the epididymis, which is a normal part of the anatomy. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.&nbsp;


Embarrassment should never be a barrier to your health. Doctors are professionals who are there to help, and they have these conversations every day. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, schedule an appointment with your doctor.


For those who are diagnosed with testicular cancer, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential. This means having a team of specialists, including urologists, oncologists, and fertility experts, working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan. A crucial part of this plan is addressing concerns about fertility. Treatments like chemotherapy can affect sperm production, so fertility preservation options, such as sperm banking, should be discussed before treatment begins.

The future of testicular cancer treatment is bright, with ongoing clinical trials and biomarker research exploring new approaches for advanced and recurrent disease. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of survivorship and addressing the long-term needs of patients, including fertility, sexual function, and the potential for late side effects of treatment. This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to get to know your body, and don't be afraid to speak up if something seems off. Early detection is key to a successful outcome and a long, healthy life. For additional information, visit: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care</a>.

Don't Be Shy: A Frank Conversation About...

While an uncomfortable topic for many men, testicular cancer is a common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. While a highly...

Don't Be Shy: A Frank Conversation About Testicular Cancer

Carly Baldwin

Manasquan-Belmar

Long Branch-Eatontown

Sara Winick

Wall

Little Silver-Oceanport

Red Bank-Shrewsbury

Rumson-Fair Haven

Ocean County

Karen Wall

Point Pleasant

Howell

Brick

Marlboro-Coltsneck

West Park Recreation Center

Join the Township of Ocean Historical Museum for a fascinating Speaker Series event with author and historian Bill Dunn, who will trace the evolution of lighthouses from Alexandria to New Jersey. This free, barrier-free public event includes a book signing with light refreshments, and all book sale proceeds support the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee.

Local Event: Guiding Beacons: Lighthouses From Ancient Egypt To Sea Girt

Ocean

Guiding Beacons: Lighthouses From Ancient Egypt...

Join the Township of Ocean Historical Museum for a fascinating Speaker Series event with author and historian Bill Dunn, who...

Guiding Beacons: Lighthouses From Ancient Egypt To Sea Girt

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Summer season starts Monday, May 25, 7pm, at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank, NJ. This summer our theme is “Music From the Movies”, including Footloose, Grease, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, James Bond, Hair, and many more.&nbsp;Come try it out risk-free! Find your voice. Feed your spirit. Make new friends. For more information, visit our website RockVoices.com

Local Event: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY...

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Summer season starts Monday, May 25, 7pm, at Pilgrim...

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Park Loft

Celebrating courage and resilience after homelessness, this annual event recognizes individuals and leaders whose commitment, compassion and impact align with HABcore’s mission to support vulnerable families, veterans and individuals facing homelessness and housing insecurity at the Jersey Shore.
All event proceeds will benefit HABcore’s mission to house the homeless and provide supportive services for more than 1,000 families, veterans and individuals with special needs at the Jersey Shore.
For more information about the event, including ticket sales, sponsorships and underwriting opportunities, visit <a href="https://onecau.se/habcore-gala" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://onecau.se/habcore-gala</a>&nbsp;or contact Lauren Moulder, Director of Fund Development and Engagement, <a href="mailto:lmoulder@habcore.org">lmoulder@habcore.org</a> or 908-812-8637.

Local Event: Homes for the Brave Gala 

Middletown

Homes for the Brave Gala 

Celebrating courage and resilience after homelessness, this annual event recognizes individuals and leaders whose commitment,...

RoBeans Mobile Barista is booking for the spring and summer

RoBeans

RoBeans Mobile Barista is a woman-owned coffee bus based in Asbury Park, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at community events, corporate gatherings, schools, and private celebrations. Known for its welcoming service and quality beverages. RoBeans brings "serenity in a cup" wherever it parks.

RoBeans Mobile Barista is a woman-owned coffee bus based in Asbury Park, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at community events,...

Early Morning & Late Night DEALS! 25% OFF Sale

Scarlet Reserve Room

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or corporate investors. Our mission is to keep cannabis culture alive in New Jersey while providing safe, premium, and compliant cannabis products to local customers. For anyone who believes in second chances and social equity in the New Jersey cannabis market, our journey shows it’s possible — even when the odds feel stacked against you. We’re proud to lead by example and build a trusted Englishtown and Monmouth County dispensary for the next generation of cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs. Our journey proves that redemption and determination can break barriers. Once facing charges for the very plant now fueling an industry, our founder rebuilt from the ground up — earning degrees, mastering business, and creating safe, trusted spaces for cannabis and wellness. Today, Scarlet Reserve Room stands proudly as an independently owned, legacy-to-legal Englishtown dispensary, keeping culture alive and proving second chances matter.

Monmouth

Englishtown

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or...

Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale

Brookdale Community College

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the foundation of who we are. Every program, partnership, and learning experience is designed to help students Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale as they pursue meaningful and rewarding futures. Our commitment to quality is reflected in what our students experience every day: • 81 percent say professors put significant effort into teaching their classes. • 76 percent report it is easy to get the classes they need. • 92 percent feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. • A 17 to 1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized support and mentorship. • Graduates earn a median salary of $50,836 five years out, well above the national average. With more than 60 degree and certificate programs, Brookdale offers flexible in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet students where they are. Our seamless transfer pathways—with Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, Kean University, and Monmouth University—allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees right here in Monmouth County. We also offer more than 40 transfer agreements with leading four-year colleges and universities from Paris to New Jersey and beyond, guaranteeing qualified students junior-year status. Several agreements even provide three-plus-one pathways so your junior year can be completed at Brookdale for significant savings. Students also benefit from robust career services, workforce partnerships, and hands-on learning that prepare them for in-demand careers in nursing, business, engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, liberal arts, and more. Brookdale’s rigorous programs and dedicated faculty empower students to Be Bold, excel in a rapidly changing world, and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the...

Now accepting Spring and Annual Storage reservations 

The NJ Paddock Car Storage Facility

An INSURED, Secure, Climate Controlled Antique, Classic and Exotic car storage facility.

Blossom (Divorce) Coaching, LLC

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery &amp; Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Blossom Coaching, I provide compassionate, expert guidance to help individuals move through the challenges of divorce with clarity, courage, and confidence. As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Certified Divorce Coach, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work, helping clients untangle the emotional and practical struggles of divorce so they can feel empowered to create their best future. Blossom Coaching offers: In-Person and Virtual Divorce Support &amp; Recovery Groups – Connect with others who truly understand and find strength in community. Individual Coaching – Personalized one-on-one support to meet your unique needs and goals. Workshops – Interactive opportunities to learn strategies, gain tools, and discover your best self after divorce. At Blossom Coaching, you’ll find a safe, supportive space to move forward, rebuild, and blossom into the life that’s waiting for you.

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery & Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it...

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