Author Archives: Joe Hilbert

  1. Meniscal Tears: The Knee Injury That Can Sideline Anyone

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    Whether you’re watching NFL preseason, college football kickoffs, international soccer matches, or high school games under the Friday night lights, one injury keeps making headlines: meniscus tears. As athletes of all levels take the field this season, it’s a term you’re likely to hear often. But it’s not just athletes who are at risk—this common knee injury can happen to anyone, including people who don’t play sports at all.

    According to Dr. Dante Marconi, orthopedic surgeon with Shore Physicians Group, the menisci are two C-shaped piece of cartilage in each knee that act like a shock absorbers between the thighbone and shinbone. “You have one on the inner side and one on the outer side of the knee,” he said. “They help cushion and stabilize the joint, especially during twisting or pivoting motions.”

    In younger, active people, meniscal tears are often the result of sudden, forceful movement—think cutting on the soccer field or changing direction quickly during a football play. But in older adults, meniscal tears can occur from something as simple as standing up awkwardly from a chair or squatting to reach for something on a low shelf. Degenerative tears related to arthritis are especially common as we age.

    “Sometimes it’s a pop that the person feels right away,” said Dr. Marconi. “Other times, it shows up as joint line pain, especially with twisting or bending. Deep squats or getting up from a seated position might become painful.” The injury is confirmed with an MRI.

    There are many types of tears—vertical, horizontal, or radial—all of which refer to the direction and location of the damage within the meniscus. One key factor for healing is blood supply. The outer edge has some circulation and might heal on its own, but most tears happen in the inner portion, where blood supply is poor and healing without surgery is unlikely.

    In those cases, surgical repair is often the best option. “We use small arthroscopic tools and sutures to bring the torn edges together,” explained Dr. Marconi. “It’s outpatient surgery, so people are home the same day.”

    With meniscal repairs, recovery includes partial weightbearing for about a month, a gradual rehab process, and no deep knee bending for three months. Most people return to full activity—including sports—within six months. For degenerative type meniscal tears, sometimes only shaving out the injured portion can be indicated. Recovery is much less as there are no weightbearing restrictions afterwards.

    Dr. Marconi also incorporates platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy into many repairs to boost healing. “We take a small amount of the patient’s blood, spin it down to concentrate the platelets, and inject it at the site of the repair,” he said. “There’s now solid orthopedic evidence that PRP improves healing for meniscus tears.”

    Time matters. “You want to address the tear early, ideally within the acute phase after injury,” Marconi said. “The longer you wait, the harder it is to get a good repair—and the higher the risk that the tear will worsen.”

    So whether you’re a high school athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who knelt down the wrong way and felt something pop—know that meniscal tears are treatable. With expert care and timely intervention, most patients can return to the activities they love.

    Dr. Dante Marconi treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Orthopaedic Division offices located at 710 Centre Street, 2nd Floor in Somers Point, NJ, and 4450 East Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Marconi, call 609-365-6280.

  2. Myths vs. Facts: Prostate Cancer

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    Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, yet myths and misconceptions can make it confusing to understand. This September, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to separate fact from fiction and learn what you really need to know.

    Myth 1: Prostate cancer only affects older men

    Fact: While risk increases with age—most cases are diagnosed in men over 50—it can develop earlier, especially in men with a family history of prostate cancer or certain genetic mutations like BRCA1/2.

    “Men with higher risk factors – black men or those with a strong family history – should start the conversation about prostate screening in their early 40s,” says Dr. Todd Lehrfeld of Jersey Urology Group. “Men of average risk should discuss screening with their doctor at age 50. Early detection is often the key to successful treatment.”

    Myth 2: Prostate cancer is always slow-growing and harmless

    Fact: Some prostate cancers grow very slowly, but others can be aggressive. Early detection is critical to identify cancers that require treatment before they spread.

    “Not all prostate cancers behave the same way,” Dr. Lehrfeld explains. “Some may never cause issues and just require monitoring, while others can progress quickly and require prompt treatment. That’s why timely screening is so important.”

    Myth 3: You don’t need a PSA test if you feel fine

    Fact: Prostate cancer often has no early symptoms. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, along with a digital rectal exam (DRE), can detect cancer before symptoms appear.

    “Men can feel perfectly healthy and still have early-stage prostate cancer,” says Dr. Lehrfeld. “PSA testing is one of the best tools we have to catch cancer when it’s most treatable.”

    Myth 4: Prostate cancer treatment always leads to sexual dysfunction or incontinence

    Fact: Modern treatments are more targeted and personalized than ever. Side effects are possible, but many men maintain a good quality of life with careful planning, advanced surgical techniques, radiation options, and ongoing support from their healthcare team.

    “We have a range of treatment options that focus on both effectively treating the cancer and preserving quality of life,” Dr. Lehrfeld notes. “It’s no longer one-size-fits-all.”

    Myth 5: Lifestyle doesn’t matter

    Fact: Diet, exercise, and overall health can influence prostate cancer risk and recovery. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting red meat and processed foods can support prostate health.

    “Lifestyle changes aren’t just about prevention—they can help men recover more quickly and feel better during treatment,” Dr. Lehrfeld adds.

    Bottom Line

    Awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection. Talk to your primary care physician about when to start screening based on your age, family history, and personal risk factors. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your prostate health and ensure that if cancer does develop, it’s caught early—when treatment is most effective.

  3. Grin And BEAR It: Shore Physicians Group Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Dante Marconi Offers Groundbreaking ACL Repair with BEAR Implant

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    An ACL tear is one of the most common and frustrating injuries for athletes and active individuals. The traditional fix—surgical reconstruction using graft tissue—can restore stability, but it also comes with trade-offs: the need to harvest tissue from elsewhere in the body or rely on donor grafts, longer recovery, and the loss of the knee’s native ligament. Now, a new option is giving certain patients a chance to heal more naturally.

    The BEAR® Implant—short for Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair—is the first medical technology approved by the FDA that enables the body to heal a torn ACL rather than replacing it with a graft. It works by bridging the gap between the torn ends of the ACL and creating an ideal environment for the body to regenerate the ligament.

    Shore Physicians Group Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Dante Marconi is one of a select few surgeons in South Jersey to perform ACL repair using a BEAR Implant.

    “With a reconstruction, we either take tissue from the patient’s own knee—like the patellar or quadriceps tendon—or we use a cadaver graft,” said Dr. Marconi. “That tissue replaces the ACL, but you’re giving up something else in the process. You might end up with weakness or discomfort where we harvested the graft.”

    The BEAR Implant avoids that trade-off. The implant is made of a special protein-based material and is soaked in the patient’s blood before being placed at the site of the tear. This encourages natural healing and reattachment of the torn ends of the ACL—provided the tear is near the bone and the procedure is performed within a specific window after injury.

    Think of it like repairing a frayed rope. Traditional reconstruction cuts out the damaged rope and ties in a new one. The BEAR technique tries to mend the original rope with a special patch that encourages the fibers to fuse back together.

    “The key is keeping the native ACL because it has proprioception fibers—basically, the nerves that tell your brain where your knee is in space,” Dr. Marconi said. “That feedback can be lost when we replace the ligament with a graft.”

    Not all patients are candidates. The tear must be located near the bone, and the procedure has to be done within about two months of injury. But for those who qualify, the benefits are promising: a knee that feels more like it did before the injury, without the added trauma of graft harvesting.

    Dr. Marconi was able to perform the procedure after encountering his first ideal candidate—a patient with the right tear pattern in the right timeframe. He had been training on the technique for over a year and was waiting for the right moment to bring it to the operating room.

    “This isn’t something we’ll do all the time,” he said, “but it’s something we can do, and if it’s right for the patient, it can be a great option.”

    With the addition of the BEAR Implant to his surgical offerings, Dr. Marconi is helping lead the way toward less invasive, more biologically sound options for ACL repair—giving patients in South Jersey a new reason to feel hopeful after a tear.

    Dr. Dante Marconi treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Orthopaedic Division offices located at 710 Centre Street, 2nd Floor in Somers Point, NJ, and 4450 East Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Marconi, call 609-365-6280.

  4. Find Relief from Chronic Pain with Shockwave Therapy in Ocean City, NJ

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    If you’ve been living with chronic pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep suffering. At Shore Physicians Group in Ocean City, Dr. Megan McQuarrie, board-certified family medicine physician with advanced training in sports medicine, is now offering shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that’s helping patients finally find lasting relief.

    What Is Shockwave Therapy?

    Shockwave Therapy is a safe, non-surgical treatment that uses gentle sound waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. In just 15–20 minute sessions, it helps boost healing, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and repair damaged tissue. With no downtime required, you can return to your normal activities right away.

    Conditions Shockwave Therapy Can Treat

    Shockwave therapy is an excellent option for many painful conditions, including plantar fasciitis (heel pain), tennis and golfer’s elbow, shoulder pain and calcific tendonitis, Achilles tendon pain, chronic muscle tightness and trigger points, and other lingering sports or overuse injuries. Many patients begin noticing improvement within just a few sessions, with results that continue to build over time.

    Why Choose Dr. Megan McQuarrie?

    Dr. McQuarrie combines her expertise in family medicine and sports medicine to take a whole-person approach to healing. She has helped countless patients return to the activities they love, and shockwave therapy adds another powerful tool to her care. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or someone who simply wants to move without pain again, Dr. McQuarrie tailors treatment to your unique needs and goals.

    Schedule Your Appointment Today

    Don’t let chronic pain hold you back any longer. With shockwave therapy, you may finally find the relief you’ve been searching for. You don’t have to be Dr. McQuarrie’s primary care patient to be seen. Call her Ocean City office today at 609-399-6263 to schedule your appointment.

    Dr. McQuarrie provides shockwave therapy treatment at Shore Physicians Group’s Ocean City Primary Care office, located at 1645 Haven Avenue, Suite C.

  5. Shore Physicians Group to Host Two Flu Vaccine Clinics

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    Shore Physicians Group (SPG) is helping the community prepare for flu season by offering two convenient flu vaccine clinics this fall. The first clinic will be held Friday, Sept. 19 from 1-4pm at Shore Physicians Group’s Somers Point Primary Care office, located at 401 Bethel Road. The second clinic will be held Friday, October 17 from 1-4pm at Shore Physicians Group’s Northfield office located at 2605 Shore Road.

    Flu vaccines will be available for adults age 18 and older, with specific vaccines for patients 65+. Individuals at high risk are encouraged to discuss flu vaccination with their primary care provider before attending.

    Although pharmacies began offering flu shots as early as August, the CDC recommends vaccination in September and October for the best protection throughout flu season.

    SPG patients can schedule their appointments by calling 609-365-6200. Each appointment is scheduled in five-minute blocks to keep the process fast and convenient.

    This year’s clinics are for the flu vaccine only. COVID-19 boosters or combination flu/COVID vaccines are not available at these events; patients seeking those options should contact their local pharmacy.

  6. The Hidden Risk of Turmeric and Other Supplements: What Influencers Won’t Tell You

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    By Dr. Megan McQuarrie, Shore Physicians Group, Ocean City Primary Care

    You may have heard the recent story about a 57-year-old N.J. woman trying to manage joint pain who followed the advice of a medical influencer she saw on social media and began taking turmeric supplements every day. What seemed like a harmless addition to her wellness routine, promoted as “natural” and anti-inflammatory, landed her in the hospital one step away from liver failure.

    Unfortunately, she’s not alone. Stories like this are becoming more common as influencers and unregulated online “experts” recommend high-dose supplements without warning of the risks. In her case, she was taking more than ten times the amount considered safe by international health standards, all without realizing the potential consequences.

    “This patient had been taking 2,250 mg of turmeric daily, a dosage that is commercially available and may appear safe because it’s on the shelf,” said Dr. Megan McQuarrie of Shore Physicians Group. “But it’s actually considered a high dose, and in her case, it caused serious liver injury.”

    When “Natural” Isn’t Safe

    Dietary supplements may look and sound like safe alternatives to medication, but too much of a good thing can quickly become dangerous.

    Supplements like turmeric, vitamin D, and even herbal detoxes are generally safe in small, food-level doses. But when taken in large or concentrated amounts, especially over time, they can overload the body and cause serious harm.

    “Turmeric is a perfect example,” Dr. McQuarrie said. “Cooking with turmeric is safe, and may even offer health benefits. But when people take high-dose capsules, especially those with added black pepper extract to enhance absorption, it can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it.”

    Turmeric is now one of the most frequently cited supplements linked to toxic hepatitis in the U.S.

    Other risks of excessive supplement use include:

    • Kidney damage from too much vitamin D or C
    • Heart issues from excessive potassium or stimulant-based weight loss pills
    • Increased bleeding risk from high-dose omega-3s or ginkgo
    • Digestive upset from excess magnesium or fiber
    • False lab results from large amounts of biotin

    Why It Happens More Often Than You Think

    Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements aren’t closely regulated in the U.S. That means there are no strict dosing standards, and ingredients don’t always match what’s listed on the label. Many supplements are marketed as “all-natural” or “doctor-approved,” but without context, those claims can be misleading and even dangerous.

    “It’s really important to read the labels and fine print, check dosages, and ask your doctor if the supplement you’re interested in is right for you,” Dr. McQuarrie advised. “That includes factoring in any medical conditions or medications you’re taking, as well as how much of that substance you’re already getting from your diet. For example, foods like curries and stews can contain significant amounts of turmeric.”

    It’s easy to see how someone could assume that more is better, especially when it’s being promoted as healthy. But when your body can’t break down what you’re putting in, damage can happen fast—especially to the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for filtering it all.

    How to Stay Safe

    Before starting any new supplement, even one you’ve seen widely promoted online, talk to your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications or have underlying health conditions.

    Here are a few additional tips:

    • Stick to recommended doses and avoid “high potency” or mega-dose versions unless specifically advised.
    • Choose reputable brands that are third-party tested for purity and accuracy.
    • Report all supplements to your healthcare provider before lab tests or procedures.
    • Pay attention to symptoms like fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or nausea. These can be signs of liver or kidney stress.

    Smart Supplement Use Starts with You

    Supplements can absolutely support your health, but only when used wisely and with proper guidance. The next time you see a health tip on your feed, take a step back. What works for one person might not be safe for everyone.

    At Shore Physicians Group, we’re here to help you make smart, informed choices for your health. If you have questions about a supplement or want help building a safe wellness plan, don’t hesitate to reach out.

    “Your health deserves more than internet advice,” Dr. McQuarrie said. “It deserves expertise and care you can trust.”

    Dr. Megan McQuarrie is accepting new patients ages 10 and up at Shore Physicians Group’s Ocean City office, located at 1645 Haven Avenue, Suite C. To schedule an appointment, call 609-399-6263.

  7. Perimenopause: Understanding Subtle Signs and Talking to Your Doctor

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    If you’re a woman in your 30s or 40s and have started noticing some strange changes—like unexpected heart palpitations, dry itchy skin, or brain fog—you’re not alone. These subtle, sometimes confusing symptoms may be signs of perimenopause, the natural transitional phase before menopause.

    Perimenopause happens because your ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone, hormones that not only regulate your menstrual cycle but also influence many other systems throughout your body. These hormonal shifts can affect your brain, heart, skin, joints, and more, causing a wide range of symptoms that often feel unrelated or hard to explain.

    According to Dr. Kaitlin Healy of Shore Physicians Group’s Ocean City primary care office, recognizing and talking about these symptoms openly with your healthcare provider is key.

    “There’s no one-size-fits-all experience for perimenopause,” Dr. Healy explains. “But it’s crucial your doctor listens to you carefully. Even if a symptom doesn’t fit textbook descriptions, it’s still valid and worth addressing.”

    A Holistic and Validating Approach

    Dr. Healy takes a patient-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of validation and partnership in care. She encourages women to share all symptoms, even those that seem vague or unrelated.

    “I might not always have an immediate answer,” she says, “but I’m here to work through it with you. The goal is to help you regain a good quality of life.”

    Historically, women’s health issues during perimenopause have often been dismissed or minimized with reassurances that symptoms aren’t serious. But when symptoms disrupt daily life, such explanations don’t help. The good news? Awareness and research on perimenopause are growing.

    “In the past couple of years, I’ve seen more research and more providers specializing in hormone health and a broader recognition that hormonal changes can start earlier and cause diverse symptoms,” Dr. Healy notes.

    Beyond Hot Flashes: The Lesser-Known Symptoms of Perimenopause

    While irregular periods and hot flashes are well-known signs, perimenopause can cause a surprisingly wide range of symptoms, including:

    • Heart palpitations or increased anxiety
    • Sleep disturbances
    • New or worsening headaches
    • Itchy or dry skin
    • Joint aches and pain
    • Heightened sensitivity to temperature
    • Changes in body odor
    • Mood swings or emotional sensitivity
    • Hair thinning or loss
    • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
    • Fatigue or brain fog

    “When patients come in with vague symptoms like palpitations or joint pain, I consider whether hormonal changes might be involved,” says Dr. Healy. “I’ve seen many women improve significantly after connecting with the right provider or trying hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments.”

    The Importance of Evaluation and Open Conversation

    Dr. Healy typically begins with a thorough evaluation can include hormone panels (like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), thyroid function tests, vitamin levels (such as D and B12), iron studies, and an EKG if cardiac symptoms are present.

    She cautions that lab results don’t always tell the full story.

    If needed, Dr. Healy refers patients to specialists in hormone replacement therapy and women’s wellness, aiming to empower women with options tailored to their unique needs.

    “There’s no single solution for every woman,” she says. “Some find relief with medication or hormone therapy, others with lifestyle changes, and many benefit from simply understanding what’s happening in their bodies.”

    You’re Not Alone — and You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence

    Dr. Healy reassures women that experiencing these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re “just being emotional” or imagining things.

    “You’re not crazy. It might just be hormones,” she says. “And you don’t have to live with these symptoms without support.”

    She encourages women to speak openly with their healthcare providers about any changes, no matter how small or unusual.

    “It’s always okay to ask questions and seek help.”

    Dr. Healy is currently seeing patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Ocean City office located at 1645 Haven Avenue. For more information or to schedule a visit with Dr. Healy, please call 609-399-6263.

  8. Understanding the Stages of Type 1 Diabetes: Insights from Dr. Matthew Corcoran

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    Type 1 diabetes (T1D) has long been thought of as a sudden diagnosis—one day you’re healthy, the next you’re living with a chronic condition. But medical understanding has evolved, and experts like Dr. Matthew Corcoran, endocrinologist with Shore Physicians Group, are working to help the public understand that type 1 diabetes actually progresses through distinct stages, before any symptoms appear. The concept of “stages” in type 1 diabetes comes from years of clinical research, notably from internationally recognized experts as well as organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association.

    Dr. Corcoran recently appeared on local talk radio station WOND 92.3FM/1400AM to discuss this very topic, emphasizing how this newer framework of classification can lead to earlier detection, more effective monitoring, and possibly even future interventions to prevent full onset of the disease.

    During his WOND interview, Dr. Corcoran emphasize the importance and understanding that type 1 diabetes is not simply an autoimmune disorder of children and teens. Fifty percent of those people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are over the age of 20 years of age, and he notes that he routinely diagnosis people who are in their 50s through 70s with type 1 diabetes. Corcoran broke down the disease progression of type 1 diabetes into three defined stages:

    Stage 1: Autoimmunity Begins (No Symptoms)

    At this stage, an individual has two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies, but normal blood sugar levels. There are no symptoms, and the individual likely feels completely healthy. This stage is often only identified through screening—usually in people who have a family history of T1D or participate in research programs.

    Dr. Corcoran explained that while this stage is “invisible,” it is crucial: “This is when the immune system has begun attacking the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, but enough cells are still functioning to keep glucose levels in a healthy range.”

    Patients with Stage 1 Type 1 diabetes have nearly a 100% risk of progressing to Stage 3 and the need for insulin therapy.

    Stage 2: Blood Sugar Abnormalities (Still No Symptoms)

    Here, autoantibodies are still present, but now glucose levels begin to rise, especially after meals. There still aren’t outward symptoms, but the body is starting to struggle with insulin production. People in stage 2 have a 75% risk of progressing to stage 3 type 1 diabetes and requiring insulin within the next 5 years, and their lifetime risk of progression is nearly 100%.

    “Stage 2 is when we may start to see early signs in lab work, even if the person still feels completely normal,” noted Dr. Corcoran. This stage represents a critical window for possible intervention and monitoring. Importantly, in the past 2-3 years a landmark immunotherapy has been approved for use in those who are 8 years of age and older with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. This therapy delays the progression from stage 2 to stage 3 type 1 diabetes. In doing so, the therapy delays the need for intensive insulin therapy, as well as all of the monitoring and management that comes with the progression from stage 2 to stage 3.

    Dr. Corcoran emphasizes that the glucose levels in stage 2 are consistent with what is commonly known in the community as prediabetes. In his opinion, it is critical that we evaluate these people with prediabetes and high risk for type 1 diabetes and/or other autoimmune disorders for the possibility of autoimmune related or type 1 diabetes and not simply assume that it represents a stage prior to type 2 diabetes. If we do not do this, many people in our community will begin therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes as opposed to the appropriate management of type 1 diabetes.

    Stage 3: Clinical Diagnosis

    Stage 3 is the traditional point of diagnosis, when symptoms appear and blood sugar levels become clinically abnormal. These symptoms typically include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue.

    “This is the stage people are most familiar with,” said Dr. Corcoran, “but we now know that the disease process has been underway for many months to years before these symptoms show up.”

    Recognizing that type 1 diabetes develops in stages empowers patients and families to take action earlier—sometimes even before symptoms appear. This knowledge opens the door to a proactive approach centered on doing whatever is necessary—whether that means starting medication, adopting a nutrition plan, increasing physical activity, or making broader lifestyle changes—to help delay progression to full clinical diabetes. Dr. Corcoran emphasized that with the right interventions and support, individuals at risk can often manage their condition more effectively and improve long-term outcomes.

    In addition to treating patients at Shore Physicians Group, Dr. Matthew Corcoran is also the founder and president of Diabetes Training Camp (DTC), a unique South jersey based nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with diabetes to thrive through education, fitness, and community support. DTC recently hosted an educational event focused on raising awareness about the stages of type 1 diabetes, offering attendees practical guidance and clinical insight into early detection and disease progression. The event featured Dr. Corcoran, who shared the same science-based, proactive approach he discussed on WOND, highlighting how understanding the stages can lead to more personalized and effective care. The event exemplified DTC’s mission to not only educate but also motivate individuals to take control of their health and diabetes journey. DTC also just wrapped up its 1st in person camp of the season-a wellness-based camp for adults with type 1 diabetes that they host every June at Stockton University in Atlantic City.

    The understanding of type 1 diabetes is evolving, and thanks to dedicated professionals like Dr. Matthew Corcoran, patients and families have access to the latest science and tools. Whether through educational outreach on platforms like WOND or programs like Diabetes Training Camp, the message is clear: knowledge is power.

    If you or a loved one has a family history of type 1 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider about screening options. Early knowledge of your risk could make all the difference.

    Endocrinologist Dr. Matthew Corcoran treats patients Shore Physicians Group’s Endocrinology office located at 18 West New York Ave in Somers Point, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Corcoran, call 609.365.5300.

  9. Balancing Innovation and Care: How Shore Physicians Group Is Using AI to Enhance Patient Visits

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    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries around the world, and healthcare is no exception. From hospital systems to individual providers, AI is generating excitement for its potential to streamline care, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. But it also raises valid concerns—about privacy, safety, and the role of technology in deeply personal decisions.

    Right here in South Jersey, Shore Physicians Group (SPG) is taking a thoughtful, patient-first approach to AI. The organization is currently implementing Ambient AI—a listening technology that helps physicians document visits more efficiently—in a way that enhances communication, preserves privacy, and strengthens the provider-patient relationship. Here’s how SPG is doing it.

    Hadley Winthrop, Director of Operations at SPG, explains, “We’re using Ambient AI to enhance communication, reduce physician burnout, and ultimately improve the quality of care. It’s not about replacing doctors—it’s about supporting them.”

    Dr. Ulices Perez, President of SPG and a primary care physician in the Northfield office, says the technology has been a game changer. “One of the biggest challenges in clinical practice is the time it takes to document complex patient encounters,” he says. “With Ambient AI, I can spend more time having meaningful conversations with my patients, without having to type constantly during the visit.”

    Importantly, the Ambient AI tool does not record or store conversations. It listens in real time, processes speech, and extracts medically relevant information into the electronic medical record. Any non-essential information is discarded, ensuring patient privacy and HIPAA compliance. Physicians remain fully in control, reviewing and approving every note.

    Patients notice the difference. “They feel heard,” says Dr. Perez. “Patients sometimes voice concerns that their doctors seem more focused on the computer screen than on them. With this technology, I can give patients my full attention, which improves both communication and trust.”

    Operationally, SPG is already seeing benefits. With less time needed for documentation, providers can see more patients each day—reducing wait times and expanding access to care. In turn, this enhances the patient experience and allows SPG to operate more efficiently.

    Both providers and patients have the choice to opt in. “If a patient prefers not to use AI during their visit, we absolutely respect that,” says Winthrop. “We also see generational differences among physicians. Younger providers often embrace the technology more readily, while experienced clinicians may prefer traditional documentation. We support both approaches.”

    The AI tool currently in use was carefully selected by SPG’s interdisciplinary AI committee, which includes leaders from operations, IT, legal, and clinical teams. The team vetted multiple platforms before selecting the one best aligned with SPG’s goals. As of now, about 15% of SPG providers are using the system as part of an ongoing pilot.

    While more advanced AI features—like diagnosis suggestions or medication recommendations—exist within SPG’s electronic health records, those are not being used. “Just because the technology is available doesn’t mean it’s ready for patient care,” Winthrop emphasizes. “We’re taking a measured, responsible approach.”

  10. Hunger or Habit? Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Hunger with SPG’s Registered Dietitian Tiffany Rios

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    When we reach for a snack, how often do we pause and ask ourselves: Am I truly hungry—or just bored, stressed, or seeking comfort? According to Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with Shore Physicians Group, understanding the difference between physical and emotional hunger is a powerful first step toward better nutrition and self-awareness.

    Mind Over Munchies: Breaking the Habit Loop

    Many people find themselves eating on autopilot. Rios explains that this unconscious behavior forms what’s known as a “habit loop,” a concept explored in the book The Hunger Habit by Dr. Judson Brewer. “You experience a trigger—stress, fatigue, boredom—and the behavior follows, like snacking,” she says. “The reward may be temporary relief, but if it’s not true hunger, guilt or regret often follows.”

    Rios encourages a ten-second pause before eating to assess the motivation behind the impulse. “Ask yourself what you’re feeling. Are you tired? Overwhelmed? Bored? If you’re not physically hungry, food won’t solve that.”

    Physical Hunger Signals: Listening to the Body

    True hunger originates in the body—not the mind. One clear sign is stomach growling, caused by an empty digestive system preparing for food. “That growling is a signal from the brain, releasing the hunger hormone ghrelin,” says Rios. “It’s telling your body to prepare to eat.”

    Other physical hunger cues can include lightheadedness, headaches, or a lack of focus—often due to low blood sugar or even dehydration. In contrast, emotional hunger comes on suddenly and is usually linked to a specific craving or situation (like seeing donuts in the break room after a stressful meeting).

    The Brain–Body Connection

    “Digestion starts in the mouth,” says Rios. “Your brain triggers salivary enzymes the moment you anticipate food. It’s a full-body process guided by brain signals.” The two key hormones involved are ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (fullness). Eating protein- and fiber-rich meals helps suppress ghrelin and allows leptin to signal satisfaction, encouraging more balanced eating.

    The Mindfulness Check-In: A 4-Step Guide

    Rios advocates using a mindfulness check-in as a tool to disrupt emotional eating patterns:

    1. Pause & Breathe – Take 10 seconds before eating to become aware of your feelings.
    2. Assess Your Hunger – Use a hunger scale. Are you truly at a level 3 or 4 (moderately hungry)?
    3. Identify the Trigger – What led to this desire to eat? Stress? Boredom? Fatigue?
    4. Choose Your Path – If you’re physically hungry, choose a nourishing snack or meal. If not, ask, “What else could meet this need?” (e.g., take a walk, call a friend, drink water).

    Planning ahead also helps. “Keep a healthy snack like fruit or a protein bar on hand,” says Rios. “That way, you’re ready when real hunger strikes.”

    Rewiring the Reward System

    Rios reminds us that occasional emotional eating is human, especially at celebrations or social events. But awareness is the key. “Many people tell me, ‘I’m an emotional eater,’” she says. “But the truth is, with a little mindfulness and preparation, you can learn to respond to real hunger—not emotional cues.”

    Tiffany Rios is a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator with Shore Physicians Group’s Endocrinology office located at 18 West New York Ave in Somers Point, NJ. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with Tiffany Rios, call 609.365.5300.

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