Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Donald Doukas

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Donald Doukas, the new Associate Medical Director for the Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness.

Dr. Doukas was born and raised in the town of Babylon on Long Island, and it is where he “got the bug” to pursue medicine after volunteering as an EMT for the Town of Babylon Fire Department while attending Adelphi University. He later attended SUNY Downstate for medical school and is board-certified after completing a combined Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine residency at Kings County in Brooklyn, where he served as Chief in his fifth year. He then completed a Disaster Medicine and Emergency Preparedness fellowship at SUNY Downstate. After training, he served as the Associate Medical Director for the Emergency Department and Director of Observation Medicine for Kings County.

Dr. Doukas treats a wide range of medical conditions and has an interest in highly infectious special pathogens. He is excited to “bring his previous experience to help our community grow and thrive”. Dr. Doukas always strives to be a doctor that people can trust and be comforted by, and he “takes pride in the rapport he builds with patients and their family members”.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Doukas to our team and look forward to the work he and the rest of the Emergency Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Itching and Kidney Disease

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Extremely itchy skin, or uremic pruritus, is a common symptom experienced by people living with chronic or advanced kidney disease. Patients undergoing dialysis are more likely to experience uremic pruritus than those who are not on dialysis.

The exact cause of uremic pruritus associated with kidney disease is not fully known. However, according to the National Kidney Foundation, there are several reasons why those with kidney disease may experience chronic itching, including:

The body attacks itself, leading to inflammation and itching.
Nerve issues may cause the skin to receive incorrect signals.
When the kidneys are damaged, toxins and waste products can accumulate in the body.
Shrinking sweat glands can result in very dry skin.
The body may produce chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms, including itching.
Hemodialysis treatments may not be long enough or may not completely clean the blood.

Uremic pruritus can be unbearable, and many patients scratch their skin to stop the constant itch. Scratching can lead to skin damage and infection. Persistent itching, without relief, can also impact quality of life, sleep, and mental health.

If you are living with advanced or chronic kidney disease and experiencing persistent itching, please inform your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms by prescribing medications, making adjustments in your dialysis treatments, or recommending ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. It serves as an important time to focus on heart health, getting your blood cholesterol checked, and taking proactive steps to manage cholesterol levels.

National Cholesterol Education Month seeks to inform the public about the dangers of high cholesterol and its connection with the leading cause of death around the globe, heart disease.

High cholesterol is one of the most common and commonly misunderstood health risks in America. It can be caused by an unhealthy diet and exacerbated by smoking and a lack of exercise. Since it is symptomless, it can be hard to diagnose. It is a serious condition that affects nearly 102 million Americans over the age of 20 years old.

Fortunately, managing cholesterol levels can be achieved through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are some effective strategies to help lower cholesterol:

Adopting a heart-healthy diet that focuses on eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, while reducing intake of saturated and trans fats found in processed and fried foods.
Increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.
Maintaining a healthy weight by losing excess weight through a combination of healthy eating and exercising regularly can improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use through smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption can improve HDL cholesterol levels and reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring your cholesterol levels by getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track cholesterol levels and assess risk factors. This is particularly important for younger adults who may not exhibit symptoms, but could still be at risk.

National Cholesterol Education Month is an important time to reflect on the state of our heart health and take proactive steps to manage our cholesterol levels.

If you are concerned about your heart health and would like to get your blood cholesterol checked, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.