|
|
|
      |
 Home > MRC Spotlights > Volunteer Spotlight - April 2006
MRC Unit Focus The mission of the Bergen County MRC is to establish teams of local volunteer medical and public health professionals who may be called on to contribute their skills and expertise during public health emergencies or other times of community need. Volunteer Background Information Gregory Costello, M.D., M.S., D.A.B.F.P., is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuviskin Medical Spa in Wyckoff, NJ, his private practice. In addition, he is the Assistant Director of the Barnert Memorial Hospital Education Department in nearby Paterson, NJ. Dr. Costello serves as the Medical Director of the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, a non-profit organization created to support individuals with a broad range of mental and physical disabilities. He also serves as the Medical Director for Eva’s Village, a non-profit social service agency that feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, treats the addicted, and provides medical care to the poor. The clinic offers an array of services, including: basic screening and assessment, primary care, dental care, immunizations, routine acute care, medication monitoring, referral, and followup. For several years, Dr. Costello has served as Medical Director of the American Special Children’s Pilgrimage Group, a non-profit organization, where he accompanies children and young adults with special physical, mental, or emotional needs to be united with volunteer caregivers during a 1-week trip to Lourdes, France. Dr. Costello received his M.D. from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. He has an M.S. in Microbiology from Fordham University in New York. He also has a B.A. in Biology and a Minor in Religious Studies from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. What did the Volunteer do to be in the Spotlight? Responding to an MRC request for medical professionals, Dr. Costello set aside his practice and volunteered for a 2-week deployment. During this time, he administered aid to the New Jersey contingent and the civilian population. Without seeking recognition or compensation for his services, Dr. Costello responded to an EMAC request. The state sent law enforcement, hazmat, water rescue, and other assets to New Orleans and Baton Rouge. This effort, dubbed “Operation LEAD” (Law Enforcement Assistance Deployment), had an over-arching theme, which was to provide assistance without becoming a burden on Louisiana. Toward this end, the New Jersey contingent was a self-sufficient entity, complete with housing, food, water, and medical support. When and Why did the Volunteer join the MRC? Dr. Costello joined the Bergen County MRC in the fall of 2004. Realizing he can play a role in supporting the public health needs of Bergen County, Dr. Costello firmly believes he should be putting something back into his community whenever and wherever he can. What Activities has the Volunteer Participated in With the MRC Unit? In April 2005, New Jersey participated in TOPOFF, a full-scale exercise. Dr. Costello served as the Medical Director for the Point of Dispensing Site Operations of the Bergen County Department of Health Services. He has been active in all training conducted by the Bergen County MRC. Interesting Facts From 1997 through 2003, Dr. Costello was the Assistant Director of the Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program in Paterson, NJ. Dr. Costello spends is “spare” time with various interests. He is a scuba diver with Advanced Open Water, has his Aquanaut Certification/Underwater Habitat Specialist Certification, Wreck Diver Certification, Night Diver Certification, and is a Nitrox Diver. With an interest in auto racing, he has graduated from the Skip Barber Racing School in Atlanta, GA and from the Russell Racing School in Mont Tremblant, Canada. Other interests include marksmanship, skiing, hiking, climbing, travel, weight lifting/exercise, reading, and computers/robotics. Dr. Costello is fluent in Spanish. Last Updated on 5/25/2006 |
     |