Dr. Charles Gambino: A hero at the Regency

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With elder populations among the most vulnerable to Covid-19, work being done by physicians at the Regency at Glen Cove Assisted Living is more important now than ever. While all of the doctors’ work is valuable there, the general consensus among Regency staff is that Dr. Charles Gambino is among the most beloved.

“He’s loved by the patients, the families and the staff,” said Amy Eisenberg, the Regency’s community relations liaison. “He’s compassionate, and he’s just an amazing person . . . He understands the population, he’s a good listener, a good communicator and above all, a good diagnostician.”

Gambino, an internal medicine specialist operating a Glen Cove private practice called North Coast Internal Medicine, has been working independently with the Regency for over 12 years, dropping in at least once a week to provide residents with needed medical support.’’

Gambino said his work at the Regency has always been rewarding, and the passion he has developed for his patients there keeps him motivated to care for them despite the difficulties presented by the Covid-19 outbreak. Although he is doing some of his work for his private practice virtually, he has made it a point to be present at the Regency whenever possible.

“He is physically here,” Eisenberg said. “He’s suited up, wearing his [personal protective equipment] and he’s here seeing patients, which a lot of other physicians are doing virtually, so he’s in the trenches.”

Gambino said he continues to go into the Regency week after week not only because it is more effective to treat patients in person, but also because he knows his physical presence provides a source of comfort for his patients.

“I’m hoping that there’s a normalcy among these patients that are now quarantined in the Regency,” Gambino said. “It’s sad because they can’t see their family in most cases, and for elderly people who could be dealing with depression or dementia, it’s very hard for them.”

Gambino said it is important to treat patients presenting symptoms of Covid-19 as quickly as possible, as the only way to bypass the virus is to be as aggressive as possible with treatment. He said he has made it his mission to keep as many patients out of the hospital as possible, something for which the Regency’s staff and residents are constantly grateful.

“He’s on top of every single situation,” Evans said. “He doesn’t let anything go, he loves every single resident and he’s so thorough in everything he needs to do.”

Born on July 30, 1962 in Astoria, Queens to Italian immigrants ,Tomaso and Francesca, Gambino said his interest in medicine started when he was very young. He said his mother suffered from several medical ailments, and he would accompany her to her many doctor’s appointments to act as a translator.

Because of what he saw his mother go through, Gambino said he made it his life’s mission to give back to his community. He developed a specific passion for helping patients who cannot speak English and dedicated himself to becoming fluent in Spanish to go along with his ability to speak English and Italian. Glen Cove’s high population of people that speak Spanish is one of the reasons why he chose to open his practice there, which is also where he lives.

Gambino received his pre-medical degree from Fordham University in 1984 before moving on to medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, receiving his doctorate in 1989. After completing his residency, Gambino worked at a nursing facility, sparking his interest in gerontology, the study of human aging.

Shortly thereafter, Gambino set up his practice in Glen Cove in 1991, around which time he met his wife, Marisa Cipriano, with whom he has had two daughters, Francesca and Antonia.

Enid Brezil’s 99-year-old mother Helen, is one of Gambino’s patients at the Regency. Although Helen does not have Covid-19, Enid said Gambino has been an incredible physician for her mother for several years and continues to do so.

“Not only is he a great doctor,” Brezil said, “but he’s one of the kindest, most considerate people I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

Brezil said Gambino regularly goes up to her mother’s room, even if it is just to check her blood pressure and vital organ function. She said her mother is sometimes anxious about her health and that Gambino is always able to make her feel better.

“He makes her feel comfortable and that she’s okay,” Brezil said. “He gives her that comfort.”

“He takes care of every one of our residents with the most love and support and concern,” said Beth Evans, the Regency’s executive director. “He’s unwavering in his love and support.”