NJ Primary Care Doctor Feels Like Part of Patients’ ‘Family’
March 12, 2025
When family medicine specialist Michael Raguso-Failla, M.D., was 5 years old, his older brother developed a severe case of chickenpox that caused his throat to swell and required a major procedure and additional surgeries later on.
“Seeing the way the doctors were able to bring him to recovery left such a positive impression on me,” he says. He credits that experience with inspiring a career choice he’s still happy he made.
“I enjoy the continuity with my patients of all ages – I’ve been at our practice for 23 years now,” Dr. Raguso-Failla says. “I’ve had patients I started seeing as kids, and they make me feel like I’m part of their family.”
He practices at Hackensack Meridian Health Primary Care –Family Medicine Center in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and is affiliated with Southern Ocean Medical Center.
Dr. Raguso-Failla is married to Jean, and they have a son, Michael, and daughter, Jessica. “They are so important and supportive in my life,” he says.
Is there anything special you like to do for your patients?
I try to remember how much influence doctors can have on patients. I tell them that prevention is ideal, especially when I encourage healthy diet and exercise, and that I appreciate their active participation in their care.
We leave a certain number of appointments open each day if our patients get injured or aren’t feeling well. We prefer to see them, so they don’t have to go somewhere else, like urgent care.
It sounds like you are very happy in your practice.
Yes, I am, and part of that is because we all believe that family and time with them is important. Having time away from work and flexibility in our schedules allows me to have coached Little League for my kids, and watched my daughter play basketball, and still be excited to come to work each day.
What do you and your family do for fun?
We go to concerts and enjoy all genres of music. Recently we’ve seen the Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, iconic singer Johnny Mathis, country star Luke Bryan, the metal band Disturbed, a symphony that featured music from the movie, “The Godfather,” and a show by the Doo-Wop group, “The Doo Wop Project.”
You have a four-legged fur-family member. Tell us more.
Yes, it’s Macie, 12.5 years old, and she’s one of the Potcake breed. These dogs originate from some Caribbean islands, mixed-breed street dogs. She’s the baby of our family and a great dog.
Who would you most like to meet and talk to, living or not?
Elvis – he was such a fascinating person, a pioneer. He really didn’t have anyone who came before him to emulate – someone who had achieved that much fame. He navigated unchartered waters of entertainment. People remember his problems, yes, but he was charitable to so many that he never knew.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Michael Raguso-Failla, M.D.
- Make an appointment with a family medicine doctor near you or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about primary care services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
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