JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

Parkinson’s Disease & Genetics: What You Need to Know with Alberto Palma, MD, PhD and Travis Lewis, MD, PhD

In this informative episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich is joined by experienced neurologists Dr. Palma and Dr. Lewis, Executive Medical Directors at Eli Lilly and Company. Our guests take this opportunity to share  their expert opinion and scientific understanding of Parkinson’s disease and how we can anticipate medical interventions changing — possibly within our lifetimes.  We explore how our genes, and genetic variants, can influence the onset, symptoms, and severity of Parkinson’s disease. We address when genetic testing can be most helpful, who might be at higher risk, and how these discoveries are leading to potential new treatments and personalized care.  Dr. Alberto Palma is Executive Medical Director, Early-Phase Development, Neurodegeneration Programs Lead at Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Travis Lewis is Executive Medical Director at the Institute for Genetic Medicine at Eli Lilly and Company. Both are actively working on gene therapy clinical trials that aim to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and its symptoms.  DISCLAIMER: This video is sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and hosted by JOWMA. It is intended for educational purposes only. The content in this video reflects treatment practices in the U.S.; please refer to your local guidelines for more information. Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email admin@jowma.org    Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org  Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org  Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med  Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/jowmaorg  Stay up to date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e [https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e]

Movement as Medicine: Fighting Cancer with Marathons with Orly Fuerst

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Orly Fuerst opens up about her journey from Israel to Houston and her life-changing diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer. With honesty, humor, and unwavering determination, Orly shares how she continues to run, parent, and teach while undergoing intensive treatment. She explores the critical role of resilience, self-trust, and finding balance in the face of overwhelming health challenges. Orly also highlights the importance of compassionate healthcare relationships and the strength she draws from her community. Her story is not just one of survival—it’s a testament to living fully, with purpose and courage, even in the most uncertain moments. Orly Fuerst is a mother of six, a dedicated runner, and a passionate teacher. For years, her world revolved around raising her children and nurturing her students. But everything changed in July of 2022, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer that had already spread to her liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. Doctors told her she had just 6 to 9 months to live. Her immediate response captured her spirit: “Oh no, that won’t work—I already paid for a race 10 months away.” In that moment, Orly became a cancer patient, but she refused to let the disease define her. She continues to undergo treatment, including chemotherapy and occasional radiation—always with grit, humor, and resilience. While some days are harder than others, Orly is determined not to let cancer become her entire identity. She remains deeply committed to spreading awareness about the power of movement and exercise, particularly in the frum community, where these conversations can sometimes be overlooked. Orly is currently training for a 10K in November to raise awareness for colon cancer, and a half marathon in January. Through her running, teaching, and advocacy, she continues to defy the odds—one step, one mile, one message at a time. Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email admin@jowma.org Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JOWMAorg Stay up-to-date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e [https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e]

You Have Time: The Power of Mindset with Carrie Holland, MD

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with Dr. Carrie Holland—a former family physician who boldly transitioned into life and health coaching—to explore what it really takes to create lasting wellness. Dr. Holland opens up about her powerful journey from the clinic to coaching, revealing how a shift in mindset can unlock your full potential. Together, they dive deep into how to break free from limiting beliefs, build true consistency, and embrace the three game-changing pillars of wellness: eat, move, and think. Whether you're striving for better health, navigating burnout, or simply curious about the connection between thoughts and transformation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring takeaways. Dr. Holland even shares her favorite must-read books that have the power to change the way you approach life. Carrie Holland is a board-certified family physician with additional certifications in personal training, health coaching, and life coaching. As the CEO of her full-time life coach practice, Carrie specializes in helping smart women build strong habits: Eating, Moving, and Thinking. She addresses the impact of women’s responsibilities at work and at home on their wellness. Using habit psychology, mindset management tools, and expertise in nutrition and exercise, Carrie helps overstretched, high-level working women prioritize their own well-being. She is also the host of the weekly podcast, Strong is a Mindset.  _________________________________________________ * Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email digitalcontent@jowma.org * Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org * Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org * Follow us on Twitter!www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med * Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JOWMAorg * Stay up-to-date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e

From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Burnout and the Path to Fulfillment with Emma Jones, MD

In this conversation, Dr. Jennie Berkovich and Emma Jones explore the critical issue of burnout in healthcare professionals. They discuss the definitions, symptoms, and broader context of burnout, emphasizing its prevalence across various professions. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout, understanding risk factors, and the role of compassion fatigue. Practical strategies for preventing burnout are shared, along with insights into the cultural influences that contribute to burnout in medicine. The discussion concludes with a focus on the importance of work-life balance and living a fulfilled life. Emma Jones, MD is a practicing hospice and palliative care physician who has also worked as a pediatric oncologist and general pediatrician. With over a decade of experience mentoring residents and fellows, she has become a guide and uplifter for countless healthcare professionals navigating the turbulence of the modern medical system. In The Phoenix Blueprint, Dr. Jones shares the skills and practices that have allowed her to emerge stronger from burnout and rediscover her calling to serve patients and colleagues. Drawing from yoga traditions while respecting each person's unique path, she provides a step-by-step guide to help those in healthcare rise like a phoenix from the ashes. A mother of two teenage girls, Dr. Jones lives with her physician husband and family in the Boston area. Her goal is to be a lighthouse of inspiration every day, illuminating the way for patients and co-workers alike to find renewal in the face of adversity. The Phoenix Blueprint is her first book.

Optimism and Outcomes: Stress, Optimism, and Heart Health with Alan Rozanski, MD

In this conversation, Dr. Jennie Berkovich and Dr. Alan Rozanski explore the intricate relationship between stress, optimism, and cardiac health. They discuss the impact of chronic stress on cardiovascular disease, the importance of resilience, and how positive mindsets can promote longevity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health that includes behavioral management, mindfulness, and exercise. Dr. Rozanski shares insights on how to effectively communicate these concepts to patients, highlighting the significance of time management in maintaining health. The conversation concludes with a look towards the future of cardiology and patient education. Dr. Alan Rozanski is Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Chief Academic Officer, Executive Director of Cardiac Education and Fellowship Training Programs, and Director of Nuclear Cardiology for the Department of Cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Lukes. A graduate of Yale University and the Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Rozanski completed his Internal Medicine and Cardiology Fellowship training at Mount Sinai Hospital and a fellowship in Nuclear Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. While at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Rozanski founded a large multi-disciplinary program in Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiology and initiated research which helped lead to the creation of a new field of Behavioral Cardiology. This led to a prestigious Sabbatical Fellowship from the MacArthur Foundation to study the determinants of health-promoting and health-damaging behaviors alongside many leading behavioral clinicians across the nation. In 1990, Dr. Rozanski joined the cardiology staff of St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital (now Mount Sinai St. Lukes and Mount Sinai West Hospitals) where he eventually served as Chief of Cardiology before assuming his current positions. Dr. Rozanski is noted for his unique clinical and academic focus and novel research that uniquely integrates the fields of Preventive Cardiology with Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. In addition, Dr. Rozanski is a leading expert in applying Cardiac Imaging for optimal Risk Assessment and Clinical Decision Making among patients who are candidates for cardiac testing due to risk factors or symptoms which are suggesting of heart disease. Dr. Rozanski is the co-author of over 270 peer-reviewed medical articles, book chapters and medical editorials, many of which are considered seminal contributions to the fields of Cardiology and/or Health Psychology. _________________________________________________ * Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email digitalcontent@jowma.org * Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org * Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org * Follow us on Twitter!www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med * Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JOWMAorg * Stay up-to-date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e