JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

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]

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

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.

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

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but many women find themselves unprepared for the changes it brings. In this episode, host Jennie Berkovich, DO, sits down with Valerie Altmann, MD, to break down everything you need to know about menopause—from common signs and symptoms to the differences between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Dr. Altmann shares insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alternative treatment options, and ways to manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. She also discusses the long-term health risks associated with menopause and the role of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes in supporting women’s health during this transition. Whether you're approaching menopause, in the midst of it, or simply looking to understand it better, this episode provides expert guidance to help you navigate this stage of life with confidence. Valerie Altmann is a faculty attending in obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island Jewish Hospital, part of the Northwell Health system. She is an assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University. Born and raised in Montreal, Valerie is a graduate of McGill University and McGill Medical School. Besides having an active practice, Valerie has enjoyed teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. She has received numerous awards for teaching from national organizations and from the Society of Academic Specialists in Ob/Gyn. Valerie regularly presents on topics related to women’s health for Northwell’s community outreach and for various Jewish organizations.  She is an active member of Northwell’s Katz Institute of Women’s Health’ menopause collaborative.    She lives in Riverdale, NY with her husband and four children.  * 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