In this exciting episode of the podcast, Dr. Jennie Berkovich interviews Dr. Sarah Cohen, an expert in dysautonomia, to explore the complexities of this often misunderstood condition. Dr. Cohen shares insights into the types of patients she typically works with and how her journey led her to specialize in dysautonomia. They discuss common misconceptions physicians and medical professionals have about patients with dysautonomia and explore potential risk factors, including early signs that may predict the development of the condition.

The conversation delves into the gap in Western medicine when it comes to treating dysautonomia and offers an explanation of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), its typical presentations, and the conditions associated with it. Dr. Cohen also reflects on how treatments for dysautonomia have evolved over the years, providing listeners with the latest updates in care. The episode further explores whether there are any preventive measures available for dysautonomic conditions or ways to slow their progression.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in dysautonomia, whether you're a healthcare professional or simply curious about the condition. Tune in for expert insights and a deeper understanding of this important health topic!

Sarah Cohen Solomon, MD FAAP is the ABP Board Certified Pediatrician at PRISM Spine and Joint, where she specializes in caring for patients with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and related conditions, including Dysautonomia (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. This interest stems from her own lifelong experience with these conditions. After graduating from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Cohen Solomon remained at the affiliated Nemours Hospital for Children, where she was awarded the Pediatric Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Research, Education, and/or Advocacy in General Pediatrics for her work expanding the Advocacy curriculum for their residency program. Dr. Cohen Solomon is passionate about breaking down barriers to healthcare and education, by providing children with appropriate accommodations so they can thrive at school among their peers and mentoring medical students with disabilities.

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In this episode, we sit down with Adam Ratner, MD, a leading expert in pediatric infectious diseases, to discuss the current landscape of vaccine-preventable diseases in children. With the resurgence of illnesses we once thought were eradicated—like polio and measles—Dr. Ratner unpacks why these diseases are making a comeback and what we can expect in the coming years.

We also explore the evolution of vaccine skepticism, addressing common concerns from parents, including long-term vaccine safety and misconceptions about additives and preservatives. Dr. Ratner shares insights from his work, including his book on measles, and explains why following the recommended vaccine schedule is critical for public health.

Tune in for a fact-based, expert-led discussion that separates myth from medicine when it comes to protecting children from infectious diseases.

Adam Ratner, MD, MPH is a Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital and Bellevue Hospital Center. Having cared for many patients during both the 2018-2019 measles outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, he has a particular interest in vaccine-preventable diseases that impact children and their families. Currently, Dr. Ratner is a member of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an associate editor at the journalClinical Infectious Diseases, and an editor of the textbookPrinciples and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter and tries to spend as much time as possible within arm’s reach of his dog.

Dr. Ratner’s first book,Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health, will be published byAvery Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in February 2025.

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Calling all pre-med and medical students! In this episode of Specialty Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Chani Yondorf, a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Albert Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia. Dr. Yondorf shares her journey through medical school, residency, and her current faculty position, offering valuable insights into the OB/GYN specialty.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Yondorf is passionate about serving the Jewish community, integrating medical care with halachic guidance. She discusses how she supports women with gynecologic needs, answers halachic questions, and dedicates time to empower Jewish women through education on reproductive health.

Whether you’re considering a career in OB/GYN, want to learn how to combine your professional and personal values in practice, or are simply curious about the challenges and rewards of this specialty, this episode is a must-listen!

Chani Yondorf is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Albert Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia. She completed her medical school training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and her residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia. After completing residency, she took a faculty position at Einstein Philadelphia where she is currently practicing. Chani is passionate about helping Jewish women navigate their gynecologic needs within the confines of halacha. She is often called upon by Rabbanim, Yoatzot and community members to answer medical questions as they relate to hilchot niddah. She has been able to carve out dedicated time in her office schedule that is reserved for Kallot and women with niddah concerns that may need more immediate medical evaluation from a halachic standpoint. Dr. Yondorf feels strongly about educating Jewish women and girls regarding changes they may notice throughout different stages of their lives. To that end, she has spoken at educational conferences and events, and hopes to empower Jewish women to understand their bodies and reproductive health.

Join Jennie Berkovich, DO, as she interviews Natalie Zelenko, MD, to discuss the vital topic of breast cancer screening. Together, they explore the latest guidelines on when women should begin routine mammograms, how technology has advanced to improve early detection, and the differences between screening and diagnostic mammograms. Dr. Zelenko breaks down what happens after an abnormal mammogram, the role of biopsies, and how breast MRIs compare to traditional imaging. They also delve into the impact of genetics, family history, and risk factors on screening decisions, offering a comprehensive look at modern breast cancer detection and prevention. Don’t miss this empowering and informative conversation!

With over 15 years of experience in the field of breast imaging, Dr. Natalie Zelenko is a skilled and compassionate physician dedicated to providing exceptional care for her patients.  She specializes in high-risk breast cancer screening and breast cancer diagnosis, utilizing multimodality imaging and advanced breast interventional techniques to offer a comprehensive approach to regular surveillance and early detection. 

Dr. Zelenko’s expertise spans a range of breast imaging modalities, including mammography, digital tomosynthesis, ultrasound, breast MRI, and minimally invasive image-guided biopsy techniques, allowing her to provide tailored, evidence-based care for each patient. 

Taking a warm yet firm approach to building strong relationships with her patients Dr. Zelenko creates a supportive environment where the patients feel heard and informed. Her patients appreciate her clear communication and dedication to helping them navigate complex diagnostic and treatment decisions with confidence.

Dr. Zelenko is deeply committed to multidisciplinary patient care, collaborating closely with breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, as well as other healthcare professionals to ensure each patient receives the most comprehensive approach.As an advocate for breast health awareness, Dr. Zelenko is actively involved in community education initiatives, speaking at local events and participating in outreach programs to educate the public on the importance of regular screening and early detection.Dr. Zelenko received her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and completed her residency in Diagnostic Radiology as well as fellowship in Breast Imaging at Maimonides Medical Center. She is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology and is a fellow of the American College of Radiology, maintaining memberships in the Radiological Society of North America, Society of Breast Imaging & European Society of Radiology. Dr. Zelenko is dedicated to staying at the forefront of her field, attending numerous leading medical conferences in the United States & abroad. She is committed to continued learning, ensuring that her patients receive the most advanced and up-to-date care possible.

In this episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Lara Hart to dive into the complex world of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in children. Dr. Hart explains what IBD is and how it uniquely impacts children compared to adults. They discuss the main types of IBD seen in children, the challenges of diagnosis, and how the diagnostic process unfolds.

Listeners will gain insight into current treatment options for pediatric IBD, how treatment plans are tailored to each child, and the critical role nutrition plays in managing symptoms. Dr. Hart also sheds light on the impact of IBD on growth and development, shares tips on lifestyle modifications, and provides an update on emerging therapies.

Finally, they explore long-term considerations for children diagnosed with IBD, including the transition from pediatric to adult care. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode is packed with valuable information to better understand and manage pediatric IBD.

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Join us for an empowering and insightful conversation as Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with Dr. Amy Comander, a leading breast oncologist and advocate for patient-centered care. In this episode, Dr. Comander shares her expertise on the latest advancements in breast cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship.

Discover how personalized medicine and multidisciplinary care are revolutionizing outcomes for breast cancer patients. Dr. Comander also delves into the critical role of lifestyle medicine—including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness—in promoting healing and resilience.

With her unique perspective as a passionate runner and physician, Dr. Comander draws inspiring parallels between running and the cancer journey, offering hope and practical advice for patients and their families navigating a diagnosis.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, patient, or advocate, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to run the race toward better cancer care. Don’t miss it!

Dr. Amy Comander specializes in the care of women with breast cancer.  Dr. Comander is Medical Director of the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham, where she also serves as Director of Breast Oncology and Cancer Survivorship at the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham and at Newton Wellesley Hospital. She is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her undergraduate degree and a master's degree in Neuroscience at Harvard University. She received her medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency training and Hematology-Oncology fellowship training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. She is board certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology, and she is a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

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In this insightful episode, we sit down with Ellin Gurvitch, an expert in fitness, nutrition, and mental health, to explore the profound connection between physical and mental well-being, particularly for women. Ellin shares her journey into this field and offers a wealth of practical advice tailored to Jewish women navigating unique challenges.

Discover how fitness and nutrition can support mental health, from managing stress and anxiety to overcoming common pitfalls in maintaining a wellness routine. Ellin also delves into how women can adapt fitness and nutrition practices for different life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, and offers specific exercises and dietary recommendations to enhance mental clarity and resilience.

With real-life success stories and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start or strengthen their wellness journey.

Ellin Gurvitch is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Florida, a Certified Nutrition and Performance Coach, and the founder of Mentally Fit With Ellin. She specializes in empowering high achievers to unlock their full potential by addressing the full spectrum of wellness—mental, physical, and nutritional. With a holistic, evidence-based approach, Ellin helps clients build resilience, optimize performance, and cultivate long-term well-being.

Ellin earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford and her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College Graduate School. She integrates her academic knowledge with practical experience, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), sport psychology, and holistic wellness.

Ellin is passionate about fitness and an active lifestyle, and she finds joy in spending time with friends and family. She is also deeply committed to community engagement, maintaining strong involvement in Jewish organizations.

Ellin is passionate about fitness and an active lifestyle, and she finds joy in spending time with friends and family. She is also deeply committed to community engagement, maintaining strong involvement in Jewish organizations.

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Join us for the 5th Annual JOWMA Conference: Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation & Research on January 5, 2025, from 8am to 5pm in NYC!

Spend the day immersed in expert-led scientific sessions, hands-on surgical simulations, specialty roundtables, and a networking lunch tailored for healthcare professionals and students. PLUS, we’re offering a full premed program with panels, roundtables, and networking dedicated to aspiring medical students.

🗓️Date: January 5, 2025

📍Location: Museum of Jewish Heritage, NYC

⭐Early Bird Registration Ends December 6!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Register now at www.jowmaconference.com!

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In this groundbreaking episode, we are honored to speak with Dr. Ruben Quintero, a pioneer in maternal-fetal medicine and the field of minimally invasive fetal therapy. Known for his transformative contributions, including the Quintero Staging System for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Dr. Quintero shares his insights into the advancements that are reshaping care for high-risk pregnancies.

Join us as we delve into the innovative tools and techniques Dr. Quintero has developed to improve pregnancy outcomes, from high-resolution ultrasound imaging to life-saving fetal interventions. He discusses the evolution of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and offers a glimpse into the future of fetal therapy, including the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dr. Quintero also emphasizes the critical role of patient education in managing high-risk pregnancies and shares invaluable advice for expectant parents navigating complex diagnoses. Whether you’re a medical professional, a parent, or simply intrigued by the cutting edge of medicine, this episode offers a fascinating look into the life-saving potential of fetal therapy.

Graduate from the Central University of Venezuela Luis Razetti School of Medicine. He did his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at Yale University. He is internationally known for his pioneering work in Fetal Therapy.

Using the principle of limiting fetal intervention to minimal-invasiveness, Dr. Quintero developed all of the necessary tools and instruments, surgical techniques and disease classifications that guide the treatment of many fetal conditions today.
Dr. Quintero has over 20 years of experience in the management of complicated pregnancies and has performed more than 1000 fetal surgeries.

Dr. Quintero has had a productive academic career, including the publication of the Quintero Staging System which is used in the assessment of patients affected with Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. He is the editor of the first book on Twin-Transfusion syndrome, as well as the book on Diagnostic and Operative Fetoscopy.

Dr. Quintero has had hundreds of international presentations and has been featured in the media, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Der Spiegel, El Pais, ABC News, CBS News, Good Morning America and other media services. Dr. Quintero has trained fetal surgeons around the world, including South America, Australia and Europe.

Dr. Quintero is an honorary member of the Venezuelan Ob/Gyn Society, member of The Fetus as a Patient society, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and the International Society for Twin Studies.

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Join us for the 5th Annual JOWMA Conference: Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation & Research on January 5, 2025, from 8am to 5pm in NYC!

Spend the day immersed in expert-led scientific sessions, hands-on surgical simulations, specialty roundtables, and a networking lunch tailored for healthcare professionals and students. PLUS, we’re offering a full premed program with panels, roundtables, and networking dedicated to aspiring medical students.

🗓️Date: January 5, 2025

📍Location: Museum of Jewish Heritage, NYC

⭐Early Bird Registration Ends December 6!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Register now at www.jowmaconference.com!

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Join us for a captivating conversation with Esther Stein, PsyD, as we explore the emerging field of gastro-psychology and the powerful connection between mental and gastrointestinal health. Dr. Stein will discuss her research on conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), IBS, and GERD, shedding light on how stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms. She'll share insights into common psychological challenges faced by patients, explain the concept of visceral hypersensitivity, and offer practical strategies for managing triggers through lifestyle changes, psychological interventions, and diet. Don't miss this deep dive into the mind-gut connection!

Join us for the 5th Annual JOWMA Conference: Transforming Healthcare Through Innovation & Research on January 5, 2025, from 8am to 5pm in NYC!

Spend the day immersed in expert-led scientific sessions, hands-on surgical simulations, specialty roundtables, and a networking lunch tailored for healthcare professionals and students. PLUS, we’re offering a full premed program with panels, roundtables, and networking dedicated to aspiring medical students.

🗓️Date: January 5, 2025

📍Location: Museum of Jewish Heritage, NYC

⭐Early Bird Registration Ends December 6!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Register now at www.jowmaconference.com!

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What can parents and healthcare providers do to help children and adolescents struggling with headaches? In this episode, Jennie Berkovich, DO, speaks with pediatric neurology expert Dr. Suzanne Hagler to explore the latest and most effective treatments for young patients dealing with headaches. From migraines to tension headaches, Dr. Hagler shares invaluable insights into managing these conditions, focusing on non-pharmacological approaches like lifestyle changes, stress management, and dietary adjustments.

But when lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, what options are available? Dr. Hagler dives into the world of preventive medications tailored specifically for children and adolescents, highlighting how they differ from treatments used for adults. Whether it’s creating a holistic plan for headache prevention or knowing when to escalate care, this episode provides a roadmap to helping young patients live healthier, pain-free lives.

Don’t miss this essential guide to understanding and addressing pediatric headaches—tune in now!

Dr. Suzanne Hagler earned her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. Dr. Hagler completed a residency in pediatrics at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx; followed by a residency in pediatric neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Dr. Hagler then pursued a clinical fellowship in headache medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio.

She specializes in headache and migraine management in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Dr. Hagler is board certified in neurology with a special qualification in pediatric neurology, as well as in headache medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, she has participated in clinical research related to headaches in pediatric patients and presented at national medical conferences.

After Fellowship, she spent 7 years working at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and serving as the Director of the pediatric headache program. She now owns and runs her own private practice, South Florida Headache MD, in Hollywood, FL. She continues to be affiliated with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

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