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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Perimenopause is often overlooked, yet it’s a transformative phase in a woman’s life that can bring a range of physical and emotional changes. In this episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with Dr. Michelle Jacobson, an expert in women’s health, to discuss what perimenopause really is, how it differs from menopause, and the earliest signs women should be aware of. They dive into the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the impact of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, key preventative health screenings, and the biggest myths surrounding perimenopause. Dr. Jacobson also shares insights on emerging treatments and exciting new research in perimenopause care. Whether you're approaching this stage or want to be informed for the future, this episode is packed with must-know information!

Dr. Michelle Jacobson is a menopause specialist in Toronto. She has a special interest in women who are prematurely menopausal due to cancer therapies and women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. She directs the familial ovarian cancer program at Women’s College Hospital. She sits on the board of directors of the Canadian menopause Society, and menopause foundation of Canada, and is the primary author of the Canadian guidelines regarding breast cancer and menopause, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. 

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This conversation focuses on the importance of health education and vaccination within the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly in light of recent measles outbreaks. Panelists discuss the roles of community leaders and health officials in addressing vaccine hesitancy, the significance of building trust between the community and health authorities, and strategies for effective health communication. The discussion emphasizes the need for proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of community members, especially children. This conversation focuses on the importance of community engagement in health discussions, particularly regarding vaccination and measles prevention. Experts emphasize the need for open communication between health professionals and the community, addressing misinformation, and the significance of vaccination during gatherings. The discussion also highlights the risks associated with misconceptions about vitamin A and the necessity of building trust in vaccination practices. Overall, the conversation aims to encourage proactive health measures and community involvement in public health initiatives.

Featuring:

• Dr. Sheindel Ifrah Goldfeiz (Pediatric Neurologist, JOWMA COO)
• Dr. Bindy Crouch (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
• Lynn Schulman (NYC Council Member)
• Dr. Danielle Greene (CUNY School for Public Health)
• Rabbi Avi Greenstein (Boro Park Jewish Community Council)

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Miriam "Mimi" Knoll shares her journey into medicine, influenced by her family's legacy of healthcare professionals. She discusses her path to radiation oncology, emphasizing the importance of passion and commitment in pursuing a medical career. The conversation highlights the role of JOWMA in empowering women in medicine, the challenges of work-life integration, and the significance of leadership and advocacy. Dr. Knoll reflects on the rewards and challenges of her career, offering valuable advice for future physicians to believe in themselves and invest in meaningful relationships.

Miriam "Mimi" Knoll, M.D., DABR, is the co-founder and CEO of JOWMA and a radiation oncologist at Northwell Health in New York.

Dr. Knoll earned her medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed her radiation oncology training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

She serves as a section editor for Advances in Radiation Oncology, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and is an active volunteer with ASCO, ASTRO, NRG, and the RTOG Foundation.

An international speaker and researcher, Dr. Knoll focuses on the medical workforce, women in medicine, and social media in medicine. She is a Forbes Healthcare contributor and writes for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Connection and various other media outlets.

You can follow her on Twitter @MKnoll_MD and on Instagram @Dr.Mimi.K.

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What happens when COVID-19 symptoms linger long after the initial infection—especially in children? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Stockwell, a leading expert in pediatric infectious diseases, to explore the reality of long COVID in kids. We discuss how long COVID is defined, its most common symptoms, and how it differs from what we see in adults. Dr. Stockwell shares insights into who is most at risk, the challenges of diagnosing long COVID in children, and the best approaches for managing symptoms. We also dive into the role of vaccines in prevention and the latest research on potential treatments. If you’re a parent, clinician, or just looking to understand more about this complex condition, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Melissa Stockwell, MD MPH is the Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Health and the Felice K. Shea Professor of Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Professor of Population and Family Health in the Department of Population and Family Health at the Mailman School of Public Health. Additionally, she is a practicing pediatrician. Dr. Stockwell’s research program, which concentrates on underserved children and adolescents, focuses on interventions to improve vaccinations, with an emphasis on health technology and health literacy, as well as on respiratory infections and long COVID. Dr. Stockwell is the chair of the Pediatric Coordinating Committee for the NIH’s RECOVER Long COVID initiative.

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Measles is surging again, despite being declared eliminated in the U.S. decades ago. Why is this happening? In this episode, host Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with world-renowned vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit to dissect the factors driving the resurgence. They explore the history of vaccine hesitancy, the role of misinformation, and what can be done to restore public trust. Are we over-boosting, or are these necessary reinforcements? How does natural immunity compare to vaccine-induced immunity? Dr. Offit also shares insights on the latest vaccine advancements and what the future holds for immunization. Don’t miss this timely and critical conversation!

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