JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

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!

• Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email [email protected]
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Jennie Berkovich, DO, sits down with resilience educator Brooks Gibbs to discuss the power of emotional regulation and personal responsibility in dealing with bullying. Brooks shares his unique approach to helping students understandwhy they get upset andhow to stop, offering practical strategies to build emotional resilience. They explore the evolving nature of bullying, including cyberbullying, and discuss how parents, educators, and schools can support children in becoming emotionally strong. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with actionable tools to help kids navigate social challenges with confidence.

Brooks Gibbs is a resilience educator with a PhD in Social Psychology. He is a popular youth speaker who has been hired by more than 3,000 schools to present his message to students, parents, and educators. His viral videos have been translated into 20 languages and amassed more than 300 million views. He specializes in teaching youth how to be emotionally resilient and inspires them to live by the Golden Rule.

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• Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email

[email protected]

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Join Jennie Berkovich, DO, as she interviews Claire Riley, MD, a leading neurologist, to explore the complexities of multiple sclerosis (MS). From identifying early warning signs to understanding how symptoms evolve, Dr. Riley provides expert insights into the diagnostic process, treatment options, and the role of lifestyle in managing this condition. Together, they tackle misconceptions, discuss preventative strategies, and shed light on the advancements shaping the future of MS care. Whether you're navigating MS yourself or curious about its impact, this episode offers clarity and hope for those affected by this challenging disease.

Dr. Claire Riley earned an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and a medical degree from Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S). She completed an internship in internal medicine and her residency in neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In addition, she completed a two-year clinical fellowship in the Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center in 2010. Dr. Riley is board certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Riley returned to Columbia University as Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center in January 2012. She was previously an attending neurologist and assistant professor in the Yale MS Center in New Haven, CT. Dr. Riley regularly teaches medical students, residents and fellows in the MS clinic. She is also an investigator in clinical trials related to multiple sclerosis.

• Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email [email protected]
• Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org
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Hosted by Jennie Berkovich, DO, this episode dives into the complexities of trauma, its effects on the mind and body, and the latest advancements in treatment. Dr. Kobernick, a trauma specialist, shares her expertise on the most common types of trauma she encounters, the evolution of our understanding of its impact, and the critical role early childhood experiences play in shaping resilience. Together, they explore evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how families can support loved ones on their healing journey. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, someone affected by trauma, or simply curious about the field, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

Dr. Kobernick is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of The CBT/DBT Center. She received her doctorate at Long Island University – Post Campus where she studied under Dr. Jill Rathus, co-developer of DBT for adolescents. She completed training at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s personality disorders unit where she provided individual and group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and participated in case consultation with Otto Kernberg, M.D. She then provided Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and comprehensive DBT at Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health College Partnership. Upon completing her training at Northwell Health, she recognized the need for trauma-focused training for her DBT clients who completed stage 1 DBT. At Rutgers University’s college counseling program, she focused her training on evidence-based trauma treatments including Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Dr. Kobernick has advanced training in DBT and specialized training in adaptations of DBT for adolescents and children. She has been supervised by Francheska Perepletchikova, PhD, developer of DBT for children (DBT-C), and is a trainer for DBT-C. While Dr. Kobernick enjoys practicing DBT, she is trained in other evidence-based modalities and is passionate about training and supervising other clinicians in her hopes to disseminate these modalities within the Orthodox Jewish community. She has also received specialized training in suicide prevention, evidence-based approaches in addiction treatment, CBT for insomnia, Motivational Interviewing, Psychological First Aid, Teaching and Supervising CBT from the Beck Institute, Behavioral Parent Management Training, Trauma Art Narrative Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT for children. She has co-led therapy groups on CBT for social anxiety and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for people with repeated episodes of depression.
Dr. Kobernick’s research interests include implementation and dissemination of evidence-based treatments within the Orthodox Jewish community, suicidality and nonsuicidal self-injury, and education and training in health service psychology. She has published and presented on these topics at the local and national levels.

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• Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email [email protected]
• Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org
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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.

• Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email [email protected]
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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.