JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

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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Step into the fascinating world of plastic surgery with Dr. Ilana Margulies, a PGY5 integrated plastic surgery resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. In this episode, Dr. Margulies shares her journey through medicine, blending technical mastery with a deep understanding of psychology to transform lives through plastic surgery.

Dr. Margulies sheds light on the complexity of the field, from aesthetic and reconstructive procedures to the intricate art of microsurgery. She explains how plastic surgery isn’t just about physical transformation but also involves addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients. The conversation delves into her groundbreaking research, her leadership roles within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal’s Resident Advisory Board, and her vision for a career in general and complex microsurgical reconstruction.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the blend of science, art, and humanity that defines plastic surgery. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that goes beyond the surface and into the heart of what makes this field so unique.

Ilana Margulies, MD, MS is a PGY5 integrated plastic surgery resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology with honors at New York University and then completed a Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She then earned her MD at New York Medical College with Global and Population Health Area of Distinction, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. During medical school she pursued a research fellowship in plastic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has authored over 30 peer reviewed publications and presented at numerous conferences. She is also very involved in the resident advisory board of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal and the Jewish Plastic Surgeons Forum. She hopes to pursue a career in general and complex microsurgical reconstruction. When out of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and golden retriever.

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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!

____________________________________________________________

Headaches in children and adolescents are more common than you might think, but how do they differ from the headaches adults experience? Join Jennie Berkovich, DO, as she interviews Dr. Suzanne Hagler, a renowned pediatric neurologist, in this fascinating and insightful episode. Together, they dive into the world of pediatric headaches, unraveling the most common types, like migraines and tension headaches, and discussing what makes them unique to young patients.

Dr. Hagler sheds light on the primary causes and triggers of headaches in kids, busts common myths, and shares expert advice on cultivating healthy habits to prevent and manage these debilitating episodes. Parents will learn when it’s time to worry, what warning signs to watch for, and when to seek help from a specialist. Plus, discover the latest non-pharmacological strategies and preventive medications designed specifically for pediatric patients, and how they differ from treatments for adults.

This episode is packed with practical tips, expert knowledge, and compassionate advice for parents, healthcare providers, and anyone eager to understand pediatric headaches better. Don’t miss this engaging conversation—it’s time to empower young patients to take control of their health and live headache-free!

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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In this can’t-miss episode, Dr. Lisa Klein dives deep into the challenges of parenting teens and tweens in today’s fast-paced world. From empowering parents to tackle tough conversations about nutrition and skincare to navigating shared decision-making when kids resist medical advice, Dr. Klein offers expert advice on guiding teens with empathy. She also discusses the impact of technology on growing up and reveals the biggest challenges teens face today. This episode is full of valuable insights for parents, caregivers, and anyone working with teens! Tune in for actionable takeaways you won't want to miss!

Dr. Lisa Klein is a practicing pediatrician at Child Health Associates, P.C.  She stays busy with her three boys (two sons and one husband!).  After spending years teaching residents and medical students at William Beaumont Hospital, she is excited to help educate tweens of all ages about their changing bodies, and help other parents like her have “those talks” with their kids.

https://turningteen.com/

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