JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

JEWISH ORTHODOX WOMEN’S MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Details

Jennie Berkovich, DO and Alisa Minkin, MD host JOWMA's podcast and share preventative health information geared to members of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Recent Episodes

NOV 21, 2025
Parkinson’s Disease & Genetics: What You Need to Know with Alberto Palma, MD, PhD and Travis Lewis, MD, PhD
In this informative episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich is joined by experienced neurologists Dr. Palma and Dr. Lewis, Executive Medical Directors at Eli Lilly and Company. Our guests take this opportunity to share their expert opinion and scientific understanding of Parkinson’s disease and how we can anticipate medical interventions changing — possibly within our lifetimes. We explore how our genes, and genetic variants, can influence the onset, symptoms, and severity of Parkinson’s disease. We address when genetic testing can be most helpful, who might be at higher risk, and how these discoveries are leading to potential new treatments and personalized care. Dr. Alberto Palma is Executive Medical Director, Early-Phase Development, Neurodegeneration Programs Lead at Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Travis Lewis is Executive Medical Director at the Institute for Genetic Medicine at Eli Lilly and Company. Both are actively working on gene therapy clinical trials that aim to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and its symptoms. DISCLAIMER: This video is sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and hosted by JOWMA. It is intended for educational purposes only. The content in this video reflects treatment practices in the U.S.; please refer to your local guidelines for more information. Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email [email protected] 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
45 MIN
JUN 19, 2025
Movement as Medicine: Fighting Cancer with Marathons with Orly Fuerst
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 [email protected] 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
15 MIN