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Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine takes you behind the headlines with Hadassah Medical Organization doctors and specialists, patients and nurses. Listen and be amazed.
Brought to you by Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America.
Benyamin Cohen is the host of the "Hadassah on Call: New Frontiers in Medicine" podcast. He is also the Editorial Director of From the Grapevine and host of the podcast "Our Friend from Israel." He has written for the Washington Post, the Daily Beast, the Huffington Post, Yahoo News and Slate. Cohen is also the author of "My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders the Bible Belt in Search of His Own Faith" (HarperCollins), named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly and for which he received the Georgia Author of the Year award. Cohen previously served as the Content Director for the Mother Nature Network, and was the founding editor of both Jewsweek and American Jewish Life magazine.
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Podcast Episodes
Parkinson's Disease: Surprising New Treatments and The Race For a Cure
While doctors do not know exactly what causes Parkinson's disease (PD), it is a disease that cripples almost one percent of the population. The number of people with PD is expected to be over 12 million by 2040. In this episode, listen as Professor Dana Ekstein, Chair of the Department of Neurology and Co-Director of the Epilepsy Center at Hadassah hospital and Dr. David Arkadir, Hadassah Senior Neurologist, specializing in Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders discuss how Israel...
Post-COVID Health Issues and Life After the Pandemic
As of November 2020, there are reportedly 55 million people worldwide who have been infected by COVID-19, with over 1.3 million succumbing to the deadly disease. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Neville Berkman, the head of a new clinic at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, specifically designed for recovered COVID-19 patients who are experiencing post-COVID complications. Find out about the state of the virus in Israel, a vaccine update and when he thinks we will be living in a COVID-free world.
Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Higher Risks and the Effect of COVID-19
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, host Benyamin Cohen sits down with two of the Hadassah's breast cancer pioneers in the oncology department. Listen as he speaks with Professor Beatrice Uziely, head of Hadassah’s Oncology ambulatory services unit and Dr. Paluch-Shimon, director of the Breast Oncology Program to discuss all things breast cancer and how patients are coping in the wake of the COVID-19 virus.
Legacy, Passion and Moving Towards a Cure for Cancer with Dr. Aron Popovtzer
What's new and exciting in the world of cancer research and treatment? Host Benyamin find out in his conversation with Dr. Aron Popovtzer, Hadassah’s new director of the Sharett Institute of Oncology. He’ll fill us in on his pioneering new form of radiation treatment that reduces toxicity, how Hadassah continues to lead the way in detecting cancer early, how cancer patients are dealing with the second outbreak of COVID-19, his special connection to Hadassah, and much more.
Destiny and Determination: Becoming a World-Renowned Genetic Disease Expert
We’re kicking off the newest season of Hadassah On Call with world-renowned medical expert Dr. Polina Stepensky. Currently, director of the Hadassah Medical Organization’s Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immunotherapy for Adults and Children, Dr. Stepensky joins host Benyamin Cohen to discuss why her work and research have made her the leading expert in her field with an over 90 percent success rate.
Behind the Scenes of Hadassah's ICU with Dr. Vernon Van Heerden
Dr. Vernon Van Heerden is currently the head of the Hadassah Hospital’s General Intensive Care Unit. Born in South Africa, Dr. Van Heerden is a specialist in anesthesia and critical care. In this new episode, recorded before the coronavirus outbreak, we chatted with him about what makes Hadassah's ICUs unique, his work and an intriguing study he's working on related to doctor burnout.
Uncovering New Ways to Treat Kidney Disease in Children
In this episode, host Benyamin sits down with co-director of Hadassah’s leading tuberous sclerosis clinic Dr. Oded Volovelsky. Volevensky discusses the multidisciplinary clinic that offers new ways of treating children with kidney disease while shedding light on his groundbreaking research.
The Many Paths to Parenthood
The World Health Organization notes one in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility. It defines it as a disease of the reproductive system that can result in disability. Hadassah is raising awareness about infertility with its newest initiative reConceiving Infertility. In this episode, host Benyamin Cohen talks with Dr. Hananel Holzer, Director of the R.E.I. and I.V.F. Departments at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
ALS and When Can We Really Expect A Cure?
What’s the latest research and treatments for this disease that was made famous by the Ice Bucket Challenge and a famous baseball player? Our resident expert is here to fill us in. Dr. Marc Gotkine, head of Hadassah’s ALS clinic at the Hadassah Medical Organization talks with our host Benyamin Cohen about all things ALS.
Bonus Episode: Where Are We Now? COVID-19 Update with Hadassah's Dr. Ran Nir-Paz
As of Thursday, April 16, the World Health Organization, reported the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 were 1,991,562 people, with 130,885 deaths and still growing. During this global pandemic, with most of the world on mandated quarantine, our host Benyamin Cohen revisits Hadassah infectious disease expert Dr. Ran Nir-Paz to discuss the state of the virus, new treatments and protocols that Hadassah doctors are working on and what will the new "normal" look like in our future.
Face to Face with the Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as MERS and SARS. In December 2019, a new strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, was discovered and is spreading globally. With 9 deaths reported in the United States at the time of this recording, Hadassah infectious disease expert Dr. Ran Nir-Paz, who just returned from Japan where he treated patients exposed to the disease, discusses the state of the coronavirus.
How Gender Plays a Role in Heart Disease
Dr. Donna Zwas is a cardiologist and the Director of the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem, Israel. In this episode, our host Benyamin Cohen talks to Dr. Zwas and special guest Barbara Sofer about some of the various projects that the center is working on, how women are uniquely impacted by this disease, and offers some simple tips besides dieting to improve our heart health.
Timing Is Everything for Hadassah's Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Is there ever a right time to have a baby? Dr. Asnat Walfisch, Director of Hadassah's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mt. Scopus believes that there is an optimal time for a baby's delivery if it can be helped. She treats women suffering from various placenta related pregnancy complications. In this episode, you’ll hear about her research and how the timing of birth can be the deciding factor in pregnancy complications and health of the mother and offspring.
Israel is Leading the Way in Neonatal Care and Here's Why
Dr. Smadar Eventov-Friedman is the Director of Hadassah Hospital's Department of Neonatology. Recently awarded the Outstanding Neonatal Unit award from Israel’s Ministry of Health, her unit as she describes it, is a bridge between obstetrics and pediatrics, offering a unique approach to neonatology. In this episode she gives insight into her growing field, shares inspiring stories of miracle babies and tells listeners how fathers can help welcome their newest addition safely.
Israel's Unique Place for Treating Disorders of Sexual Development
Dr. David Zangen has performed groundbreaking research in ambiguous genitalia, ovarian development and the BRCA2 gene. He is the director of the pediatric endocrinology and juvenile diabetes unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Hospital. Hear about his research, unique patient stories, and what is his personal contribution to building bridges to peace. Special guest co-host Barbara Sofer, Director of Public Relations, Hadassah Office in Israel joins this episode.
The Future is Now: Corneal Transplants and Eye Banks
This episode of Hadassah On Call featuring Cornea Specialist, Senior Ophthalmologist and Surgeon Dr. Itay Lavi, is a real eye-opener! Released in October for Eye Injury Prevention Month and World Sight Day, a global event to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. Dr. Lavi talks to our new host Benyamin Cohen about innovations in cornea replacement and how he was able to reverse total blindness in one of his patients.
This Israeli Midwife Believes Her Job is Her Calling
US-born midwife Gila Zarbiv talks about her lifelong passion for Israel and why she became a certified nurse midwife. You’ll also hear about her research on the impact #MeToo has on OB/GYNs and midwives, and what it’s like to help women of all faiths at Hadassah Hospital.
Measles: Understanding This New Outbreak in the US and in Israel
How can you protect yourself and your family as measles cases spike globally? (Up 300% in early 2019, according to the World Health Organization). Dr. Allon Moses, head of the Hadassah Center for Infectious Diseases, gives you the information you need to prevent infection.
Treating Heart Attacks in Record Time with the Most Advanced Technology
Dr. Haim Dannenberg, head of Hadassah's new Paul and Irma Milstein Heart Center at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, discusses how Hadassah is revolutionizing the treatment of heart disorders and offers his best tips to prevent heart disease.
Causes of a Stroke and How it Can be Prevented
Dr. Ronen Leker, a leading expert at Hadassah Medical Organization, discusses the cutting-edge stem cell treatment he and his team have developed to reverse the disability so many strokes leave in their wake.
Make No Bones About it: Osteoporosis Advancements
Renowned Osteoporosis expert Prof. A. Joseph Foldes talks about everything from treatment options, conditions that may lead to the disease and other surprising diseases that may be linked to Osteoporosis.
World AIDS Day 2018: Hadassah Doctor Searches for a Cure
Worldwide, 37 million people live with HIV; 1/4 do not know they have the virus. Dr. Hila Elinav of Hadassah Hospital discusses her work with HIV-infected mothers, the stigma around being tested, and why it is vital to Know Your Status
After Pittsburgh, Hadassah Expert Offers Coping Strategies for Children
What do you tell children after a terrifying violence like Americans witnessed in the Pittsburgh synagogue? Dr. Esti Galili-Weisstub shares her expertise in helping children in Israel overcome post-traumatic stress as victims of terror.
Celiac Disease Awareness
Hadassah's Celiac Disease expert delves into the disease's relationship to dental issues, and obesity. He shares surprising ways of identifying and managing this disease, and the exciting research underway at Hadassah Medical Organization.
Protecting Hospitals and Patients from Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
In this fascinating episode, Professor Alon Moses, discusses the alarming increase in infections by bacteria resistant to all existent antibiotics, the best ways to prevent the spread of hospital infections, and his new ground breaking bacteriophages therapy. This therapy uses a type of virus that efficiently and accurately attacks only their target bacteria.
Sexual Abuse and the Bat Ami Center
Hadassah Medical Organization's Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse was established in 2009. Open 24 hours a day, the primary goal of the treatment at the Center is to return control to the victim. Our guest in this episode, Dr. Dvora Bauman, MD, Director of the Bat Ami Center, discusses the current state of sexual abuse, #metoo, and how her philosophy of care is a bit different than what many people might be used to seeing for victims of sexual abuse.
100 Years in Sight. The Hadassah Medical Organization - A Century Eye Care Innovation
Hadassah Medical Organization actually began with eye care. One hundred years later, Hadassah's outstanding ophthalmology department marked its centennial. Dr. Itay Chowers joins the show to share fascinating stories of groundbreaking treatments, his vision and goals as the new Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, and exciting innovations and research going on in eye care today.
Nurses Specialized in Trauma, Compassion While Saving Lives
Nurses are some of society's most precious resources, and the nurses at Hadassah Medical Organization are dedicated to taking care of traumatic injuries with a compassion and caring that puts them at the forefront of advanced medicine. Julie Benbenishty, an intensive care nurse at Hadassah who serves as the Trauma Nurse Coordinator at Hadassah Ein Kerem, is here to share her story about why she became a nurse, her career and being a volunteer for Nurses of the Middle East.
Backs to the Future: Hadassah’s Groundbreaking Robotic Surgery
In this inspiring interview, Josh Schroeder, MD, spine specialist and senior surgeon at Hadassah Medical Organization's orthopedic department, describes his two recent groundbreaking, surgical techniques: a two-robot reconstructive surgery and the world's first robot-aided repair of a severe spinal fracture. He also talks about his experience as a military doctor and volunteer work at a Ugandan refugee camp.
The Exciting Future of Stem Cells - Part 2
In part two of this incredible episode, Prof. Benjamin Reubinoff, MD, Ph.D, world-renowned stem cell pioneer and director of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center at the Hadassah Medical Organization, joins the show to discuss his research and to share the exciting news, that treatments or cures for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes could be a reality in the foreseeable future.
The Exciting Future of Stem Cells - Part 1
Twenty years ago, when stem cell therapy was highly regulated in the United States, it was well underway in Hadassah's labs. The exciting news is that treatments or cures for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, ALS and Alzheimer’s could be a reality in the future. Prof. Benjamin Reubinoff, MD, Ph.D, world-renowned stem cell pioneer and director of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center at Hadassah , joins the show in part one of this fascinating interview!
There is Help for Children with Chronic Disease
Advances in the field of medicine and technology have lead to an increase in the survival rate and life expectancy of children with chronic diseases and special needs. In this informative segment, we learn about the inspiring Pediatric Chronic Disease Center at Hadassah Medical Center from Dr. Eitan Kerem. He is the head of the Division of Pediatrics, founder of its Center for Children with Chronic Diseases, and the director of the Center for Cystic Fibrosis at Hadassah Medical Organization.
Detective for the World’s Most Mysterious Diseases
A previously unrecognized genetic mutation causing a rare and devastating pediatric neurological disease – which has puzzled doctors around the world for years – was recently identified by Hadassah Medical Organization researchers in Israel. In this incredible segment, Professor Orly Elpeleg, discusses life as a gene detective and what it took to find this genetic mutation that was devastating families around the globe.
New Hope for Cystic Fibrosis Patients
ystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease, causes a thick mucus buildup in the lungs and other organs that leads to breathing difficulty and increases susceptibility to infections. More than 10 million Americans carry a faulty CF gene, many unknowingly. In this podcast, Dr. Eitan Kerem, Head of the Division of Pediatrics at the Hadassah Medical Organization, discusses important information for Jewish couples when they are considering genetic counseling before having children.
The Heart of the Matter: The Real Facts on Women and Heart Disease
Despite the fact that for years, cardiovascular disease have been mainly associated with men; one in every two women will suffer from cardiovascular disease during her lifetime, and one in every three women will die from it. Listen as Donna Zfat-Zwas, MD, MPH, Director of the Linda Joy Pullin Cardiovascular Wellness Institute for Women of the Hadassah Medical Organization, discusses what women need to do to become educated and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Want more Hadassah podcasts? Check out The Branch: Real stories about building connections between Jews and Arabs, which offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Jews and Arabs in Israel forging meaningful relationships.
