Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine
Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine is a podcast from Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America. It features doctors, specialists, patients, and nurses from the Hadassah Medical Organization. Each episode goes behind the headlines to explore advances and stories in medicine. Listeners hear directly from medical professionals and those receiving care.
Episodes
The End of One-Size-Fits-All Medicine
Dr. Dina Ben Yehuda joins our host to explore the future of precision medicine—from AI and wearables to lifestyle-driven prevention—and the challenges of access, bias, privacy, and preserving human connection in a data-driven world.
What We Carry - Guidance For Small Voices, Big Feelings
Drawing on two new guidebooks created by Hadassah International's Young Hadassah Without Borders Program, guests Karen Azoulay and Dr. Shiri Ben-David join host to share strategies for meaningful conversations, resilience, and empowering the next generation.
The Lifechanging Match
In this special episode of Hadassah On Call, Dr. Abed Khalaileh, director of solid organ transplantation at Hadassah hospitals, visited our New York studios to discuss transplantation, organ donation and what makes Hadassah so unique and lifechanging.
Antisemitism in Health Care
In this episode, Hadassah On Call partners with Hadassah Magazine Presents to explore the growing impact of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in healthcare since October 7, 2023.
SOS: Saving Our Skin
In this episode of Hadassah On Call host Maayan talks with Dr. Vered Molho-Pessach, head of dermatology at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, about common skin conditions in children and adults, including eczema, acne and molluscum.
Medication Overload
In this episode, host Maayan Hoffman discusses the dangers of polypharmacy—typically defined as taking five or more medications simultaneously in older adults—with Dr. Yosef Caraco, director of clinical pharmacology at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
Clearing The Air
Listen as Dr. Neville Berkman discusses what pneumonia is, how it differs from other respiratory illnesses, and why it remains dangerous. He also addresses common misconceptions, the role of vaccines in prevention, and lifestyle factors that affect lung health.
To Your Health: The Best of Hadassah on Call
The episode features the top episodes of 2025 of the Hadassah On Call podcast.
Courage in Conflict
In this episode, we welcome Gidon Melmed, executive director of Hadassah in Israel. He discusses Hadassah's response during the 2023 Hamas crisis, advances in oncology, neurology, AI and surgical robotics, and its recognition by Newsweek as a top smart hospital.
Below the Belt: Prostate Matters
We're kicking off the seventh season with a straight-talking guide to men's health that every family should hear. Our guest is Dr. Ofer Gofrit, chair of the Urology Department at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Rehab Reimagined
In this episode, host Maayan Hoffman discusses with Dr. Elior Moreh the incredible work being carried out at Hadassah's Gandel Rehabilitation Center. The episode delves into the impact of the recent war on rehabilitation needs and Hadassah's comprehensive approach to recovery.
Upacking Trauma
In this episode, Dr. Shiri Ben-David, Hadassah's chief psychologist, explores how trauma has gripped Israeli society since October 7, 2023—and what it means to heal.
Paging Doctor A.I.
Listen as two of Hadassah's specialists discuss the future potential of AI in medicine. They talk about two medical breakthroughs at Hadassah that are changing the face of cancer detection and treatment in Israel—and beyond.
Midwifery: Bump, Baby & Beyond
Certified nurse-midwife Gila Zarbiv speaks candidly about the unique model of care that midwives offer — from pregnancy to postpartum — and why she believes Israel must give women greater access to midwives outside the hospital.
Navigating the Autism Spectrum
What causes autism? Can autism be cured with medication? What does the spectrum truly mean? All these questions and more are answered by Dr. Ariel Tenenbaum, head of the pediatric department and director of the Down syndrome clinic at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
Small Patients, Big Emergencies
As a parent, do you know when to call an ambulance for your child's emergency and what the most common pediatric emergencies are? Dr. Saar Hashavya, head of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, gives listeners an inside look into the emergency room.
In Sync: Heart & Gut
Ever wonder what your heart's connection is to your gut? Dr. Rabea Asleh, director of the Heart Failure Unit & Cardiovascular Research Center at the Hadassah Medical Organization, discusses the connection and how it influences our immune function and cardiovascular health.
Ageless Intimacy
Let's talk about sex, literally! Hadassah sex expert, nurse, and tenured senior lecturer Dr. Anna Woloski Wruble leads our conversation about sexual health and intimacy for older adults as we age on the newest episode.
Contagion Conversation
COVID-19, Flu, Mpox, West Nile and even crocodile bites? We're talking viruses, new pandemics, and the importance of proper vaccination before international travel with Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases expert Dr. Jacob Strahilevitz.
Fighting for Breath: Examining Lung Cancer
In our newest episode, we're tackling lung cancer and the complexities of distinguishing between a common cough and something more serious. Listen as our expert discusses development, early detection, and innovative treatments, including precision medicine and immunotherapy.
We've got Your Back
In this month's episode, Dr. Josh Schroeder, head of the Spinal Deformities Surgery department at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, shares groundbreaking advancements in surgical techniques, how spinal fractures can dramatically affect quality of life, and much more on back health.
Immunity Unraveled
In this month's episode Dr. Yuval Tal, director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem shares the latest advancements in clinical immunology, focusing on personalized treatments and biological medicine.
Colon Cancer, Gut Grief and Stool Secrets
Poor nutrition habits, poor gut health, and changes in bowel movements are some of the most common indicators of serious health issues. Listen as Hadassah expert Dr. David Hakimian, a senior gastroenterologist, discusses symptoms, ways to improve, and much more.
The Invisible Wound: Living with PTSD
In the aftermath of the attack on Israel on October 7, the Hadassah Medical Organization's chief psychologist discusses how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect individuals who have experienced traumatic events as well as those close to them.
Your Best Foot Forward
How important are the correct shoes? Is foot health only crucial if you are diabetic? Simple fractures, arthritis—what are the new treatments? In this episode, we're talking to Dr. Yechiel Gellman, senior foot and ankle surgeon at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
#EndTheSilence: Addressing Sexual Violence
In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Dvora Bauman, director of the Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse. She sheds light on the pressing issue of sexual violence stemming from the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, its implications, and the challenges ahead.
Pulse Check: Beating Heart Disease
Listen as Donna Zfat-Zwas, MD, MPH, Director of the Linda Joy Pullin Cardiovascular Wellness Institute for Women of the Hadassah Medical Organization, discusses new procedures, diet tips, and much more to reduce your risk of heart disease.
All Ears: Hearing Loss Treatments & Trends
Dr. Michal Kaufman, head of the Ear Surgery and Cochlear Transplantation Center at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, talks us through the causes and treatments of hearing loss.
Hadassah On the Ground: In Peace and War - December Briefing
In the fourth episode and third briefing of our special Hadassah On The Ground updates, we hear from Hadassah Medical Organization leaders and physicians and how they are treating the patients who have suffered severe psychological trauma following the attacks.
Special Episode: At War: Heal Israel Now - Part 3
In the third episode of our special At War: Heal Israel Now briefings, we hear from Hadassah Medical Organization leaders and physicians, as well as grateful patients, working to support Hadassah hospitals, which together have treated more than 200 wounded soldiers and civilians.
Special Episode: At War: Heal Israel Now - Part 2
In part 2 of a special two-part episode, hear how Hadassah has been providing vital medical care to soldiers, civilians and displaced families since the start of Israel's war with Hamas.
Special Episode: At War: Heal Israel Now - Part 1
In part 1 of a special two-part episode, hear how Hadassah has been providing vital medical care to soldiers, civilians and displaced families since the start of Israel's war with Hamas.
Labor, Delivery & Me
The season five opener of Hadassah On Call is discussing all things labor and delivery from the vantage point of two Hadassah expert perspectives; a doctor and head midwife.
Breathe Easy: All About Asthma
Can your environment trigger asthma? Does asthma impact your sleep pattern? Is it genetic? We're delving into asthma causes, management and triggers with Dr. Joel Reiter, head of Hadassah Medical Organization's sleep center and a pediatric pulmonologist.
Secrets to Living Better While Growing Older
Is it too late to live better? How many doctors do seniors really need? Can dementia be prevented or reversed? What are the most essential tips to better living as we age? We're discussing this and more with Hadassah's geriatric and rehabilitation expert, Dr. Jeremy Jacobs.
Gut-Wrenching: Crohn's, Colitis and More
Abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea and even rectal bleeding? We're breaking down treatment, risks, and what to avoid with inflammatory bowel diseases from the adult and child perspective with two Hadassah experts in the newest episode.
Melanoma: Latest on Cures, Causes and Vaccines
We're delving into melanoma with world-renowned expert Professor Michal Lotem, head of the Center for Melanoma and Cancer Immunotherapy at the Sharett Institute of Oncology.
Closing in on a Cure for Cancer
World-renowned Dr. Polina Stepensky, director of Hadassah's Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immunotherapy, returns to discuss her groundbreaking cancer research.
Eating Disorders: Not Just About Food
Extreme picky eating and shorter stature are just two topics linked to eating disorders. We delve into these and more in this episode with Dr. Esti Galili-Weisstub, dir. of the Herman Dana Div. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Efrat Dreizner, coordinator of social work.
Heart Matters: Exploring Innovative Heart Treatments
In honor of American Heart Month, we're talking all things heart and a revolutionary new system capturing and removing blood clots with Dr. David Planer, director of the department of Interventional Cardiology at Hadassah Medical Organization.
Fertility & Sperm: The Lowdown
Our latest episode dives into the findings of a new study showing a drastic decrease in sperm count and sperm concentration over the past decades. Listen as Professor Hagai Levine, public health physician, epidemiologist and head of the environmental health track of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health, discusses how this can impact fertility.
The Truth About Hormones & Women's Mental Health
It's a fact: hormones do affect women's mental health. Find out how they affect PMS, pre- and postpartum depression, menopause — and what the latest research tells us.
Kids, Cancer & Genes
Hear the latest on childhood cancers: possible causes, bone marrow transplants and other treatments including precision medicine and ongoing research in DNA and liquid biopsies.
Monkeypox: Should We Hit the Panic Button?
Want to stay safe during monkeypox? American-Israeli journalist Maayan Hoffman, our new host, kicks off Season 4 with Hadassah infectious disease expert Prof. Allon Moses, MD.
Hadassah On Call: A new season. A new host.
Tune in monthly as our new host interviews HMO's Doctors at the forefront of timely medical news and innovations at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Sneeze, Itch, Cough: How Allergies Interrupt Our Lives
Pollen, food, pets and even light? How exactly do these types of allergies appear? When is it an allergy or something else? Is there a cure? We're talking all things allergy with Dr. Yuval Tal, director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
Out of Joint: Getting to the Root of Hip and Knee Pain
Is joint pain simply part of aging? Can it be relieved through dietary changes or exercise? When should surgery be considered? We're talking knees, hips and joint care with Dr. Gurion Rivkin, head of the Joint Replacement Unit and Orthopedic Department at Hadassah Hospital.
Diabetes: A Word, Not A Sentence
Can diabetes be reversed? Could having COVID-19 increase my risk? Is it really in my DNA? We're talking types, triggers and tools in managing diabetes in our latest episode with Prof. Avivit Cahn, MD, endocrinologist and attending physician at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
The Future Is Now: Precision Medicine, Stem Cells & More
Prof. Yoram Weiss, MD, acting director general of the Hadassah Medical Organization, talks about leading the organization through dual crises, personalized medicine, and how Hadassah is using emerging technologies to reshape medical care in the latest episode of Hadassah On Call.
Ukraine Dispatch: Healing Meets Humanity
The Ukraine war is now the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Hadassah Medical Organization is dispatching medical teams to meet the Ukrainians and provide assistance when they cross the border into Poland. In this episode, three Hadassah leaders discuss their medical involvement in this humanitarian mission.
Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Silent Killer
Treatments and new hope in detection? We're talking ovarian cancer with Dr. Tamar Perri, director of the Gynecologic Oncology Department and her former patient, Dr. Rivka Brooks, a founding director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, at Hadassah Medical Organization.
You, Me & PTSD
What is PTSD? Can it be cured? How common is it? Listen as Hadassah Medical Organization psychiatry experts Prof. Omer Bonne, Dr. Inbal Reuveni and Dr. Shlomo Rahmani Zwi-Ran discuss the complexities of diagnosing and treating PTSD.
Healthy Bones. Can We Grow New Ones?
Have you ever wondered if you could regrow your bones after injury? Or how to strengthen your bones? All this and more bone-related questions answered by guest Dr. Amir Haze, MD, PhD, head orthopedic surgeon and researcher at the Foot and Ankle Unit, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
It's All in Your Head: Why Headaches Matter
How serious is my headache? Why is it lingering and what really triggered this? All these questions answered and more in the newest episode of Hadassah On Call. Listen as host Benyamin talks with Dr. Maxim Bauer, Hadassah senior neurologist, Pain Medicine and Movement Disorders Fellow at Hadassah Medical Organization.
Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Higher Risks and the Effect of COVID-19 - New Updates!
We've updated last year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode just for you! Listen as host Benyamin Cohen interviews Professor Beatrice Uziely, head of Hadassah's Oncology ambulatory services unit and Dr Paluch-Shimon, director of the Breast Oncology Program. We'd added few updates from both doctors on breast cancer treatments and new details of coping with breast cancer in the wake of Covid-19.
New Hope in the Fight Against COVID-19
In our newest episode, we're updating you on all things COVID-19 and introducing you to a medical pioneer. Prof. Dror Mevorach, director of the Rheumatology Research Center and head of one of the COVID units at Hadassah Medical Organization is at the forefront of a new experimental Israeli drug called Allocetra™. It's helping critically ill COVID-19 patients stay alive. Hear more about the drug, t
Can't Sleep? Here's What Keeping Us Awake
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 1 in 3 people aren't getting enough sleep. Wondering why, what you can do that may help and if this could impact your overall health? In our newest episode, listen as Dr. Joel Reiter, head of Hadassah Medical Organization's sleep clinic discusses how sleep, lack of it and its related disorders, especially after COVID-19 may just need to
Strokes: Risk Factors, Treatments and COVID-19 Long-haulers
As the world continues to reopen after a global pandemic, we check in and revisit Dr. Ronen Leker, the director of the Stroke Unit and The Peritz and Chantel Scheinberg Cerebrovascular Disease Research Laboratory at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Dr. Leker is talking with host Benyamin Cohen about the link between stroke and COVID-19 long-haulers, stroke treatments and his researc
The Myths of Menopause Debunked and Much More
The beginning of menopause, for many women, can be greeted with mixed emotions. How long will it last? Are there hormone therapies or natural supplements available to help through this process? Most of all, how will it affect a woman's body and daily routine? All these questions and more are answered by this month's guest, Dr. Drorit Hochner, a senior physician in the OB/GYN department at Hadassah
Beyond the Basics of Infertility Treatments
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility and aid in the conception of a child. Yet, there are other elements to consider with infertility. Could it be genetics, male infertility and now, COVID-19? Our guest this month is a Hadassah infertility expert and lucky for us, she's just in time for National Infertility Week. Listen as our host discusses in
Causes, Groundbreaking Treatment and Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and changes the way nerves work causing anything from paralysis to brain damage. Almost 3 million people worldwide live with MS; this means every 5 minutes, someone in the world is diagnosed. In this episode, one of the foremost experts in the world Dr. Dimitrios Karussis, Director of the MS Center at Hadassah
Breakthroughs, Risks and Warning Signs: An Insider's Tips for a Healthy Heart
Did you know that bad breath and gut issues can be related to heart disease? February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness and discuss heart disease prevention. In Newsweek's 2021 rankings, Hadassah Hospital is recognized as one of the top cardiology hospitals. In this episode, hear from one of the premier heart specialists at Hadassah, Dr. Offer Amir, Director of the Irma and Paul M
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 N
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
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 wa
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 se
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 perc
Behind the Scenes of Hadassah's ICU
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 Volevensky. 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 talks with Dr. Hananel Holzer, Director of the REI (Reproductive Endo
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.
Where Are We Now? COVID-19 Update
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. Now a 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
Face to Face with The Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as MERS and SARS. In December 2019, a new strain of the coronavirus was discovered. With 9 deaths being reported in the United States at the time of this episode, worldwide expert Dr. Ran Nir-Paz, who just returned from Japan where he treated patients exposed to the disease, discusse
How Gender Plays a Role in Heart Disease
Dr. Donna Zvat-Zwas is a cardiologist and the Director of the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women at Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. 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
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 definitely believes that there is an optimal time for a baby's delivery if it can be helped. As a physician and the director of a High-Risk Pregnancy Unit, she treats women suffering from various placenta related pregnancy complications. In this episode, you'll
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 more insight into her growing field, shares inspiring stories of miracl
Israel's Unique Place for Treating Disorders of Sexual Development
Dr. David Zangen has performed groundbreaking research in ambiguous genitalia and ovarian development and the BRCA2 gene. He is the Director, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Hadassah Hospital Mt. Scopus. Hear about Dr. Zangen's groundbreaking research, unique patient stories, and what he believes is his personal contribution to building bridges to peace. Special guest co-host Barbara Sofer,
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
This Israeli Midwife Believes It Is Her Calling
US-born midwife Gila Zarbiv talks about her lifelong passion for Israel and why she became a professional nurse midwife. In this episode, you'll 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
The World Health Organization reported a 300% increase in measles cases globally in the first quarter of 2019, compared with the same time last year. Dr. Allon E. Moses, provides the most important information to protect yourself and your family from this preventable disease. Dr. Moses is the head of Hadassah Medical Organization's Center for Infectious Diseases, in Jerusalem. According to the C
