Dr. Kasriel (Rich) Roberts serves as Special Advisor to the CEO at JOWMA, Dr. Mimi Knoll. He shared:
“For the last two years, I have been contributing my organizational management and corporate structure experience as an advisor to the CEO of JOWMA, an organization of frum women medical doctors who are dedicated to bringing medical knowledge to the women of our community. JOWMA is composed of frum women who have extensive knowledge in their widely-varied medical fields across the country. The following was written by JOWMA about a recent program that they presented in Jackson about postpartum challenges that many women face. I believe that it is very valuable to provide women in our community the ability to meet with frum women physicians, in group educational and discussion settings, where the atmosphere is safe, comfortable, and able to address particular women’s issues.”
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On August 5th in Jackson, JOWMA (the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association) launched “Wellness Club: Rebranding Women’s Health,” a new initiative bringing health and wellness to women in the greater Lakewood community, in partnership with Atlantic Health and the Gallery Collection. Over 60 attendees enjoyed meditative yoga with Rachel Antebi Fischer, fresh sushi from the Sushi Stand, salads from Cookie Corner, and a make-your-own açaí bowl station from Açaí & Co., and received amazing swag to bring home including “Wellness Club” branded Point t-shirts, ribbed Point leggings, Gallery collection tote bags, and glass water bottles!
After completing the meditative and restorative yoga session, the Q&A began with JOWMA physicians. The panel was led by JOWMA Co-Founder Eliana Fine, MD, an OBGYN PGY4 who is completing her last year of residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and will be joining a renowned practice next summer in the Lakewood area. Panelist included Tal Weinberger, MD (Reproductive Psychiatrist, Director of Psychiatry at CHEMED Health Center, and JOWMA Board Member), and Tamar Gottlieb from Yad Rachel. Attendees had the opportunities to get their questions answered about mental health and women’s health.
When the topic of postpartum depression and anxiety was brought up, the physicians spoke about the stigma that talking about these topics holds, and how that contributes to if and when women will seek help. Dr. Weinberger explained that when people come for treatment, it is usually to find out if what they are experiencing is normal or not. Unfortunately, for someone suffering from postpartum psychosis, that question of “normalcy” is not present.
“Psychosis is a loss of connection with reality. Someone with intrusive thoughts is able to say, ‘I don’t want to be having this thought’ whereas in psychosis they can’t differentiate that,” said Dr. Weinberger. She also clarified the important point that mental illness is an illness, and is not optional to treat; it must be treated. She paralleled mental illness to diabetes to highlight the importance of receiving effective treatment and care. In agreement with Dr. Weinberger, Dr. Fine shared, “A lot of people have a false notion that it’s dangerous to continue their medications in pregnancy, and oftentimes we find it’s the opposite.” She explained that the negative effects of a mother having depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges during pregnancy can have potentially harmful effects on their baby.
Tamar Gottlieb shared about her organization, Yad Rachel, which offers support and care for women and their families who experience prenatal and postpartum mood disorders. Dr. Fine also reinforced the importance of having open communication with one’s physician. “Please don’t withhold information on the intake forms, because we’re here to provide you with resources. We’re here to help you.”
Attendee Raizy Lind said the event “Couldn’t have been better. Everything is so beautiful, and I’m very excited and very happy to be here!” Sarah Enock, JOWMA Pre-Med Member and volunteer shared, “The topics discussed during this panel will likely encourage women to have more extensive and personalized discussions with their OB/GYN or Primary Care Physician. As I listened to the panel and the way the physicians interacted with the women around them, it became very clear just how much of a resource JOWMA physicians are for their communities. The knowledge and training which they receive prepares them to not only treat illnesses, but to educate patients on proactive ways to protect their health.” This is exactly what JOWMA aims to provide to the community.
Wellness Club continues with two more in-person events on August 19th and September 5th. To register for these free events, please visit www.jowma.org.
JOWMA is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2019 to support a network of Jewish women physicians and to provide health education, outreach, and advocacy on behalf of the Orthodox Jewish community. The organization hosts educational events and programs on a variety of health topics including: pediatrics, wellness, women’s health, teen health, mental health, preventative health, and more.
To learn more about JOWMA, or to have an event brought to your community, please visit www.jowma.org or e-mail i[email protected].