Below the Belt: Prostate Matters

In this episode of Hadassah On Call, host Mayan Hoffman explores the complexities and innovations in pediatric emergency medicine with Dr. Saar Hashavya, head of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department at Hadassah Medical Organization. They discuss critical topics like how doctors prioritize care in high-stress situations, the decision between ambulance and car transport in emergencies, and common pediatric injuries and illnesses treated in the ER. They also delve into the impact of war and mental health issues on emergency care. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation filled with life-saving tips, incredible stories from the ER, and the latest advancements in medical treatments.

Hadassah On Call newsest episode starts with a vital discussion on men’s health. Dr. Ofer Gofrit, chair of Urology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, dives into prostate cancer, the most common malignant tumor in men today. He explains who’s most at risk, why screening from age 45 is key, and how active surveillance can help avoid overtreatment.Dr. Gofrit also explores lifestyle choices that support prostate health (“What’s good for the heart is good for the prostate”), the role of PSA and other advanced tests, and the latest treatment options. Tune in to learn how early detection, smart choices, and cutting-edge care can save lives.

This episode of the Hadassah On Call podcast takes us inside the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus for a look at a comprehensive approach to recovery for rehabilitation patients. Whether wounded in war or in need of services for classic reasons, the new state-of-the-art facility provides holistic care that helps patients regain maximal function. According to guest Dr. Elior Moreh, head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the center has 72 inpatient beds and sees approximately 220 outpatients a week. Since October 7, 2023, the mean patient age is about 21; the patients are war-wounded soldiers dealing with injuries to limbs. Before the war, the average age was about 50. More than half of those patients suffered from strokes.  Dr. Moreh stresses the importance of mental and emotional support for healing mind, body and soul, and she also describes advanced technology, such as robotic devices and brain imaging techniques, to further enhance treatment. According to Dr. Moreh, the Gandel Center aims to expand its research and innovation capabilities, especially in personalized medicine and chronic pain management. What Else You’ll Hear What is the definition of rehabilitation?What are functional goals for patients?How do families play into the recovery process?

“We’ve been through a major trauma,” said Dr. Shiri Ben-David, chief psychologist at the Hadassah Medical Organization. She joins the newest episode of the Hadassah On Call podcast to discuss what trauma really is and how to help the people who are reeling from it. Trauma is an event that threatens someone’s life or body — either directly or through a loved one. It shouldn’t be used to label simply a “difficult time.” The psychological effects of trauma range from no effects at all to post-traumatic growth, in which people become strong and resilient, to strong symptoms, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Symptoms such as nightmares, irritability and flashbacks tend to occur within 48 to 72 hours after the traumatic event and are normal reactions.These should only last a few weeks. Any longer is a cause for concern.  While researchers can’t agree on whether early intervention can prevent later deterioration, treatment is known to help give a person a sense of meaning and control. Dr. Ben-David admits that the availability of mental health resources in Israel is lacking, and it was even before October 7, 2023. “I don't think any nation has the resources to deal with such a wide range of traumatic events and patients, but since October 7, we've been putting a lot of effort into increasing our resources,” she said. “We are very much concerned that the trauma treatment will be evidence-based and will be related to the specific events and experiences that the person has been going through.” What Else You’ll HearStories of patients dealing with trauma post-October 7, 2023Risk factors of traumaImpact of trauma on relationshipsTrauma in the USImportance of social support and community

On this episode of Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, we’re talking about two medical breakthroughs that are changing the face of cancer detection and treatment in Israel — and beyond.First, we explore the Vectra WB360, a cutting-edge digital mole mapping system newly installed at Hadassah and the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Dr. Rony Shreberk-Hassidim, a senior physician in the Department of Dermatology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, explains how this AI-enhanced machine utilizes 92 synchronized cameras to photograph the entire body in under a minute and then tracks changes in moles over time.“Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim. “The software creates a full body map, flags suspicious lesions and helps us predict which moles could become cancerous.”Next, Prof. Aron Popovtzer, director of the Sharett Institute of Oncology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, introduces us to Hadassah’s new vertical proton therapy system, developed in partnership with Israeli startup P-Cure.Unlike traditional radiation, which often damages surrounding tissue, this approach minimizes toxicity by using the Bragg peak effect to target tumors precisely — and from a seated position. “It’s such a simple idea,” Prof. Popovtzer says.“Instead of rotating a giant radiation beam around the patient, we rotate the patient around the beam.” We also explore the future of personalized cancer treatment, combining liquid biopsies, tissue samples, and artificial intelligence to tailor therapy.Both guests agree the future is bright — but caution that ethical and clinical oversight must evolve alongside the technology.“AI will never replace the physician,” Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim says. “It assists — but the human context is still essential.”Plus, we touch on how war-related stress is impacting cancer rates and skin conditions in Israel today.

Poor nutrition, and poor gut health, are among the common indicators of serious health issues. Hadassah expert Dr. David Hakimian, senior gastroenterologist, discusses symptoms and much more.In the latest episode of Hadassah On Call, Dr. David Hakimian, a senior gastroenterologist at the Hadassah Medical Organization who specializes in clinical nutrition and bowel diseases, discusses nutrition habits and gut health. He says that your bowel movements can indicate serious health issues. Therefore, a big part of the role of gastroenterologists is to assess changes in bowel movements, such as changes in color and consistency, to detect potential health issues.According to Dr. Hakimian, persistent changes should be referred to a physician for proper evaluation. Dr. Hakimian also discusses the role of diet in more severe gut issues, including colon cancer. He says that obesity and an unhealthy diet in the United States may contribute to early colon cancer, while in Israel, a healthier Mediterranean diet may delay its onset.The doctor recommends eating whole foods to improve gut health and reduce symptoms.“Eat fresh food. Eat healthy food. Do not eat processed food,” says Dr. Hakimian. He also notes that new personalized and precision medicine methods are being used to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. When it comes to new research, Dr. Hakimian says his team is working on investigating the potential transfer of inflammatory bowel disease from mothers to infants through the microbiome. That research may only be ready in a few years. However, the doctor says that if it is discovered that inflammatory bowel disease is physically transferred during birth, there may be ways to stop it.Are men or women more inclined to discuss their gut health with their doctors? When it comes to gas, diarrhea, bloating and other uncomfortable GI issues, the doctor admits that men are much more comfortable opening up about them. 

On this month's episode of Hadassah On Call, we discusses how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect individuals who have experienced traumatic events as well as those close to them.Some 500,000 Israelis have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the October 7 Hamas attack, says Dr. Shiri Ben-David. This figure does not include those Israelis who are suffering but may not have a diagnosis.Roughly 20 percent of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD, and Dr. Ben-David outlines symptoms of PTSD, such as sleep difficulties, concentration issues, irritability, and anger. She explains that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, or those with previous trauma experiences are more susceptible to PTSD.Since October 7 and the opening of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, Jerusalem's largest and most comprehensive physical and mental health healing facility, Hadassah has been working on hiring more staff and providing psychological services to people harmed or displaced by the massacre. Ben-David says the best way the community can help people with mental disorders is to integrate them into society.

How important are the correct shoes? Is foot health only crucial if you are diabetic? Simple fractures, arthritis—what are the new treatments? On this month's episode of Hadassah On Call, we're talking to Dr. Yechiel Gellman, senior foot and ankle surgeon at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Dr. Yechiel Gellman shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of foot and ankle surgery, emphasizing the importance of patient education, collaboration and staying updated with technological advancements.The conversation concludes with insights into the future of foot and ankle surgery, focusing on advancements in biological treatments, regenerative medicine and better diagnostic tools, all of which are being used at Hadassah.

In this Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine episode, we sit down with Dr. Dvora Bauman, director of the Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Returning as a guest, Dr. Bauman sheds light on the pressing issue of sexual violence stemming from the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, discussing its implications and the challenges ahead.“Sexual violence shouldn’t be part of the war. No more,” says Bauman. “That’s a crime.”

In this month's episode of Hadassah on Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, we speak with Dr. Donna Zfat-Zwas, a cardiologist and the director of the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. A guest on our podcast previously, she delves into women's heart health, exploring strategies for maintaining a healthy heart and outlining practical treatment approaches for those facing heart-related challenges.