Einstein Healthcare Network launched the Jewish Health Resource Center (JHRC) dedicated to providing compassionate healthcare and resources that honor the traditions of the Jewish community. The JHRC operates in a range of medical and academic areas, including Jewish genetic disease prevention, staff training, community outreach, healthcare symposiums, and more. The initiative provides a platform for Einstein staff to understand Jewish customs and traditions so they can partner with patients, community members and local organizations to better treat and serve the Jewish population.
“Einstein’s mission is to provide healthcare and education for as many people as we can reach,” says David Jaspan, DO, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology for Einstein Healthcare Network. The JHRC aligns with Einstein’s mission and allows our organization to meet the cultural, spiritual and religious needs of the Jewish community. Einstein Healthcare Network began as the Jewish Hospital in 1866, so this initiative is a wonderful way to affirm our heritage and continue the traditions of the Jewish community.”
The following programs are part of the JHRC initiative: · Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases program (formerly Einstein Victor Center) – Advocates and provides resources to prevent life-threatening genetic diseases through preconception genetic screening, education, and counseling of individuals and couples with any Jewish ancestry.
- Pikuach Nefesh (to save a life) and Kovod (respect). This is the community education effort which includes healthcare symposiums and educational videos.
- Dor L’Dor (Generation to Generation) – Provides staff education to enable Einstein staff to understand Jewish customs and traditions so they can partner with patients, community members and local organizations to better treat and serve our Jewish population.
- Nutritional Support – Provides an opportunity for a better understanding of how our nutrition directly impacts our health and how we can eat well with food preferences and customs in mind.
“At Einstein, we are committed to providing the most up-to-date evidence-based medical care in a culturally sensitive way,” says Chani Yondorf, MD, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and JHRC Women’s Health Lead. “It is refreshing to be surrounded by colleagues who are eager to understand our customs and traditions so they can take care of the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of every patient as a whole.”
Healthcare providers participating in the JHRC represent obstetrics/gynecology, gastroenterology, cardiology, psychiatry, family medicine, orthopedics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, urology, nutrition, and more.
For more information about the Jewish Health Resource Center, visit http://www.einstein.edu/jhrc.
About Einstein Healthcare Network
Einstein Healthcare Network is a healthcare system with approximately 1,000 beds and more than 8,700 employees serving the communities of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, Pa. The Network is made up of three acute care hospitals including Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, the largest independent academic medical center in the Philadelphia region training over 3,500 health professional students each year with more than 450 residents and fellows in over 35 accredited programs; Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park; and Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. The Network also includes MossRehab, consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top rehabilitation hospital in the nation; Willowcrest, named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best nursing homes for short-term rehabilitation care in Philadelphia; outpatient care centers; and a network of more than 900 primary care physicians and specialists throughout the region. For more information, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.