Some of those passions include bikur cholim, the Jewish commandment of visiting those who are sick in the hospital, and making kosher hospital meals more readily available. The Chaim Society’s in-person meetings, held every few months at the Shalom Orlando campus, provide
“The Chaim Society is the warmest group I’ve been a part of,” says Athena. “It has changed Orlando for me. Medical school is very tough, so it’s been very nice to shadow these doctors, to feel like I can do this.” In addition to connecting medical students with opportunities in their field of study, the Chaim Society has welcomed Israeli doctors coming to Central Florida for their fellowship year and assisted with specialist referrals and advice. “There’s the Jewish aspect, the Orlando aspect, and medical education,” says Shlomo about the group. Jewish healthcare professionals who are interested in joining the Chaim Society WhatsApp group can email Daniel at dlayishmd@gmail.com or Shlomo at ShlomoSaul@gmail.com. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE .
social, educational, and even spiritual benefits. Rabbi Yosef Konikov from Chabad of South Orlando has helped instill spirituality and connection to Jewish beliefs at meetings, and guest speakers have been brought in to discuss concerns about antisemitism in the medical field. Peggy Shapiro, executive director of
the Center for Combating Antisemitism, talked about how to recognize and fight antisemitism within the medical community. Many hospitals currently have no sensitivity
training for staff about antisemitism, says Daniel. Dr. David Diamond, a radiation oncologist in Winter Park who is a member of the Florida Board of Medicine, provided an overview of new laws that will allow physicians trained overseas to practice in the United States if they have a sponsor
here. While the goal is to help with a doctor shortage, says Daniel, there are concerns about a lack of training or background screening, which could result in Jewish patients being treated by doctors coming from inherently antisemitic places.
Extending a Warm Welcome
The Chaim Society has been especially helpful for the next generation of medical professionals. About a dozen medical students attended the first meeting, and the Chaim Society has been able to tap into student medical school societies to garner even more members. Athena Reich, a medical student originally from Toronto, Canada, moved to Winter Garden a year ago and just finished her first year at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM). She found out about the Chaim Society through a school email. As the mother of two young children and with a part-time performing arts career, Athena hasn’t been able to attend an in-person meeting yet, but she has nevertheless been active in the group, recruiting other students and professors.
29 FALL 2025 | J LIFE
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