Rales Jewish Family Services Forms Medical Advisory Committee of Local Physicians

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services has formed a Medical Advisory Committee, pulling together local physicians and health care experts to advise the Boca Raton agency on its programs and services. The volunteer panel will offer clinical insight, expert guidance and strategic recommendations, JFS announced Monday.

Its first meeting will focus on new medical modalities and training initiatives. Before JFS rolls out any new evidence-based practice, committee members will get a chance to weigh in with best practices, new approaches and professional input. The group spans multiple disciplines and will advise on medical, behavioral health and wellness approaches aimed at improving service delivery and client outcomes. Several JFS staff members will also serve on the committee.

Dr. Sheila Furr, a psychologist, and Dr. Joanna Drowos, a family medicine physician with Florida Atlantic University, will co-chair. They’re joined by Dr. Beattie of FAU in psychiatry, Dr. Sasha Rackman of FAU in geriatrics, Dr. Thomas Hammond of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in neurology, Dr. Steve Litinsky in ophthalmology and Dr. Hila Beckerman in pediatrics. “Access to compassionate, quality care is essential to the health and dignity of every individual,” Drowos said, praising the agency’s work on everything from mental health and rehabilitation to food security and senior care. Rackman called it a privilege to support the organization’s commitment to quality care.

JFS President and CEO Danielle Hartman said the agency sometimes needs outside expertise as part of its wrap-around services, including when it’s considering investing in new health care technologies and therapies.

“We are lucky to have so many qualified physicians in our area willing to volunteer their time to be part of this group,” Hartman said.