NMAC 2026: Advancing Medical Advocacy Through Connection, Collaboration, and Community
The 2026 National Medical Advocacy Conference (NMAC), hosted by The Chicago Center’s Chicago Health Division and Refuah311, brought together an extraordinary gathering of advocates, physicians, Rabbonim, and community leaders from across the country.
At the forefront of this initiative is Rabbi Yisroel Matzliach, Director of Chicago Health – Refuah311, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping NMAC into what it is today. As a pioneer in the field of medical advocacy, Rabbi Matzliach has built a network that bridges healthcare, community support, and real-time advocacy—creating meaningful impact for countless individuals and families.
Over the course of two impactful days, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, shared real-world experiences, and strengthened a growing network dedicated to improving outcomes for those navigating complex medical situations.
From the opening session, it was clear that NMAC is more than a conference — it is a movement. Designed “by leaders, for leaders,” the program focused on the real challenges faced daily in the field of medical advocacy, offering both practical tools and deeper perspective.
A Program Rooted in Real-World Impact
The conference featured a diverse lineup of respected speakers and professionals who addressed critical topics at the intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and community responsibility.
Rabbi Yehudah Kaszirer of Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood opened discussions on navigating high-stakes decisions between families, physicians, and hospitals — a reality many advocates face regularly. Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff of Chai Lifeline followed with insights into guiding children and families through illness, highlighting the emotional and logistical complexities that arise when a diagnosis enters the home.
Sessions throughout the conference addressed pressing issues such as medical decision-making through a halachic lens. Rabbi Naftali Katz of Chayim Aruchim led a powerful session on navigating critical medical decisions through halacha, offering clarity and guidance in situations where ethical, religious, and medical considerations intersect.
Additional sessions explored mental health and addiction, while also addressing the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning patients from hospital to home.
A powerful mental health session led by Rabbi Yossi Bensoussan, CASAC, shed light on the underlying drivers of addiction and stigma, while Rabbi Binyamin Sloviter, LMFT, addressed the broader impact of these struggles on families and relationships.
Further sessions explored genetics and medical guidance, with Rabbi Chaim Landau of Bonei Olam and Rabbi Elan Segelman of PUAH offering clarity on complex and evolving areas of care. Rabbi Uri Jaskiel led a dynamic session on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), focused on building stronger teams, fostering accountability, and effectively identifying and addressing challenges within organizations. His practical framework provided attendees with actionable tools to strengthen internal structure and enhance collaboration in high-pressure environments.
The conference also featured a dynamic panel on high-stakes leadership in emergency response, offering a candid and powerful look into real-time decision-making in life-threatening situations. The panel included Motti Bamberger of Refuahcare UK and Hatzalah Manchester, Rabbi Nosson Dubovick, Coordinator of Chicago Hatzalah, and Rabbi Yisroel Matzliach, Director of Chicago Health – Refuah311 and Hatzalah paramedic. Together, they provided invaluable insight into crisis response, communication under pressure, and the critical decisions made in moments where every second counts.
Honoring Collaboration: The Appreciation & Collaboration Dinner
A highlight of the conference was the Appreciation & Collaboration Dinner, which brought together over 170 attendees, including leading physicians in their respective fields and community health leaders, for an evening of connection, recognition, and inspiration.
The evening featured Rabbi Chaskel Bennett as the keynote speaker, who delivered a powerful message on the role of chessed, unity, and collaboration in building resilient communities. His remarks reinforced the central theme of the conference—that meaningful impact is achieved through partnership and shared responsibility.
The dinner was guided by Rabbi Baruch Bender of Achiezer, whose presence and leadership further underscored the importance of collaboration across organizations and communities.
The presence of top medical professionals alongside advocates and organizational leaders created a unique environment for meaningful dialogue, strengthening relationships that are essential to effective, coordinated care.
A Powerful Moment of Chizzuk
A highlight of the conference was the address delivered by HoRav Shalom Kamenetsky, shlit”a, who provided profound chizzuk and inspiration to attendees. His words offered strength and perspective, reminding participants of the tremendous importance and impact of their work while encouraging advocates and caregivers to sustain themselves emotionally and spiritually as they support others through difficult medical journeys.
In addition, the Chodorov Ziditchov Rebbe, shlit”a, HoRav Zalman Leib Eichenstein, offered meaningful words of chizzuk to the advocates, recognizing the often unseen challenges they navigate on behalf of individuals and families facing medical crises. His remarks reinforced the value of compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping others during their most vulnerable moments.
Dr. Jonathon Rosenberg, an interventional cardiologist, also addressed attendees, sharing how honored he feels to be part of the growing NMAC network and to have the opportunity to help patients while serving the broader community. His remarks highlighted the unique collaboration between physicians, advocates, and community organizations working together to improve patient care and outcomes.
Together, these messages emphasized the power of compassion, responsibility, and unity within the world of medical advocacy, reinforcing the conference’s central message that meaningful impact is achieved through connection, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to Klal Yisroel.
Elevating the Role of Women in Advocacy
This year’s conference featured an expanded women’s track highlighting the powerhouse women leading and shaping the field of medical advocacy.
Mrs. Chavi Drang of Healing Hearts shared practical, real-world strategies for effective discharge planning, while Mrs. Shuli Berger of INC Solutions addressed the complexities of insurance navigation. Presented as part of the dedicated women’s programming, their sessions underscored the importance of continuity of care and provided attendees with clear, actionable tools.
Further sessions explored both the clinical and personal sides of advocacy. Mrs. Chaya Lasson, RN, BSN, Director of BridgingLife’s Jewish Hospice and Palliative Care Programs, offered meaningful insights into hospice and palliative care, alongside a powerful reflection on her personal journey of kidney donation.
Mrs. Tamara Blonder, Certified Life Coach, delivered an inspiring session, Anchored in Emunah, focusing on maintaining balance while navigating the emotional and practical demands of this work.
Launching NMAC Connects: A Year-Round Platform
Building on the momentum of the conference, NMAC officially launched NMAC Connects, a year-round initiative driven by Rabbi Matzliach’s vision to extend the impact of NMAC beyond the conference itself.
NMAC Connects will include:
• An active WhatsApp network for real-time communication and support • Monthly newsletters featuring organizations, resources, and case insights • Ongoing educational programming and workshops • Local chapter meetups to foster meaningful, in-person connections • A podcast sharing talks, presentations, and interviews with leaders in the field
This platform represents the next phase of growth, ensuring that the relationships, knowledge, and collaboration sparked at NMAC continue to develop throughout the year.
A Growing Movement – NMAC Connects
With dedicated attendees, a rapidly expanding network, and increasing demand for collaboration in the field of medical advocacy, NMAC continues to establish itself as a leading forum for those dedicated to supporting individuals and families through complex healthcare journeys.
Under the leadership and vision of Rabbi Yisroel Matzliach, NMAC is evolving into more than an annual event — it is becoming a sustained movement focused on connection, support, and real-world impact.
As the conference concluded, one message was clear: the work does not end here. Through NMAC Connects, the conversations, connections, and commitment to impact will continue — stronger and more connected than ever.
