
Akron Children’s newest pediatric surgeon Dr. Justin Huntington
Growing up on a small farm in rural western Ohio, Dr. Justin Huntington dreamed of raising pigs as a pig farmer or fighting fires to save people. Though he wasn’t sure which exciting career path he’d wind up taking, he was certain helping someone or something would be a big part of his role. That someone, turns out, is children.
Today, as Akron Children’s newest pediatric surgeon, Dr. Huntington feels right at home — helping sick or injured children feel better quickly. “It’s the best profession in the world,” he said. “There isn’t anything better than helping kids!”
Which emoji do you use the most?
The poop emoji (mostly for medical reasons)
Why did you want to become a doctor?
It’s the best profession in the world. Surgery is the ultimate technical challenge, and there isn’t anything better than helping kids!
If you could be a character in a movie, which movie would it be and why?
I’d be a GoodFella in the GoodFellas because it’s one of my favorite movies and it sounds cool.
What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
Really believing that I’m going to stay awake for an entire TV show, but then fall asleep 10 minutes into it.
What song do you know all the words by heart?
“Rockin’ in the Free World,” by Neil Young, as well as most songs by Pearl Jam or The Beatles
Where did you grow up?
On a small farm in rural western Ohio, New Madison
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My wife, Leesa, our 2 sons, Harrison and Henry, our brand new daughter, Eleanor, our 2 Australian Shepherd dogs, Charlie and Lucy, and our cat, Rossi

Dr. Huntington’s sons Harrison and Henry and Australian Shepards.
What did you want to be (profession) when you were little?
Pig farmer or fire fighter. I just thought pigs were cool. Then, I found out what happened to pigs and changed my mind about careers!
What’s your favorite movie/ book /TV show/sports team?
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite book: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
Favorite TV show: Forensic Files
Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds and every Ohio State University team

Dr. Justin Huntington and his wife, Leesa, are big Ohio State Buckeye fans.
What was your first car and what’s your dream car?
1972 Chevy El Camino that I got when I was 15 and fixed up. I still have it to this day. My dream car is a 1969 Camaro.
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