Akron Children’s newest pediatric emergency physician Dr. Bruce Benton and his wife, Ashley
When Dr. Bruce Benton’s grandmother fell ill with breast cancer when he was just 5 years old, he vowed then to become a doctor. He couldn’t stand watching his beloved Grandma Buckus suffering from pain and nausea, and he was determined to help her feel better.
Today, he’s thrilled to finally be living out his dream as Akron Children’s newest pediatric emergency physician. Whether it’s a poisoning or overdose, severe asthma or allergy attack, head injury or any other acute-care scenario, he brings that same compassion and devotion he gave his grandmother to help little boys and girls everywhere feel better — fast.
Why did you want to become a doctor?
When I was young, around age 5, my grandma was sick so I decided I wanted to become a doctor to make her feel better.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 items would you bring with you and why?
My wife to keep me company, an axe to cut various things (food, trees, etc.) and a fishing rod to catch food.
What song do you know all the words by heart?
“Without me,” by Eminem. That is not my normal genre of music, but I was working at Red Robin the year the song came out and it played frequently in the restaurant. Soon after we were married, my wife discovered this talent while we were painting and the song came on. It shocked her.
My Monday-morning must have is ____.
A nap! Since I work nights, a late morning nap is a must.
Do you dunk your Oreos in milk, lick off the icing, eat them as they are or avoid them altogether?
It depends! I lick the icing off classic Oreos, but Mint Crème Oreos must be eaten whole to get the full effect!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Grafton, Ohio, (about 45 minutes west of Akron) and left without any particular plans to return to the area. But when my wife and I moved here for a fellowship program at Akron Children’s, we fell in love with the hospital and the truly child-centered care that’s provided here.
Dr. Bruce Benton poses with his wife, Ashley, and their 2 silly kids: Cora and Carter.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My wife, Ashley, who works as a nurse in our Department of Radiology; our daughter, Cora, who is a dramatic 5.5 year old born on Christmas Eve; our son, Carter, who is a classic 2 year old trying to exert his power; and our Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle mix), Wrigley (Yes, my wife named her and is a huge Cubs fan.), who is 7.5 years old.
What did you want to be (profession) when you were little?
Physician. Per my parents, I always wanted to be a pediatrician and after a whole lot of school, I have finally achieved that dream.
What’s your favorite movie/ book /TV show/sports team?
The Cleveland Browns. Since I grew up here, I became a fan, and there’s no such thing as a fair-weather Browns fan. So, I have been through thick and thin.
What was your first concert?
Aerosmith at Blossom Music Center in the late 1990s or early 2000s
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