Jacobs School Welcomes Dr. Benny L. Joyner, Jr. as New Chair of Pediatrics

Dear friends and colleagues,

I am excited to announce the appointment of Benny L. Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH, FCCM, as the A. Conger Goodyear Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective January 6, 2025. Dr. Joyner will also serve as pediatrician-in-chief for John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, chief of service for pediatrics for Kaleida Health and president and CEO of UBMD Pediatrics, the practice plan of the Department of Pediatrics.

Dr. Joyner, a prominent pediatric intensivist and tenured professor, joins us from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where he serves as the chief of the Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, vice chair of clinical operations, and the Charles Everette and Katherine M. Brewer Endowed Professor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. 

Additionally, he holds positions as an adjunct professor in the departments of anesthesia and social medicine, associate chief medical officer for pediatric professional services at UNC Health, and associate director of the UNC Health Ethics Committee. Most recently, Dr. Joyner co-chaired the UNC School of Medicine strategic planning committee and directed the UNC Clinical Skills and Patient Simulation Center.

Dr. Joyner is renowned for his pioneering work in simulation training and innovative medical education. His proven track record includes advancing pediatric critical care, expanding faculty and fellowship programs, leading national and international collaborations, and enhancing educational practices.

He has held significant national leadership roles and has a strong background in medical education, underscored by his previous experience as a high school teacher and his success in simulation training.

Dr. Joyner has been recognized for his exceptional teaching abilities with several notable awards. He received the Craver Medical Student Teaching Award, established by UNC School of Medicine graduate Joseph M. Craver, MD, to honor outstanding educators in internal medicine, pediatrics and surgery who inspire and profoundly impact medical students through their teaching. He was also honored with the H. Fleming Fuller Award from UNC, celebrating his unwavering commitment to high standards in patient care, teaching, and community service.

His dedication to educating future clinicians was further acknowledged with the C. Richard Morris Faculty Teaching Award presented by the Department of Pediatrics for his significant contributions to house staff education. Additionally, he was recognized with the Walter B. Tunnessen Faculty Clinician Award for his exceptional ability to teach and mentor residents through his clinical expertise.

Dr. Joyner's research focuses on developing novel simulation strategies using high-fidelity technology to enhance medical training. His efforts address the challenges of rare, high-stakes events in patient care and the implementation of advanced technologies in resource-limited settings. Through his work, Dr. Joyner aims to improve the training and confidence of health care providers who have limited exposure to critically ill pediatric patients.

He earned his medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from the university’s School of Public Health. He completed his pediatric residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Pediatric Residency Program at Montefiore Medical Center and his fellowship in pediatric critical care medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, he served as chief resident in pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Pediatric Residency Program in Bronx, NY.

Dr. Joyner has spoken across the country on topics such as simulation in health care, collaboration and teamwork. We are excited about the vision and expertise he brings to our institution and look forward to the innovations and growth under his leadership. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Joyner as he begins this new chapter with us.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Anne Marie Reynolds, MD, MPH, who has served as interim president and CEO of UBMD Pediatrics and interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School since March 2023. Additionally, thank you to the search committee members for their diligent efforts throughout this process, with special thanks to the search chair, Nancy Nielsen, MD, PhD, senior associate dean for health policy, for her exceptional leadership and dedication in guiding this successful search.

Best wishes,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences