Joyner to Lead Pediatrics at Medical University of Buffalo

With mixed emotions we announce that Benny Joyner, MD, MPH has accepted a new role at the Medical University of Buffalo as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Physician in Chief of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. His last day at UNC will be January 3rd, 2025.

Dr. Joyner first joined the Department of Pediatrics in 2006 as a Fellow in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. After completing his fellowship, he joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor in 2009 with appointments in Pediatrics, Anesthesiology and Social Medicine. Since then, he has served in multiple roles within the Department, including as Pediatric Vice Chair for Quality and Safety, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Division Chief of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Chief Quality Officer for UNC Children’s, Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program and Vice Chair of the UNC Hospital Ethics Committee.

Dr. Joyner is recognized as an outstanding clinician and educator, earning the H. Fleming Fuller Award in recognition of his commitment to patient care, teaching and community, as well as the Craver Medical Student Teach Award, in honor of his outstanding teaching and for changing the lives of medical students through his teaching. As a former colleague put it, “Benny is a true leader in every way – he is a “can do” individual who always has a smile on his face. He makes every person feel like he has all the time in the world to listen – patient, peer, student, friend.”

Dr. Joyner also has a longstanding research interest in simulation training and innovative forms of medical education. During his career, he has developed simulation strategies that utilize high-fidelity technology to explore use in novel situations as well as implementation strategies for new technology. Dr. Joyner has also worked with other providers to build partnerships across disciplines and institutions, and to further explore simulation training as a novel method of medical education.