Holly J. Benjamin

Holly J. Benjamin, MD is a distinguished sports medicine specialist at the University of Chicago, serving as the inaugural Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Program at UChicago Medicine Student Wellness Center. She holds leadership positions including Chair of the Committee on Sports Medicine & Fitness for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and serves as Head Medical Team Physician for the WNBA Chicago Sky and medical officer for major events including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, US Soccer, and USA Triathlon.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Integrated Life Sciences, Kent State University (1994)
• Combined BS/MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994)
• MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994)
• Residency in Pediatrics, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital (1997)
• Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine, Lutheran General Hospital (1998)

Dr. Benjamin specializes in sports medicine with particular expertise in youth, adolescent, and collegiate athletes. Her research spans acute and overuse sports injuries, concussion management, sport biomechanics, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. She has made significant contributions to understanding injury prevention strategies, safe return-to-play protocols, and the psychological aspects of sports injuries. Her work frequently addresses female athletes and elite/professional athletes, with emphasis on evidence-based approaches to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk.

Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on concussion research, with multiple studies examining diagnostic approaches, recovery trajectories, and factors influencing outcomes. Her work spans biomechanics, mental health considerations in sports injuries, and innovative approaches to injury prevention across various athletic populations.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Election as Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (2003), becoming the second female pediatrician ever elected
• Election as Fellow of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine
• Distinguished Alumni Award from The New Aurora High School Alumni (1999)
• Invitation to serve as volunteer physician for the Olympic Training Center (2008)
• Multiple expert contributions to national media including Runner's World and the Naperville Sun

Dr. Benjamin actively mentors through her coaching roles at high school and collegiate levels, emphasizing safe return-to-play post-injury and injury prevention. She has developed educational content through video productions for the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves as head team physician for the University of Chicago Lab School and the NCAA Division III UChicago Maroons.

Notably, she is one of only a few sports medicine specialists in the country offering diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound in her office, demonstrating her commitment to advanced diagnostic capabilities for patient care.