Name: Jon Benfield

Undergraduate: Brigham Young University Provo, UT

Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Glendale, AZ

Q: What first attracted you to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

A: The combination of orthopedics, neurology and musculoskeletal medicine and the variety of subspecialties one can pursue after a PM&R residency.

Q: Do you practice a specific specialty?

A: No. Currently, I’m a fourth year medical school student looking to match to a well rounded PM&R program. I’m genuinely interested in all aspects of PM&R but I do particularly like musculoskeletal disease and spinal injuries.

Q: Why did you join AOCPMR?

A: It was a group of physicians who took time to explain the field to me and answer my questions. This grew into a mutual mentorship/friendship with a number of them. In essence, it has become a professional home for me. Also, I enjoy the AOCPMR’s ability to grow, build and problem solve from a team approach. It gives its physicians, residents and students a sense of responsibility, ownership and pride in the project and college.

Q: What do you love about belonging to AOCPMR?

A: It’s the perfect mixture of professionalism and camaraderie between everyone involved. It’s just a great group of people who enjoy what they do and each other.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: What’s that? Most of my free time is spent with my spouse or family. We like trying a lot of new restaurants or getting out into the mountains for a weekend of hiking and camping. Personal free time training for endurance events, watching sports and learning how to cook. These are all just great ways to relax and enjoy life.