Cynthia L. Benson, DO, FACEP, MPH, MBA

Dr. Cynthia L. Benson, DO, MPH, MBA, FACEP is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Interim Medical Director of the Emergency Department at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Dr. Benson earned her doctoral degree and master’s in public health from Nova Southeastern University.  She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate / Kings County Hospital Center where she served as Chief Resident during her final year.  She went on to complete a fellowship in Emergency Medicine Administration with Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital, where she obtained an MBA.

After completing that training, Dr. Benson remained on staff as the Clinical Director of the Emergency Department.  She then worked as an Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Department of Overlook Hospital; during her tenure there she was recruited to return to Downstate as the Director of Quality for the Emergency Department.  She was promoted to Interim Medical Director in August 2023.  In these roles at UHD, she has played an integral role in the hospital's accreditation as a primary stroke center, in addition to making numerous operational changes to improve timely care, reduce boarding time and track and improve quality metrics.

---

Education

Undergraduate: University of Miami

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University

Internship: SUNY Downstate/ Kings County Hospital Center

Residency: SUNY Downstate/ Kings County Hospital Center

Fellowship: Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital

---

Research Interests

ED Quality