Benjamin Black, MD, is a clinician-researcher within the MU School of Medicine who holds board certifications in both general pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. The seeds for Dr. Black to practice developmental-behavioral pediatrics were planted in college while he worked at Double H Ranch, a camp in upstate New York for children with serious medical conditions. Transferring a child from a wheelchair to the fastest roller coaster at the amusement park, helping kids through the ropes course and having fun around a campfire created a strong desire to help children with special health care needs have a great camp experience. As a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, Dr. Black gets to live out those same ideals every day – with the goal of helping patients reach their potential, whatever that is.  

Dr. Black came to the School of Medicine to establish a fellowship program in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, because it was very clear the institution had all of the components to make a great training program. Dr. Black considers starting that program and recruiting the first fellows to join the highlight of his career.  He especially enjoys working with trainees at the fellowship level and learning from them as much as he teaches.

Outside of our work, Dr. Black enjoys spending time with his wife, Nicole, their two children, and two dogs. The family loves to travel, as well as outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.  Dr. Black is an avid reader as well, of all sorts of genres.