Irwin Benuck, MD, PhD
Division Head, Community-Based Primary Care Pediatrics; Attending Physician, Pediatric Preventive Cardiology
Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Joined Chicago Area Pediatrics in 1982
- Language:
- English
Location
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
2515 N. Clark Street/467 W. Deming PlaceChicago, Illinois 60614-3393
About
Prior to receiving his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Benuck received his PhD and then participated in two years of post-doctoral work in Human and Behavioral Genetics through the Georgia Mental Health Institute affiliated with Emory University.
He completed his pediatric residency at what was then Children’s Memorial Hospital and joined the long- time Traisman Pediatric Practice which had close ties with both the medical school and the hospital.
In 1990, Dr. Benuck joined with Dr. Samuel Gidding, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Memorial, to evaluate children with lipid disorders. The field was just emerging, but it fit well into pediatrics as all the genetic factors as well as lifestyle risk factors are present in childhood and the early detection and identification may reduce cardiovascular disease and prevent early coronary artery disease. The Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Program was established and he has been a member of this program since its inception.
In 2005, Dr. Benuck was among 14 individuals in the field of pediatric preventive cardiology to establish the NHLBI Guidelines for Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents. This is an evidenced-based document, published in 2011, which is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Health and Human Services. Among the many guidelines are recommendations for universal screening of all children.
Dr. Benuck is part of The Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Program at one of Lurie Children’s Outpatient Centers in Lincoln Park. This program provides a comprehensive approach to each patient, working on lifestyle changes and food choices as well as medication when needed. The program includes attending pediatric cardiologists who are focused on preventive cardiology, advanced nurse practitioners, a nurse coordinator, as well as a dietician. Advanced diagnostics may be offered when indicated including imaging, BP monitoring, and exercise testing. The program is also engaged in clinical research projects related to preventive cardiology and is a member of the FH Cascade Foundation.
Clinical Interests
Preventive cardiology
Specialties
Program
Education & Training
Education: Northwestern University, 1979
Postgraduate Training: Residency in pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, 1979-1982
Board Certifications: General Pediatrics
