Born in Brooklyn, Dr. Keith Benkov attended New York City public schools before moving to Long Island, where he graduated from Oceanside High School and Stony Brook University. Following a post-college adventure abroad, he earned his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also completed his residency and fellowship.
His path to pediatrics was inspired by his years as a camper and counselor—the same setting where he met his wife, Judy. Influenced by Mount Sinai’s renowned gastroenterology tradition, he chose to specialize in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). He founded the Pediatric IBD Program at Mount Sinai and has since treated over 3,000 young patients. His clinical research focuses on improving patient outcomes and elevating standards of care. During his tenure, Dr. Benkov served as the Division Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology for 12 years and mentored over 40 specialists as the Fellowship Program Director.
An avid runner since medical school, he has completed 32 New York City Marathons. He integrates his passion for running with philanthropy, leading a fundraising team of former patients in the race each year. He is immensely proud of his children, Carly and Jordan, who now live in Brooklyn and have joined him for various marathons and half-marathons. While his wife, Judy—a trust and estate attorney—is not a runner, she remains his dedicated coach and cheerleader. His life is further enriched by his four grandchildren under the age of six: Lewin, Roza, Morris, and Margot.
