Pediatric Gastroenterologist Knows the Importance of Human Connection in Medicine

Human connection plays a critical role in patient care. But as the medical world becomes increasingly focused on technology, some of that bonding between patient and provider can get lost.

Benjamin Kuhn, D.O., the new Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at MUSC Children's Health, is determined to keep the human connection strong in his new role. When asked what the primary reason was for accepting the Chief role at MUSC Children's Health, Dr. Kuhn responded, "The people."

"After college, I began my research career in the Penn State College of Medicine's Department of Microbiology & Immunology. While I found pushing the boundaries of medical science from the lab bench exciting, I missed the human connection," says Kuhn. "Studying after work and on weekends then yielded my entry into medical school a couple of years later. This journey through life affords me the ability to practice medicine with a critical eye on the science behind our approach to health."

Kuhn, a Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, comes to MUSC from Geisinger in Pennsylvania, where he was a pediatric gastroenterologist and served as a Regional Director of Pediatrics for the system. Dr. Kuhn also chaired the Pediatric Patient Experience Committee.

He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Cornell University, with a focus in Genetics & Development. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Pediatric residency at Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey, PA. Dr. Kuhn then went on to fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Kuhn specializes in allergic gastrointestinal conditions, specifically Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Having published numerous peer-reviewed articles on this topic and ongoing research contributions, Dr. Kuhn authors the North American Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Society's board review textbook chapter on EoE.

"I decided to specialize in gastroenterology because I was fascinated with how the gut interacts with the environment," Kuhn adds. "Technically, the inside of our GI tract is outside our body. You put stuff in the mouth; your body knows what to absorb and what to excrete, and it comes out the other end! When things go wrong, you need a pediatric gastroenterologist."

Dr. Kuhn is excited about his new role as Chief. "The MUSC Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a dynamic team committed to providing the best care for your child. With multiple specialists and subspecialists, we can serve the needs of common and uncommon gastrointestinal conditions, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Celiac Disease, Liver Disease, and even Liver Transplant Services."

He added that he enjoys collaborating with families to care for their children. "I especially find it rewarding as once children are diagnosed and appropriately treated; they tend to bounce back to good health. I enjoy caring for them over time, watching them grow up into young adults."

When not hard at work, Dr. Kuhn enjoys long walks on the beach (seriously), which is part of why he and his family willingly moved to Charleston. He is an avid reader of Dan Brown's books and loves to cook on his backyard grill.