The American Health Council recently appointed Brittany Bento, PA-C to its Board of Physicians for her dedication to improving others’ lives. A surgical physician assistant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey, Ms. Bento provides high-quality and immediate care to patients in a surgical out-patient ambulatory setting. While she has held her current role for three years, Ms. Bento has expanded and enhanced her skills and knowledge in patient care, surgical oncology and advocacy.

Ms. Bento’s professional ambition stems from her childhood. When she learned that her 3-year-old cousin at the time was diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a cancer that forms in the nerve tissue — she quickly became involved with her cousin’s recuperation process. After her cousin received treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, her health progressed over time. Now, her cousin leads a successful and healthy life, and is currently pursuing a degree. That experience inspired Ms. Bento to seek a career in the medical field. She eventually settled for pursuing a career as a physician assistant which allows her to balance both a successful career and personal life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Fordham University in 2009, Ms. Bento enrolled at the Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus to pursue a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. After graduating from the university in 2013 — with a Physician Assistant-Certified title — Ms. Bento quickly dove into the medical field. She accepted a position as a physician assistant in the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2014, and remained there until mid-2015. She immediately accepted a physician assistant role at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has since worked in OR and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. She first assists in the operating room across multiple surgical specialties. In the PACU, she monitors pain control and ensures that patients are stable after recovering from procedures sustained in the operating room. Ms. Bento also consults with patients prior to their procedures to address questions and prepare them for their operations.

Ms. Bento is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants. In her free time, she enjoys staying active by teaching dance classes, and also enjoys cooking and baking. With a successful career at hand, Ms. Bento looks forward to gaining a larger leadership role and continuing to provide excellent care.