100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2022

Benjamin has helped guide public health policy for two decades, prioritizing access to care, health equity and public health infrastructure. He has argued the majority of health is shaped outside of a clinical context, stressing the importance of nurturing communities with walkable and bikeable streets, and safe air and water. He has also continued to weigh in on pandemic issues by supporting continued widespread worldwide testing for COVID-19 and increased federal spending. He previously served as secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 1999 to 2002 and began his career as a physician in the Army in 1978.