22 Oct Benjamin S. Hong, MD: A 2025 Unsung Hero
Dr. Benjamin Hong has made a significant impact on the Columbia University Department of Emergency Medicine through his exceptional clinical care, leadership in wellness, and deep commitment to supporting his colleagues. As Co-Chair of the departmental well-being committee, EDWell, Dr. Hong has created a culture of compassion and connection, organizing group events, providing practical clinical shift improvements such as group orders of stamps to simplify signage of EKGs, and providing access to shared equipment that make daily work more efficient and pleasant.
On shift, Dr. Hong embodies calm, empathy, and clinical excellence. He emanates compassion and warmth that puts patients and staff at ease. His outstanding clinical skills ensures rapid, safe, and high-quality care. Colleagues describe Dr. Hong as “an exceptional physician and colleague who brings positivity, skill, and compassion to every shift.” His presence elevates morale, inspires confidence, and reinforces the teamwork that solidifies the department. Dr. Hong’s dedication to education—generously teaching residents, APPs, and staff—further amplifies his lasting influence. His impact extends beyond the patient’s bedside, bringing strength and collaboration to the Columbia University Department of Emergency Medicine community.
Dr. Hong stands out because of his extraordinary humility, generosity, and ability to uplift everyone around him. He is described by colleagues as “smart, selfless, energetic, and above all, humble.” When he arrives for a shift, colleagues remark that “the room brightens up.” He deliberately ensures that every team member feels supported, that patients continue to receive the highest level of care, and that no one feels alone in the demanding environment of the ED.
Dr. Hong models the best of emergency medicine—not just through clinical skill, but through humanity. He routinely supervises trainees and assists in resuscitations outside his patient assignments, expedites care for the sickest patients, and takes time to check in with peers, nurses, and staff, both on and off shift. As one colleague said, “He is a major pillar for the sense of community we have at Columbia.” His combination of excellence, compassion, and genuine care makes him a true Unsung Hero whose daily actions have an immeasurable impact on both patients and colleagues.
Recipient Bio:
Benjamin Hong, MD is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and an Emergency Medicine Attending Physician of the Columbia University Department of Emergency Medicine. He cares for patients at the NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) Allen and NYP CUIMC Emergency Departments. Dr. Hong earned his medical degree (MD) and complete residency in Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Hong serves as Co-Chair of the Columbia University Department of Emergency Medicine’s EDWell, the well-being committee, leading initiatives that promote wellness and community for the department. Dr. Hong is known for his calm demeanor, exceptional clinical judgment, and genuine kindness. Colleagues frequently express their admiration of Dr. Hong, commenting that “Everyone is relieved when Dr. Hong shows up to shift—he inspires great confidence in his entire team.”
Whether teaching trainees, coordinating departmental wellness efforts, or providing compassionate care to patients, Dr. Hong exemplifies integrity, generosity, and quiet excellence.
– Angela Mills, MD, FACEP and Penelope Lema, MD, FACEP, FAEMUS