Meet Our Staff

Under the direction of  Dr. Paul Benson, the Be Well Medical Center is staffed by highly skilled medical caregivers and experienced administrators, working together to provide you with the best service and care possible.

Greeter & Mascot
Goldunn’s Autumn Grove Baxter

“Baxter” welcomes every patient with a happily wagging tail. Studies have demonstrated the extraordinary effects animals have on the morale and “be well” thinking of people of all ages. Baxter is registered with the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs, and he earned a first place ribbon from the Sportsman Kennel Club for the “sit your dog in the hula hoop” contest in Puppy School. To support his important job at Be Well, Baxter has completed Obedience and Canine Good Citizen classes.

Family Physician
Dr. Paul Benson

Board-certified in Family Medicine and accredited as an HIV Specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, Dr. Benson has maintained his practice in Berkley since 1980. “I have a widely diverse population of patients, making my practice eclectic, interesting, and a great place to work.”  Dr. Benson participates in therapeutic drug trials and is a national speaker on many health-related issues. Additionally, he has been very active in Rotary International at a local and district level.

A licensed and certified Physician Assistant, Mark Thompson has a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies, which he has put into practice since 2001. Mark’s prior work as a clinical laboratory scientist in the Microbiology Department at the Detroit Medical Center spurred his current interest in cardiovascular disease risk factor modification and infectious diseases.

Office Manager/Billing
Donna Kurth

Donna Kurth has worked with Dr. Benson since 1998. She started as a billing specialist and now has the added responsibility of managing all the details of the office.  It is a very challenging position that Donna sincerely enjoys … almost as much as she enjoys interacting with Be Well’s patients and staff.  Donna strives to make sure the entire office operates smoothly, including staying on top of the insurance billing process so our patients don’t have to. Donna is always accessible, taking your questions and concerns seriously and responding quickly to each and every one.

All-hands
Esther Draper

Esther Draper has been a personal friend, patient, or employee of Dr. Benson for a long time. She met him at her restaurant, “Monty’s Grill” on Woodward, where she would often serve him his infamous “Benson Burger” as well as other house specialties. Esther loves working at the Be Well Clinic, and wears many hats of service.

Medical Assistants/Front Desk
Jennifer Cunningham

Jennifer Cunningham is a medical assistant who so enjoys helping all of our patients in whatever way she can that she works as our front desk receptionist. Jennifer is as knowledgeable as she is helpful, giving Be Well patients a tremendous advantage.

Patient Services
Debra

Debra is our newest staff member. Visit again soon to read about her.

Medical Assistants:

Barbara Cooley

Working for Dr. Benson since 1992, Barbara Cooley’s official position is medical assistant. However, being the team player that she is, she often fills in at any position needed, from plumber to painter, to Ms. Fix- It. Every office needs a Barbara.

Crystal Khan

A hands-on medical assistant, Crystal Khan is upbeat and wonderful with patients. She’s constantly learning about what’s new in her field, and brings that extraordinary desire to continue learning to the Be Well Medical Center.

Clinical Trials Specialist
Richard Vallade

The involvement of Dr. Benson and the Be Well Medical Center in important clinical trials keeps Richard Vallade very busy. As our study coordinator, Richard facilitates every aspect of the clinical trials conducted at our clinic. Richard is also highly experienced in HIV case management, advocacy, testing, and counseling.

As our chief medical technologist, Debbie Zeeb oversees our laboratory and assures our quality control programs are in place and in compliance. It’s a big job, and Debbie has been doing it admirably at Be Well Medical Center for more than 10 years.

Aesthetician
Heather Engbarth

Heather Engbarth graduated from the aesthetics program at Michigan College of Beauty and has been a Licensed Aesthetician since 2002. She has taken several continuing education classes to further her knowledge in several areas concerning the health and maintence of your skin. Heather is trained and certified in a variety of laser therapies, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and several specialty-type facial treatments. Her pharmaceutical skin care product knowledge is unparalleled, and her expertise is invaluable to her patients whose skin she helps keep healthy and glowing!

Case Management/HIV
Dorothy Dempster

Dorothy Dempster is an extension of our office, handling case management services for our HIV patients. She is funded by the Visiting Nurse Association through the Ryan White Act.  Dorothy worked for Dr. Benson for 14 years before taking her current position, and is a valuable asset to the office and our patients.