Michael D Benson, MD, FACOG Obstetrican/Gynecologist and Author Attending Physician, Highland Park Hospital, Highland Park, IL Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL "People often ask why I choose to become an obstetrician. The first answer is that I love to deliver babies. For me, the birth of a newborn is an unceasing miracle. Obstetricians also are heavily involved in preventive medicine. Our advice and care can prevent illness before it starts. Also a real plus is the long-term bond that can form between patient and doctor. My partners and I look forward to establishing long-term relationships with our expectant moms that will last through the years. It is a thrill to meet children with their mothers in a store or on the street that I have delivered years earlier." Photo: Dr Benson and his children at home

Dr. Benson is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice with three women partners in the northern suburbs of Chicago. He earned his MD degree at Northwestern University where he also finished his residency in 1987. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and a lecturer at Northwestern's medical school.

He has written five books on Obstetrics and Gynecology including three books for general audiences. His introductory text on obstetrics has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese. His latest book for pregnant women will be appearing in September 1998 under the title, Pregnancy Myths: An Obstetrician Demystifies Pregnancy from Conception to Birth. In addition to his writing, Dr. Benson's professional interests center on basic research into the causes of amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and serious illness of pregnancy. He lives in Deerfield, Illinois with his wife, four children, one cat, one turtle, and one hamster.