[Benny L. Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH, FCCM, has been an integral part of UNC Children’s Hospital since 2006. Currently serving as the Division Chief for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Vice Chair of the Department overseeing quality and safety initiatives, Dr. Joyner brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. As a clinical physician, he cares for the most critically ill children, providing immediate lifesaving treatment. His responsibilities also include teaching, where he works as a professor specializing in resuscitation and simulation instruction, guiding students and trainees through critical care for pediatric patients. Dr. Joyner's dedication to ensuring the quality and safety of children's healthcare at the UNC Children's Hospital shows his never-ending concern for the well-being of young patients and the community at large.]
In the heart of North Carolina, Dr. Benny L. Joyner Jr., a distinguished figure at UNC Children’s Hospital, has dedicated his career to serving the state's most vulnerable and critically ill children. In a recent interview, Dr. Joyner reveals his motivations, accomplishments, and even his experiences with the Krispy Kreme Challenge.
For Dr. Joyner, his journey with UNC Children’s Hospital is not just a job—it's a calling. "We serve the children of the state—some of the most vulnerable patients come here, and it's my honor and privilege to care for them," he shares. His commitment to the hospital's mission to provide quality care to all is appreciable in every interaction, and every decision made in the realm of pediatric critical care. Dr. Joyner's daily routine echoes with the hope of making a tangible impact. Recognizing that seconds matter in critical care, he shares, "There have been times in which I've been in the right spot at the right time to provide care. I hope that a child has benefited from me being there." His motivation is not just to save lives today but to contribute to advancing care to a point where no child faces critical illness in the future.
Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Joyner is a passionate educator, finding pride in mentoring and training physicians who have gone on to make significant contributions to top institutions. His philosophy emphasizes the collective effort for patient well-being, encapsulated in the mantra, "Head down and do good work."
Despite the seriousness of his work, Dr. Joyner finds joy and camaraderie in the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Sharing amusing anecdotes of his doughnut-eating strategy—two at a time, gloves, a plastic bag, and a stomping ritual—he adds a touch of humor to the event. The Krispy Kreme Challenge, he notes, transcends a normal race, offering a unique and joyful atmosphere that brings families together in support of UNC Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Joyner emphasizes the Krispy Kreme Challenge's impact on fulfilling the hospital's mission, emphasizing the joy and friendship it generates. Contributions from the race have played a key role in advancing children's health, funding research, and supporting capital projects. As a seasoned Krispy Kreme Challenge runner, he offers practical advice for newcomers: "Dress warmly, be ready to have fun, and watch your step at the end of the race—it can get messy with the doughnuts and boxes."
As an avid participant in the Krispy Kreme Challenge for the past 5 or 6 years, Dr. Joyner initially joined for fun but quickly discovered the rigorous nature of the event. Opting for "The Challenger" version each year, which involves devouring all 12 doughnuts and completing the race in under an hour, he faced frustration one year falling just 10 seconds short of his goal. Undeterred, he refined his strategy, consuming the doughnuts two at a time with the help of latex gloves and a plastic bag. Dr. Joyner learned the hard way about the importance of gloves to combat stickiness during the challenge. While some participants opt for the "dunk in water" trick, he remains hesitant, having observed the diminishing appeal of soggy doughnuts after a brief five-minute grace period.