About Hank

Hank Benjamin

1986 – 2011

Henry (Hank) Benjamin was born in New York City on April 3, 1986. He lived in Manhattan during his early years, then moved with his mother, Cathy, and brother, Calum, to Westhampton Beach, Long Island. Hank began a lifetime love of learning at Westhampton Elementary, where he appeared on the honor roll every year. Summers in Westhampton cultivated tennis and gymnastics skills, and an enduring affection for beaches and bike rides.

Hank was very close to his mother and was devastated by her sudden passing. He and Calum returned to Manhattan to live with their father, Arthur, and Hank transferred to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic School for one year before arriving at UNIS in 1998 to join the 7th grade class.

Hank quickly established himself as an excellent and popular student. He was loved and admired by friends and faculty alike and graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma in 2004.

While at UNIS, Hank distinguished himself by his quiet manner and sly wit. He was fun-loving yet serious and from an early age, had a singular passion to become a physician. Hank loved the family he established at UNIS and once told a friend that his years at UNIS were his happiest.

Upon graduating UNIS, Hank attended McGill University in Montreal where he studied Pre-Medicine and graduated in 2008. After completion of undergraduate studies, Hank enrolled at American University of the Caribbean – School of Medicine where he completed his first two years of medical school. In 2011 Hank returned to New York City and began clinical studies at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. He completed rotations in Psychiatry and Family Medicine – finishing both with Honors. Hank was half-way through his third rotation when he passed away suddenly in a tragic accident over the Christmas holiday 2011.

Hank was a kind and compassionate medical student who gained the respect andpraise of the physicians who evaluated his work. He was commended not only for his knowledge, but also his ability to communicate with a manner of genuine humanity. Although Hank had not yet determined his choice of medical specialty, he had an unwavering desire to “make a difference in a place where making a difference really mattered.”

Hank was universally loved by his friends and family and will remain in the hearts of those who held him so dear. He is survived by his father, Dr. Arthur Benjamin, his sister, Jamie Benjamin, his brother, Calum Benjamin and many close friends.