Date published: July 7, 2026

July Fellow Spotlight:  Benjamin Cook, MD

In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Benjamin Cook, MD, a palliative care fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Cook to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why Mattapoisett is his favorite place to travel! 

Hometown? 
Andover, MA

What are your clinical and research interests? 
Combined pediatric and adult palliative care. A dream of mine is to be a summer camp doctor for a few weeks each summer.

Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship? 
The culture at UMass is so collaborative. I’m very excited to work with and learn from people I like as caregivers and people. Plus, Worcester is a hidden gem among the East Coast cities!

What are you looking forward to most in your upcoming fellowship? 
I’m looking forward to learning the skills to practice the kind of medicine that I plan to use for the rest of my career, particularly since I know I’ll be learning from some incredible physicians and people.

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
Prior to my daughter being born, I volunteered at the Worcester Free Care Collaborative, which I really enjoyed. Many UMass students and physicians volunteer there, and I'm hoping to incorporate volunteering into my career as well. 

Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why? 
My Grammy’s house in Mattapoisett. I spent most summers there in my childhood, and going back there is so fun, especially since I can now bring my daughter, June, who hopefully will develop similar wonderful memories. There’s nothing quite like looking at the ocean and feeling a warm summer breeze.  

What topping does not belong on pizza? 
Olives. They don’t belong anywhere. :) 

In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?  
I love Ted Lasso. I not only think it’s comedic genius, but it highlights the importance of recognizing the good in everyone and continuing to work to become better people.   

What song/artist do you hope comes on first when you press random play on your playlist?  
I’ve been on a bit of an early 2000s R&B kick as of late. We have to bring that genre back.