Dogs Used to Reduce Anxiety for Patients of NorthShore Hand Surgeon

WILMETTE, IL - Dr. Leon Benson hasn’t always been a “dog person.” His family never had one growing up, but in recent years he’s become fond of his two Portuguese water dogs: Cooper and Chelsea.

Benson, a hand surgeon with the NorthShore University HealthSystem and the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, has incorporated Chelsea - the younger dog - into his practice by using her to quell the nerves of those in need of his services.

“It’s interesting to see how people interact with her,” said Benson, who has offices in Wilmette and Glenview. “Sometimes I have her and Cooper out in the hallway doing their own thing. They will sometimes wander into rooms to see the patients.”

Both dogs are certified and trained and have competed in various agility competitions over the years under the direction of Benson. And the doctor hasn’t received a single complaint since he began bringing them into his offices six years ago.

“Everyone loves the dogs. Sometimes people will request to see them instead of me,” he laughed.

Cooper and Chelsea’s office visits, which occur a handful of times every month, aren’t just a way to keep the dogs entertained. They provide a great deal of comfort for the patients, Benson said.

“Animals have an interesting connection with people who have been injured,” he said. “They help reduce anxiety. That is well evidenced in different parts of American culture. Therapy dogs in general are well established in a variety of organizations.”

The benefits of having the dogs in the office are enhanced when it comes to younger patients. They tend to provide a mental distraction for children who are apprehensive about an upcoming surgery, Benson said.

“They might be apprehensive if I say they are going to need a shot, or approach them with a strange-looking tool. But having the dog there definitely helps.”

He’s beginning a study, in fact, to find out if there is any way to quantify the level of anxiety patients experience with a dog present and how it compares to when dogs are not there.

But the practice of involving the animals at work is mainly for the patients.

“The kids really dig it,” Benson said. “And so do the adults. They are both well-behaved.”

Photo submitted / Dr. Leon Benson often brings Chelsea into his offices to help reduce the anxiety of his patients.