Dr Benton and Staff

Tom Benton, MD
Dr. Benton graduated from the University of Florida in 1985. He completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas) in 1988. He has been in private practice in Gainesville every since. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida.

Along with Drs. Boccarossa, Trumbull, and Zanga, he was a co-founder of the American College of Pediatricians (www.BestforChildren.org). He currently serves as the College's President.

Dr. Benton was a member of the Florida Chapter of the AAP executive committee from 1999 to 2003. He is not currently a member of the AAP.

He has been a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association since 1996.

Dr. Benton has served his local community in ways that include: participation in the local Safe Kids organization, serving on the Board of the local YMCA, serving on the board of the local Crisis Pregnancy Center, and as a member of the Emergency Medical Service Citizens Advisory Board. Dr. Benton has been on medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Haiti, and Nicaragua.

Dr. Benton and his wife, Kathy, have five children. The oldest is 24 years old, married and has a child. Their 22 year old is a Marine. Another currently attends college and recently returned from a mission trip to Tanzania. His 13 year old is in middle school and his 9 year old is in elementary school. He and his wife are members of Servants of Christ Anglican Church in Gainesville, Florida.

Elizma Mercier PA-C
Elizma comes to Benton Pediatrics from South Africa by way of Georgia. She has practiced pediatrics for 7 years and joined Benton Pediatrics in September 2006. She enjoys tennis, reading, gardening, playing piano and attending church. She knows that each child is a blessing from God and considers it a privilege to serve our patients and their families. Elizma and her husband believe that God brought them to Gainesville to make a difference in the lives of others and they continue to enjoy living in Gator country.

Beth Justice, CPNP
Beth came to us as a nurse practitioner student in January of 2007.  Following her graduation from Vanderbilt University in August, she came on as a part of the friendliest pediatrics office in Gainesville.  She grew up in the area, attending GHS (go Canes!) and feels led of her Father to serve the children here with all of her ability.

Rick Guerry
Rick joined Benton Pediatrics in 1989. He is our friendly office manager, and the guy you want to call if you have non-medical questions, compliments or complaints, suggestions or cheap shots.

Kim Parker
Kim has been with Benton Pediatrics since 1994. She is our front office supervisor and insurance specialist

Mr. Brown
Mr. Brown has been with Benton Pediatrics since before it was formed! He started working for Dr. Kokomoor many years before Dr. Benton joined the practice. He keeps the place clean…

Front Office
Jennifer and Amber keep the practice running. Generally when you call, it is Amber's pleasant voice that answers the phone. When you leave, it is generally Jennifer who helps you make your next appointment and see that your insurance company knows you have been in. When the phones are ringing like crazy, everyone pitches in to get the calls answered….
Referrals are handled by Antoinette.

Nursing Staff
We have an outstanding group of nurses: Jessica, Ashley, Jennifer and Marie. We all work together as a team and pitch in.