Brent Bjornsen, MD, FAAP

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

TMNT (The Original), Sofia the First, Ratatouille

What is your favorite children's book and why?

A menagerie of books I loved as a kid:

The Chronicles of Narnia
The Castle in the Attic
The Fragile Flag
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Pushcart War

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My father inspires me through his unwavering faith, devotion to family, and determination—values he modeled even while facing cancer with strength and grace.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Anything sports-related. Trips to Disney World and rollercoasters with my wife and kids. Loving watching my kids play club soccer. Building computers and websites from scratch. Baking bread and pastries (sourdough starters ftw!) Gaming with my kids.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

My inspiration for pediatrics grew from both my love of working with children and the experience of becoming a parent while in medical school, which gave me firsthand perspective on caring for kids and supporting families.

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

I bring a unique combination of general pediatrics and fellowship training in pediatric sports medicine, which allows me to care for children from infancy through adolescence and support young athletes at every stage. As both a physician and the parent of high-level athletes, I understand firsthand the challenges and demands families face in balancing health, development, and performance. Beyond the clinic, I provide sideline coverage for local high school football programs and help with the medical staff for the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. My goal is to partner with families through open communication, practical guidance, and long-term relationships, helping every child grow, recover, and thrive.

How do you accommodate patients with special needs?

Every kid is different—and that’s the best part of pediatrics. I focus on meeting families where they’re at, listening, and finding the best way to connect and care for each child.