Dr. Elizabeth Benson attended Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated second in her class. She practiced near her home town of New Orleans for a short time before moving to Illinois.  After relocating, she worked as an emergency veterinarian in Schaumburg and then practiced at The Anti-Cruelty Society Clinic.  She held a position as associate veterinarian at Terry Animal Hospital in Wilmette for three years prior to becoming medical director and owner of Sauganash Animal Hospital in 1989.  She later changed the name to Best Friends Veterinary Center, a name she felt was more suitable to the philosophy of the practice.

Dr. Benson is past president of the Illinois Academy of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, she is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society, in addition to local, state and national Veterinary Medical Associations. Her special interests include veterinary dentistry, and bird and small mammal practice.

Dr. Benson believes in the importance of preventative medicine and wellness care for every pet. Most diseases are much easier, for both pets and their owners, to prevent than to treat, and prevention will lead to a healthier happier life. Early detection is often the key to the successful treatment of many common, but non-preventable diseases.

For recreation, Dr. Benson enjoys bicycling, tennis, travelling and spending time with her pets, family and friends. Along with her husband and children, she lives with her 2 dogs, Autumn and Oliver, 2 cats, Figaro and Buster, and a 26 year old blue and gold macaw named Jenny.