Dr. Ben Meisel

Dr. Ben Meisel is dedicated to improving the lives of children with special health needs. He does this as a physician, musician, and social entrepreneur. Currently, Dr. Ben serves as Medical Director of California Children's Services for the City and County of San Francisco. As a social entrepreneur Dr. Ben founded the social enterprise, Dr. Ben & Company, to develop products and programs designed to support the field of Child Life and benefit non-profit organizations "Building Play Into Health" for kids with life-complicating medical conditions and their families. Known internationally as a Children's Music Songwriter and Performer, Dr. Ben is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts. His most recent camp-inspired children's music project titled "A Perfect Day" was released in partnership with the SeriousFun Children's Network, Shane's Inspiration, and HopeLab, Fall 2014. Dr. Ben's approach to improving health for children relies upon the power of play as an essential component of pediatric medical care. He feels most comfortable serving as an ambassador – bringing together like-minded organizations, individuals and causes to benefit children, teens and families who live with the realities of serious medical conditions. From 2006-2010, he relished his service as Chief Medical Advisor and Medical Director of The Painted Turtle (California's SeriousFun Children's Network medical camp created by actors Paul Newman and Page Adler). Over the past decade, Dr. Ben has worked extensively with 15 partner children's hospitals in California to provide medical camp experiences for children with chronic and serious medical conditions.