Joel L. Kent, M.D.
Pain Management , Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine , Palliative Care
Contact
Joel L. Kent, M.D.
View Contact & SchedulingLocations
Sawgrass, Building 180
180 Sawgrass Drive, Suite 210
Rochester, NY 14620
About Me
I am an expert in the use of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain and have given multiple lectures on this subject. I am also board certified ...
I am an expert in the use of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain and have given multiple lectures on this subject. I am also board certified in anesthesiology, multidisciplinary pain medicine and palliative care medicine.
My goal is to determine the best course of action in any treatment plan by balancing the available treatment options with my patients' preferences.
Conditions I Treat:
- Pain management
- Palliative care for all cancers
Certified Specialties
Anesthesiology - American Board of Anesthesiology
Hospice and Palliative Medicine - American Board of Anesthesiology
Pain Medicine, Pain Medicine - American Board of Anesthesiology
Faculty Appointments
Professor (Part-Time) - Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (SMD)
Credentials
Residency & Fellowship
Fellowship, Pain Medicine, University of Maryland Hospital for Children. 1994 - 1995
Residency, Anesthesiology, University of Maryland Hospital for Children. 1991 - 1993
Residency, Family Medicine, Franklin Square Hospital Center. 1989 - 1991
Internship, Family Medicine, Franklin Square Hospital Center. 1988 - 1989
Education
MD | University of South Florida College of Medicine. 1988
Publications
Journal Articles
The Potential Role of Sensory Testing, Skin Biopsy, and Functional Brain Imaging as Biomarkers in Chronic Pain Clinical Trials: IMMPACT Considerations
J Pain. 2017; 18(7): 757-77.
Lung and chest wall mechanical properties before and after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Barnas, G.M., Watson, R.J., Green, M.D., Sequeira, A.J., Gilbert, T.B., Kent, J.L., Villamater, E.
American Physiological Society. 1994; .
Implantable cardiovertor/defibrillator placement in a patient with amiodarone pulmonary toxicity under thoracic epidural anesthesia
Gilbert, T.B., Kent, J.L., Foster, A.H., Gold, M.R.
Anesthesiology. 1993; : 3.
Books
The Handbook of Pain Management (1995)
Chapter: Thoracic Pain
Authors: Kent, J.L.
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann Limited, Oxford, England 1995
Ratings & Comments
At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.
Ratings
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)
Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
Patient Comments
All good
Jan 23, 2026
Dr Kent is a kind individual. Always listens, takes time to explain things.
Jan 19, 2026
I absolutely would recommend Dr Kent so caring, listened to my concerns and explained everything in detail.
Jan 17, 2026
Dr Kent is an invaluable resource and truly is open to what I want to talk about.Do ALL YOU CAN to retain Dr Kent, he is by far, The BEST MD Strong has ever had.
Jan 05, 2026
For the very 1st time in my life I was treated with genuine & compassionate car from the time I walked Into the office until the time I checked out. Ann Quinn was absolutely amazing!! She was the 1st person to ask me several questions I've never been asked before. She made me feel so comfortable opening up to her without judgement. She helped me more than she realizes. Dr. Kent was the nicest doctor & was so caring. He explained that what he thought might help & I already have an appointment with him [...]. Best people ever!
Dec 19, 2025
Felt the doctors listened and provided good advice.
Dec 17, 2025
Dr Kent is wonderful. Super intelligent, perfect bedside manner.
Dec 15, 2025
Dr Kent is an excellent pain management doctor. He is kind, an excellent listener, empathetic, and knowledgeable.
Nov 21, 2025
Dr Kent is so compassionate and explained everything to me
Nov 20, 2025
I was treated with the utmost respect and concern by the doctor.Very engaging in his explanation of the test results.
Oct 22, 2025
Dr. KENT took the time to really listen.
Oct 18, 2025
Always very concerned with my condition and how he can help me.
Apr 01, 2025
He is a caring Dr who listens to your concerns
Mar 07, 2025
Dr Kent is the BEST.
Mar 01, 2025
He was an outstanding medical professional; very kind, genuinely interested in my wellbeing, and gave thorough explanations. He even drew an illustration to help explain the issue I have. I hope he continues his career at this pain treatment center!
Nov 23, 2024
Dr. Kent is kind caring and patient with my lengthy explanations. His treatments have always worked perfectly.
Nov 22, 2024
Dr. Kent is amazing. He has helped me more in the short time I've been going to him than the [...] did in over 20 years.
Nov 16, 2024
Dr. Kent is the most caring doctor I have ever been to.
Nov 08, 2024
Dr Joel Kent is extremely patient focused. He was able to manipulate is scheduling to fit my next appointment in the following week to proceed with an epidural to ease my ongoing pain. He is very personable and really cares for his patients pain and finding a solution as soon as possible. It is a pleasure speaking with him at every appointment. He is a special type of doctor and is a shining gem.
Sep 30, 2024
I always recommend Dr Kent to those who I think would benefit by his knowledge and expertise.
Aug 28, 2024
Dr Kent and his staff were all wonderful.
Aug 26, 2024
Extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate physician. Show genuine concern for the patient and listens to your concerns.
Jul 31, 2024
Dr Kent is the absolute best doctor I've ever encountered. He is so easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about his patients.
Jun 19, 2024
I have the highest respect for Dr Kent and I hope he does not retire soon!
Jun 16, 2024
Dr. Kent reviewed my progress I've made. We cut back the Gabapentin dose. He discusses my care very well. I am grateful for all he has done for me
Jun 13, 2024
I hold Dr Kent in the highest esteem. He's been an excellent communicator with me and I have a complex health history. I've seen Dr Kent for my chronic low back pain and failed fusion surgery (done in [...] in 1989). He has treated me with steroid injections a number of times - he is always kind, compassionate, concerned for my pain before during and after each procedure. Each member of his TEAM is first rate as well.
May 23, 2024
He is a fantastic doctor. He always listens and shows his concerns about my health issues. Totally the best.
May 22, 2024
Dr Kent is One of the most compassionate people I have ever met. His concern about my well-being is excellent. He explained everything completely in terms I could understand. What a great credit for the clinic.
Apr 24, 2024
Dr. Kent is a very caring provider and listens carefully. He is willing to keep trying to alleviate my back pain.
Apr 09, 2024
One of the best experiences I have had with a medical provider.
Mar 13, 2024
Simply the best. I feel so well taken care of. Dr. Kent is so compassionate and professional. I am so very blessed to have him in my care. Thank you.
Feb 20, 2024
[...] Dr. Kent used to be one of the best but he seems to have lost all passion for his job and it's really hard to have to make appts with him now as they take about 3 minutes and he isn't really responding to WHAT I'm saying. [...]
Jan 04, 2024
Dr. Kent is a superior pain management physician. He is kind, respectful, and a wonderful listener. I feel so well cared for by Dr. Kent!
Dec 31, 2023
Dr. Kent is wonderful. He is so gentle and listens to me. He has a wonderful bedside manner as well as being a wonderful doctor. I trust him implicitly.
Dec 29, 2023
Dr. Kent is always professional and listens to my concerns. He works with me as a team member and honestly, is the best dr. I have ever encountered.
May 22, 2023
Dr. Kent is exceptionally compassionate.
May 09, 2023
Have a couple new pain issues & Dr. Kent offered treatment ideas and told me to let him know if I have any meds I feel may be effective regarding chronic pain and we can discuss.
May 02, 2023
Dr Kent is a kind, caring, compassionate physician. He is the benchmark for others!
Mar 24, 2023
Dr Kent is fantastic. Great bedside manner.
Mar 22, 2023