As a palliative care provider, I treat symptoms related to any type of cancer. I am very patient centered and enjoy helping patients feel better.

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, 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

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.8

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.9

During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.9

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.9

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.9

Patient Comments

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

4.6

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

5.0

I have the highest respect for Dr Kent and I hope he does not retire soon!

Jun 16, 2024

5.0

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

5.0

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

5.0

He is a fantastic doctor. He always listens and shows his concerns about my health issues. Totally the best.

May 22, 2024

5.0

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

5.0

Dr. Kent is a very caring provider and listens carefully. He is willing to keep trying to alleviate my back pain.

Apr 09, 2024

5.0

One of the best experiences I have had with a medical provider.

Mar 13, 2024

5.0

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

2.2

[...] 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

5.0

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

5.0

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

5.0

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

5.0

Dr. Kent is exceptionally compassionate.

May 09, 2023

5.0

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

5.0

Dr Kent is a kind, caring, compassionate physician. He is the benchmark for others!

Mar 24, 2023

5.0

Dr Kent is fantastic. Great bedside manner.

Mar 22, 2023

5.0

Dr Kent is very fine, kind, & caring physician. Attentively listens, explains always gives you his best care. Just being under his comprehensive care makes the patient feel better

Jan 31, 2023

5.0

[...] excellent

Jan 27, 2023

5.0

Dr Kent is terrific! He is kind, patient, a good listener, an excellent clinician.

Jan 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. Kent is the most compassionate & caring doctor I've ever had.

Jan 20, 2023

5.0

I have referred several people to Dr. Kent and to my PCP, Dr. Jillian Moore. The two of them are the finest doctors I ever had. I couldn't ask for better doctors!

Dec 30, 2022

5.0

Dr Kent was so thorough! I was impressed how caring and attentive he was to my concerns

Dec 13, 2022

5.0

I had the best experience with Dr. Kent. I was contacted about my referral and the office was able to get me in for an apt the next day, when [...] had been booking out into February.I have been seeing doctor after doctor for over 2 and a half years now since I was involved in a car accident. I was referred to the office by my PCP and I had been previously seen by a NP at [...]. I was unhappy at [...] and was not satisfied with the level of care I was being provided.It was a night and day difference with Dr. Kent. He listened to me. Was very patient with my questions. Took time to explain his findings and opinions.The biggest thing that impressed me was what he was recommending for me as far as treatment goes. He recommended a treatment plan that NO other [...] doctor has previously recommended. It felt like it was almost a holistic approach, which I absolutely appreciate after being continuously stuck with needles, which did not work. He recommended a book for me to read that goes even more Into depth with what we had discussed. I left the office and cried because it felt as though I FINALLY had answers and someone actually listened to me and believed me. I cannot explain what a relief it felt like.I would like to commend Dr. Kent for his incredible approach to dealing with patients and how he communicates with them. He even left our visit open-ended and said I could come back any time if I had questions or any concerns.I am very impressed with Dr. Kent and the Pain Mgmt. Office. Thank you

Dec 06, 2022

5.0

I have recommended Dr. Kent to several people.

Dec 05, 2022

5.0

No problems with my visit.

Nov 26, 2022

5.0

Dr Kent has a fantastic bedside manner.

Nov 10, 2022

5.0

Dr Kent: Caring & compassionate, excellent explanations, wonderful doctor!

Oct 30, 2022

5.0

Good.

Sep 20, 2022

5.0

Good

Sep 07, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kent has my most high thanks. He is a very caring doctor and his concern for my health is true. Love him

Aug 11, 2022

5.0

Dr Kent is exceptional!

Jul 27, 2022

5.0

Awsome

Jun 05, 2022

5.0

I was very pleased with Dr. Kent's knowledge and professionalism. He is very friendly and put me at ease in our discussions.

May 26, 2022

5.0

In all my 77 years of going to doctors, I have found Dr. Joel Kent the kindest, most sincere, most capable, most caring ever! I can honestly say I love this man for giving me my life back.

May 18, 2022

5.0

I would rate Dr. Kent as one of the best providers I have ever seen.

May 11, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kent = the best dr. hands down. XOXO.

Apr 22, 2022

5.0

Dr Kent is a very kind & caring provider. He is also thorough & excellent clinician. The resident or fellow was also very good.

Apr 20, 2022

1.8

The sad part of this is that Dr. Kent used to be [...] helpful and sympathetic and involving me in treatment decisions or trying to find compromises. Now, however, he spends very little time with me[...]

Apr 17, 2022

5.0

He extremely compassionate and knowledgeable about his speciality.

Apr 16, 2022

5.0

Great care.

Apr 15, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kent only deals with pain. A tough job for sure. His demeanor makes you feel better just talking with him.

Apr 04, 2022

5.0

I think Dr. Kent is a very caring and gentle doctor. He truly listens to his patients.

Mar 12, 2022

5.0

I receive excellent care at this office

Feb 13, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kent presented a plan forward and how he could help my situation. Very satisfied with his knowledge and the projected path forward.

Feb 08, 2022