Dr. Benikova graduated from Kiev Medical School (Kiev, Ukraine) in 1989. She worked as a pediatrician in a variety of medical practices and hospitals across Russia and Ukraine. She has first-hand experience providing medical care for children from Ukrainian and Russian orphanages. Dr. Benikova is very familiar with medical diagnoses that are common for child adoptees. Being a pediatrician in the former Soviet Union, she is proficient in medical terminology, medical records, and the medical systems of the countries of the former Soviet Union.
In 1992, Dr. Benikova moved to the United States. After graduating from the Family Practice Residency Program at Underwood Memorial Hospital (Woodbury, New Jersey), Dr. Benikova practiced medicine in Washington and Oregon. In her practice, Dr. Benikova has seen many adopted children.
Dr. Benikova speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian.