Joshua Leitch Bonkowsky,
MD, PhD
Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology

Languages Spoken: English, German
Dr. Josh Bonkowsky is a professor of Pediatric Neurology (Pediatrics) and of Neurology. His undergraduate training was at Harvard University; he obtained his MD and PhD degrees at the University of California, San Diego, and did his Pediatrics and Neurology/Pediatric Neurology training at the University of Utah and Boston Children's Hospital.
Dr. Bonkowsky is engaged in both clinical and basic science studies. His clinical studies are focused on understanding the clinical features of leukodystrophies, and on the genetics of complex human neurobehavioral traits, especially language impairments. Dr. Bonkowsky's clinical research group is investigating the genetics of leukodystrophies, using both local (Utah Population Database) and national databases, to understand the genetic and medical impacts of these disorders.
Research in the Bonkowsky laboratory investigates human neurogenetic diseases, specifically diseases of basal ganglia function and white matter diseases. His group has developed zebrafish models of human language disorders (the FOXP2 gene); transgenic lines to study basal ganglia development connectivity; and a zebrafish Parkinson's disease model. Besides the basic neurodevelopmental research, his lab is generating disease models for high-throughput drug discovery.
On sunny afternoons, Dr. Bonkowsky enjoys trail running and learning to skate ski.
Clinical Locations
801-213-3599
Fax: (801) 587-7539
Specialties
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Pediatrics
-
Professor Neurology - Adjunct Professor |
Academic Divisions | Pediatric Neurology |
Board Certification | American Board of Pediatrics (Pediatrics) |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.7/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.6/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
December 07, 2020
PRIMARY CHILDREN'S OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Dr. Bonkowsky has great bedside manner. He is thorough and takes time to ask questions and review goals at the end of the apt.
Dr. Josh Bonkowsky is a professor of Pediatric Neurology (Pediatrics) and of Neurology. His undergraduate training was at Harvard University; he obtained his MD and PhD degrees at the University of California, San Diego, and did his Pediatrics and Neurology/Pediatric Neurology training at the University of Utah and Boston Children's Hospital.
Dr. Bonkowsky is engaged in both clinical and basic science studies. His clinical studies are focused on understanding the clinical features of leukodystrophies, and on the genetics of complex human neurobehavioral traits, especially language impairments. Dr. Bonkowsky's clinical research group is investigating the genetics of leukodystrophies, using both local (Utah Population Database) and national databases, to understand the genetic and medical impacts of these disorders.
Research in the Bonkowsky laboratory investigates human neurogenetic diseases, specifically diseases of basal ganglia function and white matter diseases. His group has developed zebrafish models of human language disorders (the FOXP2 gene); transgenic lines to study basal ganglia development connectivity; and a zebrafish Parkinson's disease model. Besides the basic neurodevelopmental research, his lab is generating disease models for high-throughput drug discovery.
On sunny afternoons, Dr. Bonkowsky enjoys trail running and learning to skate ski.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Pediatrics
-
Professor Neurology - Adjunct Professor |
Academic Divisions | Pediatric Neurology |
Board Certification | American Board of Pediatrics (Pediatrics) |
Research Interests
- Neurodevelopment
- Brain Connectome Mapping
- Leukodystrophies
- Apparent Life-Threatening Event(s)
Education History
Other Training | University of Utah School of Business Physician Executive Leadership , 2012 |
Fellowship | University of Utah School of Medicine Pediatric Neurology Fellow, 2006 |
Fellowship | Boston Children's Medical School Pediatric Neurology Fellow, 2004 |
Residency | University of Utah School of Medicine Pediatrics Resident, 2003 |
Internship | University of Utah School of Medicine Pediatrics Intern, 2001 |
Professional Medical | University of California - San Diego School of Medicine Medicine, Biomedical Sciences M.D., Ph.D., 2000 |
Fellowship | Institute of Molecular Pathology Fellow, 1992 |
Undergraduate | Harvard College Biochemistry B.A., 1991 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Global Impact
Education History
Fellowship | Institute of Molecular Pathology Fellow |