About
Benjamin Casterline, MD, PhD, is a dermatologist and immunologist who sees patients in both Columbia and Jefferson City. He cares for individuals with a range of skin and allergy conditions, including red meat allergy (alpha-gal syndrome), skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, aging skin and chronic itching.
Although he once planned to become a paleontologist, Dr. Casterline was drawn to medicine in college after seeing how doctors apply their understanding of biology to care for others. He enjoys taking time with each patient to explain their condition and treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions that reflect their personal concerns and goals.
Dr. Casterline and his wife, also a physician, have four children between the ages of 1 and 7. When he’s not spending time with family, Dr. Casterline enjoys outdoor running and has completed the Chicago marathon twice.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Internship
Transitional Year
- Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital
Residency
Dermatology
- University of Missouri School of Medicine
Insurances
MU Health Care participates with most major managed care organizations. To find out whether MU Health Care is a participating provider in your insurance plan or network, or for information on co-payments and deductibles, please contact your insurance carrier directly.
Academic Information
Research Profile
Benjamin Casterline, MD, PhD, is a practicing dermatologist and immunologist as well as assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. In his clinical work, he is equally interested in addressing patients’ immediate skin concerns as well as the underlying mechanisms that predispose individuals to skin disease and influence their outcomes.
His research focuses on host-microbe interactions, immunologic mechanisms and alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an emerging tick-borne condition. He collaborates closely with otolaryngologists, allergists, gastroenterologists and primary care physicians to advance both scientific understanding and patient care.
Dr. Casterline has led one of the largest cohort studies of AGS to date, analyzing 343 diagnosed patients across MU Health Care. This research revealed a new pediatric phenotype of AGS, characterized by distinct clinical patterns including predominant gastrointestinal manifestations, lower anaphylaxis rates, reduced immunoglobin E (IgE) levels and rural predominance. This work provided updated evidence-based guidance for clinicians in tick-endemic regions in Missouri and beyond as the range of the tick population expands and increasingly overlaps with human activity.
Research Interests
- Host-microbe interactions
- Immunologic mechanisms
- Alpha-gal syndrome
Areas of Expertise
- Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy)
- Skin cancer
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Psoriasis
- Aging
- Itching