John Turski

Dr. John Turski became the medical director of Hospice of Southwest Virginia in October 2007. He is board certified in Family Practice, Hospice and Palliative Medicine.  He began working in health care at age 16 as a hospital orderly, then nursing technician, and later as an RN. He was first drawn to interest in caring for people at end-of-life while anursing student. 

He earned his BS in Biology at Penn State University and an AA in Nursing at Harrisburg Area Community College. His DO medical degree is from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He began residency training in neurosurgery before pursuing rural family practice and emergency medicine.  He is board certified in Family Medicine and Hospice/Palliative Medicine. 

His current practice at Hospice includes direct patient care and consultations at patients’ homes, in nursing homes, and local hospitals.  He provides medical supervision and direction to the Hospice team, as well as Palliative Care consultations and outpatient clinic. He continues part-time emergency medical practice as well as teaching medical students.  He is EMS Medical Director to several rescue squads.

Besides his very fulfilling work, he enjoys running, bicycling, hiking – especially in the country around his home and the Appalachian Trail. 

Dr. Turski and his wife Sandra reside on a farm in Ceres, Bland County, and have raised 19 children, and still have a son at home.