John Torres | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1959 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of New Mexico School of Medicine |
| Occupation(s) | Medical journalist and emergency physician |
| Employer | NBC News |
| Awards | Recipient of George Polk Awards; American Medical Association Journalist of the Year award |
John Torres is an American news medical correspondent, physician, and humanitarian. He is known for working at NBC News as its senior medical correspondent reporting health-related issues. He provides medical analysis and expertise for reports on Today, NBC Nightly News and NBC News Now. He is also an emergency room physician and a former US Air Force veteran and pilot. [1]
From a young age, Torres had a strong interest in medicine and science. After earning his high school diploma, he attended the United States Air Force Academy and after graduating, served in the United States Air Force for 8 years as a pilot, leading rescue efforts at the South Pole setting up medical care units and led rescue missions in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and did a tour in Iraq with the Air National Guard and United States Air Force Reserves. Later, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, completing his medical degree. [2]
He teaches NATO Special Forces a range of skills, including tactical combat casualty care, combat simulations, and medical leadership. In addition to his career, he traveled the world on numerous humanitarian trips to Central and South America, providing medical care to children in need.[ citation needed ]
He began his TV career as an ER doctor in southern Colorado and contributed to 2 NBC affiliates: KOAA and KUSA, where he answered viewers' medical questions and reported on breaking news stories while continuing his practice as an emergency room physician. [3] [4]
In 2015, Torres joined NBC News and MSNBC starting as a contributor before being promoted in 2017 as senior medical correspondent full-time providing medical analysis and expertise. [5] When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in 2020, Dr. Torres became a major role to viewers asking questions and providing answers what to do and what not to do during the pandemic and also covered the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and showed on-air of how to receive it requesting viewers of NBC News to stay safe during the ongoing pandemic. [6] [7] He continues to bring his expertise and insight to the public as of 2025.
In 2021, Torres released a book called "Dr. Disaster's Guide to Surviving Everything" and remains an active emergency medical doctor. [8]
Torres lives in Colorado.[ citation needed ]
Torres has received the George Polk Award for medical reporting and the American Medical Association Journalist of the Year award.[ citation needed ]