Sabre Society Speaker Series: Col. (Ret.) John Torres '82, MD

Dr. John Torres '82 is an NBC News and MSNBC senior medical correspondent. A renowned emergency room physician who has extensive international experience in the field and on the front lines, Dr. Torres brings a vast breadth of knowledge to NBC’s medical coverage. His reporting covers a wide range of health-related issues across all of NBC’s broadcast, cable and digital platforms.

Dr. Torres is a self-described Air Force Brat who graduated from the Air Force Academy. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served for eight years, including a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004 with the Air National Guard. He then went on to serve an additional 24 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve before retiring as a colonel. An accomplished pilot and physician, Dr. Torres has contributed to rescue efforts out of the South Pole and, in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and  Rita, he set up medical care units and led rescue missions.

Utilizing his combined medical and military experience, Dr. Torres teaches NATO Special Forces a variety of skills including tactical combat casualty care, combat simulations and medical leadership. Additionally, throughout his career, Dr. Torres has made numerous humanitarian trips to Central and South America, providing medical care to children in need. 

Dr. Torres is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He lives with his wife in Colorado and has two adult children.