John Torres

Dr. John Torres is an American news medical correspondent, physician, and humanitarian who serves as a senior medical correspondent at NBC News, appearing regularly on "Today," "NBC Nightly News," and NBC News Now. Torres was the first in his family to attend college and, after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Growing up as an Air Force brat, Torres followed his father's path and served 32 years in the U.S. Air Force, Reserves, and Air National Guard. He began his career as a pilot, then attended medical school, and returned as a physician and flight surgeon, including a tour in Iraq, before retiring as a colonel. As a pilot, Torres contributed to rescue efforts out of the South Pole and, following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, set up medical care units and led rescue missions. He also co-founded training courses for NATO Special Forces and teaches in tactical combat casualty care.

An emergency room physician with international experience, Torres brings a breadth of knowledge to NBC's medical coverage, reporting on a wide range of health-related issues. He began his television news career contributing to KOAA while working as an ER doctor in southern Colorado and later served as the "9Health" medical expert at Denver NBC affiliate KUSA, while maintaining his clinical practice. His transition to the national stage at NBC News established his reputation as a trusted voice in health journalism.

Drawing on his experiences in the ER and on the battlefield, Torres is the author of "Dr. Disaster's Guide to Surviving Everything," a guide to disaster preparedness. Covering topics from avalanches and blackouts to pandemics and wildfires, Torres shares practical tips for survival, including best practices for air travel safety and emergency preparedness using household items. Throughout his career, Torres has also made humanitarian trips to Central and South America, providing medical care to children.

With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Torres is recognized for communicating complex medical information to the public. From navigating hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to serving as a medical correspondent during the COVID-19 pandemic, he demonstrates a commitment to public health communication. Torres is a leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, emphasizing service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning.