Meet Nick Turkal, M.D.:

Nick Turkal, M.D. is CEO of the Center for Health Education and Access. He is also a practicing palliative care physician. Dr. Turkal serves on several Boards of Directors including the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Crisis Prevention Institute. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Health Care. Dr. Turkal received a bachelor’s in Biology and an M.D. from Creighton University.

Key Insights:

Nick Turkal, M.D. and the Center for Health Education and Access is tackling the provider shortage.

• Building a Pipeline. The Center for Health Education and Access is creating a pipeline to recruit underrepresented minorities to medical schools to become providers in underserved communities. The center is starting with osteopathic medical schools but envisions expanding to other patient care providers. 
• Focus on Primary. Historically, osteopathic doctors (OD) go into primary care at higher rates than allopathic doctors (MD). Additionally, the medical schools are selecting students that have a higher interest in primary care, and training them in smaller, rural communities with more exposure to primary care. 
• Nursing Burn Out. Nurses today have a greater desire for flexibility, and health systems need to adjust. The trend of nurses joining staffing agencies was accelerated by the pandemic, but already existed due to generational differences. 

Relevant Links:

• Read “The Rise Fund Invests in The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine; Launches Center for Health Education and Access”