4 days ago
Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent.
SUMMARY
Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival training and falconry, and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career in medicine and media. His story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in leadership. In this conversation, he shares his journey from dealing with hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to becoming a prominent medical correspondent during the pandemic. Dr. Torres discuss the challenges of communicating complex medical information to the public, the importance of empathy when delivering bad news, and the role of family support in his career. Finally, he emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in leadership and the value of instilling positive values in the next generation.
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DR. TORRES' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
- Lead with empathy: Understand where people are coming from, recognizing that anger often stems from fear and underlying concerns.
- Communicate clearly: Break down complex information into understandable terms, whether speaking to patients, soldiers, or the public.
- Be willing to admit mistakes: True leadership means having the courage to acknowledge when you're wrong and take responsibility.
- Develop a "no excuse" mentality: Take ownership of situations, even when they're not entirely your fault.
- Build trust through peer-to-peer interactions: Treat people as equals rather than using an authoritarian approach.
- Continuously learn and adapt: Stay current in your field and be open to new experiences and perspectives.
- Support your team's individual growth: Encourage people to pursue their passions and provide guidance without pressure.
- Match your emotional delivery to your message: Ensure your communication is authentic and appropriate to the content.
- Lead by example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others through your own actions.
- Focus on purpose over position: Leadership is about making a positive impact and helping others grow, not about title or status.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Torres
02:01 Overcoming Challenges at the Academy
05:03 Discovering Leadership Through Survival Training
08:33 Influence of Family Values on Leadership
10:42 Unconventional Experiences at the Academy
13:41 Transitioning from Pilot to Medical Doctor
20:06 Lessons Learned as a Flight Doc
23:58 Becoming an NBC Correspondent
24:37 Hantavirus and Early Medical Experiences
26:00 Transitioning to Media: From ER to TV
27:23 The Pandemic: A Super Bowl for Medicine
29:05 Communicating Medical Information Effectively
32:29 Delivering Bad News with Compassion
34:41 Teaching NATO Special Forces Medics
37:02 Family Support and Legacy
39:58 Instilling Values in the Next Generation
41:56 Continuous Improvement as a Leader
45:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
ABOUT DR. TORRES
BIO
Dr. John Torres ’82 is currently Senior Medical Correspondent for NBC News and a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Dr. Torres brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, crisis leadership, and public communication to every role he takes on. Before joining NBC, he served in the Air Force, deploying to combat zones and responding to humanitarian crises around the globe.
After retiring from the military, Dr. Torres transitioned to civilian emergency medicine and later began sharing trusted medical insights with millions of viewers through his work in broadcast journalism. On camera and off, he is known for making complex medical issues accessible and relevant, especially during moments of national concern like the COVID-19 pandemic.
A seasoned leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, Dr. Torres exemplifies the values of service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning—principles he credits in large part to his upbringing in rural New Mexico, foundational Academy education and military experiences.
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TRANSCRIPT
SPEAKERS: Guest, Dr. John Torres ’82 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99
KEYWORDS
Leadership, Air Force Academy, Dr. John Torres, survival training, medical correspondent, family values, unconventional journey, overcoming challenges, mentorship, public health, Hantavirus, medical communication, pandemic, media, family legacy, leadership, teaching, NATO, bad news delivery, continuous improvement
The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
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