Stephen J. Turkovich, MD, has been named president of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH).
He assumes the role from Allegra Jaros, who announced in September that she is leaving to become the president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. She will remain at OCH until the end of this year to help plan for an orderly transition.
“Dr. Turkovich is an enthusiastic and steadfast advocate for the kids and families in our community,” said Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “He is a thoughtful and well-respected leader, a trusted medical expert and someone who works tirelessly to collaborate with organizations throughout Western New York to positively impact the health and well-being of our community.”
In his new role, Dr. Turkovich will lead one of only 43 freestanding hospitals in the United States and the only freestanding children's hospital in New York State.
Dr. Turkovich said, “I’m incredibly honored and humbled to serve as the next leader of Oishei Children’s Hospital and grow our national reputation as we build upon the extraordinary legacy of our hospital and health system. We have tremendous opportunities ahead by expanding and cultivating new collaborative relationships across our community while enhancing our advocacy efforts regionally and statewide.”
He will be responsible for managing daily hospital operations, including clinical, ancillary and support services, community physician relations, all off-site pediatric and obstetric primary clinics, adherence to all regulatory requirements to maintain the Pediatric Level I Trauma program, the Regional Perinatal Center of WNY and the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Boyd added, “Dr. Turkovich has had a very tangible impact on patients, families and co-workers throughout his tenure at Children’s. Having him move into the presidency role also speaks to the depth of the leadership team there and is a great example of thoughtful succession planning.”
Dr. Turkovich most recently served as chief medical officer (CMO), Oishei Children’s Hospital and Maternal & Child Health, where he led OCH’s day-to-day medical affairs and physician leaders, as well as its associated ambulatory enterprise to promote growth of service lines and, in particular, its relationship with physicians at the University at Buffalo (UB) and in the community.
Prior to that, Dr. Turkovich was vice president and chief medical officer at OCH since July 2014. In addition, he previously served as quality and patient safety officer and the co-medical director of the newborn nursery.
“As our community’s children’s hospital, pediatric trauma center, and regional perinatal center, we are uniquely positioned to greatly improve the health and wellness of families throughout Western New York and beyond and eliminate long-standing health disparities,” said Dr. Turkovich. “I’m confident our talented and passionate team of physicians, nurses, staff and leaders will continue to create innovative solutions to best serve our patients and families and deliver outstanding outcomes and experiences. Together as we grow and diversify our teams, we will transform the healthcare landscape for women, children and families across our region.”
Dr. Turkovich received his Bachelor of Arts in anthropology as well as his medical degree from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Rochester, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. He currently serves as a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics for University at Buffalo.
Dr. Turkovich has won numerous awards and honors, including the Business First "Healthcare 50" designation and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences' "Medical Alumni Award for Community Service and Commitment." He is a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
A Western New York native, Dr. Turkovich lives in Buffalo with his husband and two sons.
A search for Dr. Turkovich’s replacement as the chief medical officer for OCH will be commenced in the coming days.