Dr. John Thurman Named Iowa Family Physician of the Year

West Burlington, Iowa, November 21, 2023 – Dr. John Thurman, Family Practice, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Fort Madison, was named the 2023 Iowa Family Physician of the Year by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Thurman was honored at an award ceremony on Friday, November 17, 2023, in Des Moines.

Dr. Thurman was nominated by patients Curt and Ginnie Swarm who had this to say, “He's an excellent doctor, great communicator and motivator, has a wonderful sense of humor, and really cares for each and every one of his patients, whom he considers personal friends.”

An accomplished seven-year, active-duty U.S. Army officer with combat experience and double board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Thurman earned his Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri. He completed a family medicine residency at MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, Illinois, and was nominated chief resident in 2014. Prior to his current position, he worked at Great River Health in Burlington, Iowa, and at the University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago.

In addition, he has served as medical director for hospice, rehabilitative services, and nursing homes. Among his many honors, Dr. Thurman was nominated for physician excellence at Great River Health for going above and beyond in patient care.

Dr. Thurman joins three other family physicians from Great River Health to receive this award. These include Dr. David Carlson in 2005, Dr. Michael AbouAssaly in 2010, and Dr. Doug Peters in 2011.

“We are proud to have Dr. Thurman as part of our medical team. The kindness and care he provides to his patients is a true reflection of the care we feel our patients deserve. Dr. Thurman joins a very respected peer group in Dr. Carlson, Dr. AbouAssaly and Dr. Peters. We send our sincere congratulations and thank you to Dr. Thurman,” expressed Dr. Michael McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health.

The Iowa Academy of Family Physicians honors outstanding family physicians and educators by presenting annual membership awards. The Family Physician of the Year Award is presented to a family physician that was nominated by a patient and exemplifies what it means to be not only a great family physician but an active participant in their community.