Get to know Philip Turk

Philip Turk, Ph.D., joined NEOMED in February as the first director of the new Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI). He also holds an appointment as professor of family and community medicine. He sat down with The Pulse to share his background, goals for the new Institute and what he does for fun.

Where were you before coming to NEOMED?

I was at the University of Mississippi’s academic medical center. I was chair for the Department of Data Science.

What is CTRI? What do you hope to accomplish with the new institute?

A primary goal of CTRI is to help researchers conduct their research from bench to bedside and beyond. The services we provide can help them do that. That information is also useful for grant applications. For example, we can add the mathematical “sauce.”

CTRI has three thrusts:

First, there’s the data side. AI is hot right now, and we don’t want NEOMED to be left behind. We’ll also do statistical consulting.

Second is education. We are involved in FAME-R and are exploring the possibility of a master’s degree related to data science.

Finally, there’s a design piece. We can help researchers design their research, especially as it relates to innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

And now the fun questions! What movie have you seen more than twice?

I don’t like to hike the same trail twice. I typically don’t watch or read things again. I’ll recommend them to someone to enjoy.

You’re given a plane ticket to anywhere in the world. Where are you going?

I’d probably use it to go to Colorado. I am a mountain junkie. I am on a mountain kick, especially with 14ers [peaks with elevation of at least 14,000 feet].

You’re invited to a potluck. What are you bringing?

A fruit and vegetable tray.

What would people surprised to find out about you?

I’m studying Mandarin and am at the intermediate level.

I also play acoustic guitar.