Speaker's Profile

Guided by a profound sense of purpose and compassion, Shairi R. Turner, MD, MPH has followed a nontraditional path rooted in healing, equity, and advocacy. From transforming healthcare for incarcerated youth in Florida to educating clinicians on how to recognize and respond to trauma, Dr. Turner has dedicated her life to uplifting those too often overlooked. Her journey led her to Crisis Text Line, where she now serves as Chief Health Officer for the lifesaving mental health support organization. In her current role, Dr. Turner leads Crisis Text Line�s public policy, advocacy, and crisis supervision teams, championing the mental well-being of millions. A trained internist and pediatrician with deep expertise in trauma-informed care, she brings both clinical insight and heartfelt commitment to her work.Dr. Turner first joined Crisis Text Line in 2017 as Chief Medical Officer, guiding the Crisis Supervision Team and helping shape the care provided to people in crisis. She returned in 2020 as Chief Transformation Officer, spearheading efforts to embed equity and inclusion throughout the organization�s culture. Today, as Chief Health Officer, she leads external initiatives that strengthen mental health policy, advocacy, and partnerships nationwide. Her unwavering commitment to addressing the mental health crisis reflects both her personal mission and professional expertise.Dr. Turner holds a Bachelor�s degree in Biology from Stanford University and a Doctor of Medicine degree with honors from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She completed the Harvard Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program, and as a Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellow in Minority Health Policy, earned a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health.