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Bob Turner began his career in biomedical photography during his voluntary service in the U.S. Navy (`66-`72) as a Hospital Corpsman (HM1). He spent a year in Vietnam (`67-`68) as a Field Medical Technician with the U.S. Marines. His education and training in medical photography began by graduating from the Navy Medical Photography School, Bethesda, MD (`69). In 1974 he completed his certification as a Registered Biological Photography (RBP) with the Biological Photographic Association and in 1980 received a masters degree (MBA) with an emphasis in Health Care Administration from National University, San Diego, California.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1972, Bob was hired as a photographer at the Forsyth Dental Center, Boston, MA. While there, he completed various assignments in the areas of dental research, dental hygiene, and clinical dentistry. His assignments covered all aspects of b/w and color imaging of dental patients, research equipment, plaster teeth impressions, instruments, and public relations events.

Bob's next professional venue was in 1975 with the Medical Media Production Service at the Veterans Administration Hospital, La Jolla, CA. As a Senior Medical Photographer at the 600 bed hospital and research facility, he was involved in all aspects of medical, surgical, clinical, public relations, photomicrographic and scientific research photography.

In 1979, Bob was recruited by the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation to be supervisor of the Photography Laboratory. He was at Scripps for better than thirty-one years; during this time many organizational changes occurred as did Bob's ever increasing responsibilities. He eventually was named Director, BioMedical Graphics Department, The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). Under his leadership the department evolved from silver-based still imaging to the use of comprehensive digital technologies, including, digital video and multi media services, along with global video conferencing capabilities.

Over the course of his career, Bob has been recognized for his achievements and contributions to the field of biocommunications. His many honors include: Fellowship in the Biological Photographic Association (FBPA); the Clifford Freehe Education Award; the Ralph Creer Service Award; and the Louis Schmidt Award ­­– the highest honor bestowed by the BioCommunications Association (BCA).

A few years before retiring in 2011, Bob took-up digiscoping to "ease" his way into retirement. Digiscoping has proven to be the perfect activity for him to continue his long-time involvement in biomedical photography, but this time with an emphasis in imaging natural science subjects. Bob says "I've rediscovered my passion for biophotography." Digiscoping provides a technical challenge that he finds very rewarding, and he hopes to continue doing it for many years to come.

Bob, now an Emeritus Member of the BioCommunications Association, and his wife, Betsy Ann, are enjoying their retirement in Encinitas, California.

Banner Photo: Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, California.