Michelle Turner, MSN, CRNP

Clinical Program Director at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Speaker

Michelle M. Turner, MSN, CRNP, is a highly experienced oncology nurse practitioner with a career spanning over two decades. She began her journey in healthcare after completing her undergraduate studies in biological sciences at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. Following this, Michelle worked at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, focusing on T and B cell research for two years.

Her dedication to oncology led her to pursue further education, earning a master's degree from the Boston College School of Nursing. Michelle's professional path continued to evolve at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, where she specialized in melanoma, gastrointestinal, and thoracic malignancies. Over the years, she advanced to the position of Lead Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor of Nursing, recognized for her extensive experience in precepting NP students.

Michelle's expertise in managing side effects in oncology patients became a cornerstone of her career. She is a renowned speaker, having delivered lectures both nationally and internationally on topics such as TKI toxicities and immune-related toxicities.

In 2017, Michelle joined the Johns Hopkins University Kimmel Cancer Center Thoracic Center of Excellence as a Nurse Practitioner Manager. Here, she took on an administrative role that includes enhancing clinic operations, advancing NP staff development, and spearheading the establishment of an oncology urgent care center.

Her leadership continued to expand, and in December 2020, Michelle became the Advanced Practice Provider Manager for Johns Hopkins Solid Tumor Oncology. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in optimizing disease group functions across multiple campuses, leveraging evidence-based medical models and assuming fiscal responsibilities.

As of February 2025 Michelle became the Clinical Program Director for Advanced Practice Providers of the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Service Line. She is responsible for overseeing the integration, clinical leadership, and performance of APPs within cancer care services (inpatient and ambulatory hematology/oncology and radiation oncology). This role is instrumental in building a cohesive and sustainable workforce of APPs, guiding them in alignment with the health system's strategic goals and ensuring the achievement of high standards of patient care, safety, and quality improvement.

In addition to her clinical and research roles, Michelle is actively engaged in professional organizations. She served as the Chair of the International Association of the Study of Lung Cancer Nursing and Allied Health committee (2023-2025), where she contributed to global initiatives in oncology nursing. Furthermore, she holds the presidency of the Baltimore City Nurse Practitioner Group, facilitating networking and collaboration among healthcare professionals focused on oncology care.

Michelle M. Turner's career exemplifies dedication to improving oncology patient outcomes through clinical practice, education, research, and leadership in healthcare organizations.