David K. Turok
( out of 21 reviews )

David K. Turok, MD, MPH, FACOG

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Clinical Locations

Pregnancy Care / Obstetrics

Women's Health, Area E
Salt Lake City
801-213-2995

  • As a women's health care specialist, Dr. David Turok sees patients for family planning and contraception care. His clinical interests include a wide range of family planning methods, ensuring comprehensive contraceptive care, and tailored women's health strategies.

    Dr. Turok received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Middlebury College and then earned a dual degree in Medicine and Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family & Community Medicine at Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, followed by additional residency training in OB/GYN at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Turok completed a fellowship in Family Practice and Obstetrics at the University of Utah as well.

    In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Turok is actively involved in teaching and mentorship within the University of Utah’s academic community. He holds an adjunct position in the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine.

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Family Medicine
    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

    Patient Rating

    4.9 /5
    ( out of 21 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    February 20, 2025
    UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

    Dr. Turok helped me through a difficult second miscarriage. Although not my primary provider for the pregnancy, he treated me like a respected and valued patient. Our appointment was devastating, but he brought me comfort and hope that I still lean on today.

    February 13, 2025
    UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

    I met with Dr. Turok on the worst day of my life. He and his student were very kind, and it made the situation much more tolerable. I am very grateful they were there.

    December 20, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    One of the greatest providers I have ever had. Listened to me, understood my feels and was sympathetic and provided reassurance and support

    October 13, 2024
    UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

    Muy amable, cortes y profecional

    September 16, 2024
    UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

    Very nice

    April 11, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Great Dr! Very knowledgeable and helped me set proper expectations about my pregnancy and possibility of miscarriage. Asked me about my feelings and comfort level during the appt and made me feel very positive about his respect for me as a patient and my decisions and autonomy.

    February 01, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Dr. Turok was incredibly professional and knowledgable.

    October 05, 2023
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    He was amazing! So kind and patient and helpful. He had to give us devastating news but was so compassionate and sensitive doing so. He made a horrible moment of my life a little easier with his gentle and kind approach. I'm forever grateful he was my doctor that day.

    August 18, 2023
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Dr. Turok was very respectful and kind. He made sure I felt comfortable and understood what needed to happen during my appointment. He helped reassure me while calmly explaining potential outcomes of this appointment. He answered all my questions and made sure I understood everything he was seeing during the ultrasound I received.

    See More Patient Comments

  • As a women's health care specialist, Dr. David Turok sees patients for family planning and contraception care. His clinical interests include a wide range of family planning methods, ensuring comprehensive contraceptive care, and tailored women's health strategies.

    Dr. Turok received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Middlebury College and then earned a dual degree in Medicine and Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family & Community Medicine at Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, followed by additional residency training in OB/GYN at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Turok completed a fellowship in Family Practice and Obstetrics at the University of Utah as well.

    In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Turok is actively involved in teaching and mentorship within the University of Utah’s academic community. He holds an adjunct position in the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Obstetrics & Gynecology -Professor
    Family & Preventive Medicine -Adjunct Associate Professor
    Molecular Pharmaceutics -Adjunct Professor
    Board Certification
    American Board of Family Medicine
    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

    Education history

    Residency OB/GYN - University of Utah School of Medicine Resident
    Fellowship Family Practice and Obstetrics - University of Utah School of Medicine Fellow
    Residency Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island Resident
    Internship Family & Community Medicine - Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island Intern
    Professional Medical Medicine and Public Health - Tufts University School of Medicine M.D., M.P.H.
    Undergraduate Environmental Earth Sciences - Middlebury College B.A.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Higgins JA, Kramer R, Senderowicz L, Everett B, Turok DK, Sanders JN (2022). Sex, poverty, and public health: Connections between sexual wellbeing and economic resources among US reproductive health clients. Perspect Sex Reprod Health, 54(1), 25-28. (Read full article)
    2. Thorman A, Engle A, Brintz B, Simmons RG, Sanders JN, Gawron LM, Turok DK, Kaiser JE (2022). Quantitative and qualitative impact of One Key Question on primary care providers' contraceptive counseling at routine preventive health visits. Contraception, 109, 73-79. (Read full article)
    3. Sanders JN, Kean J, Zhang C, Presson AP, Everett BG, Turok DK, Higgins JA (2022). Measuring the Sexual Acceptability of Contraception: Psychometric Examination and Development of a Valid and Reliable Prospective Instrument. J Sex Med, 19(3), 507-520. (Read full article)
    4. Kaiser JE, Galindo E, Sanders JN, Simmons RG, Gawron LM, Herrick JS, Brintz B, Turok DK (2021). Determining the impact of the Zika pandemic on primary care providers' contraceptive counseling of non-pregnant patients in the US: a mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res, 21(1), 1215. (Read full article)
    5. Kramer RD, Higgins JA, Everett B, Turok DK, Sanders JN (2021). A prospective analysis of the relationship between sexual acceptability and contraceptive satisfaction over time. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 226(3), 396.e1-396.e11. (Read full article)
    6. Walhof KA, Gawron LM, Turok DK, Sanders JN (2021). Long-Term Failure Rates of Interval Filshie Clips As a Method of Permanent Contraception. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle), 2(1), 279-284. (Read full article)
    7. Myers K, Sanders JN, Dalessandro C, Sexsmith CD, Geist C, Turok DK (2021). The HER Salt Lake media campaign: comparing characteristics and outcomes of clients who make appointments online versus standard scheduling. BMC Womens Health, 21(1), 121. (Read full article)
    8. Higgins JA, Kramer RD, Wright KQ, Everett B, Turok DK, Sanders JN (2021). Sexual Functioning, Satisfaction, and Well-Being Among Contraceptive Users: A Three-Month Assessment From the HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative. J Sex Res, 1-10. (Read full article)
    9. Turok DK, Gero A, Simmons RG, Kaiser JE, Stoddard GJ, Sexsmith CD, Gawron LM, Sanders JN (2021). Levonorgestrel vs. Copper Intrauterine Devices for Emergency Contraception. N Engl J Med, 384(4), 335-344. (Read full article)
    10. Simmons RG, Myers K, Gero A, Sanders JN, Quade C, Mullholand M, Turok DK (2020). Evaluating a Longitudinal Cohort of Clinics Engaging in the Family Planning Elevated Contraceptive Access Program: Study Protocol for a Comparative Interrupted Time Series Analysis. JMIR Res Protoc, 9(10), e18308. (Read full article)
    11. Disney EA, Sanders JN, Turok DK, Gawron LM (2020). Preconception Counseling, Contraceptive Counseling, and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Use in Women with Type I Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle), 1(1), 334-340. (Read full article)
    12. Chen MJ, Creinin MD, Turok DK, Archer DF, Barnhart KT, Westhoff CL, Thomas MA, Jensen JT, Variano B, Sitruk-Ware R, Shanker A, Long J, Blithe DL (2020). Dose-finding study of a 90-day contraceptive vaginal ring releasing estradiol and segesterone acetate. Contraception, 102(3), 168-173. (Read full article)
    13. Chen BA, Eisenberg DL, Schreiber CA, Turok DK, Olariu AI, Creinin MD (2019). Bleeding changes after levonorgestrel 52-mg intrauterine system insertion for contraception in women with self-reported heavy menstrual bleeding. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 222(4S), S888.e1-S888.e6. (Read full article)
    14. Turok DK, Nelson AL, Dart C, Schreiber CA, Peters K, Schreifels MJ, Katz B (2020). Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of a New Low-Dose Copper and Nitinol Intrauterine Device: Phase 2 Data to 36 Months. Obstet Gynecol, 135(4), 840-847. (Read full article)
    15. Gawron LM, Sanders JN, Sward K, Poursaid AE, Simmons R, Turok DK (2019). Multi-morbidity and Highly Effective Contraception in Reproductive-Age Women in the US Intermountain West: a Retrospective Cohort Study. J Gen Intern Med, 35(3), 637-642. (Read full article)
    16. Gawron LM, Simmons RG, Sanders JN, Myers K, Gundlapalli AV, Turok DK (2019). The effect of a no-cost contraceptive initiative on method selection by women with housing insecurity. Contraception, 101(3), 205-209. (Read full article)
    17. Royer PA, Olson LM, Jackson B, Weber LS, Gawron L, Sanders JN, Turok DK (2019). "In Africa, There Was No Family Planning. Every Year You Just Give Birth": Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Somali and Congolese Refugee Women After Resettlement to the United States. Qual Health Res, 30(3), 391-408. (Read full article)
    18. Everett BG, Myers K, Sanders JN, Turok DK (2019). Male Abortion Beneficiaries: Exploring the Long-Term Educational and Economic Associations of Abortion Among Men Who Report Teen Pregnancy. J Adolesc Health, 65(4), 520-526. (Read full article)
    19. Thompson I, Sanders JN, Schwarz EB, Boraas C, Turok DK (2019). Copper intrauterine device placement 6-14 days after unprotected sex. Contraception, 100(3), 219-221. (Read full article)
    20. Campbell AD, Turok DK, White K (2019). Fertility Intentions and Perspectives on Contraceptive Involvement Among Low-Income Men Aged 25 to 55. Perspect Sex Reprod Health, 51(3), 125-133. (Read full article)
    21. Gawron LM, Pettey WBP, Redd AM, Suo Y, Turok DK, Gundlapalli AV (2019). Distance Matters: Geographic barriers to long acting reversible and permanent contraception for homeless women Veterans. J Soc Distress Homeless, 28(2), 139-148. (Read full article)
    22. Betstadt SJ, Turok DK, Kapp N, Feng KT, Borgatta L (2011). Intrauterine device insertion after medical abortion. Contraception, 83(6), 517-21. (Read full article)
    23. Gurtcheff SE, Turok DK, Stoddard G, Murphy PA, Gibson M, Jones KP (2011). Lactogenesis after early postpartum use of the contraceptive implant: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol, 117(5), 1114-21. (Read full article)
    24. Turok DK, Espey E, Edelman AB, Lotke PS, Lathrop EH, Teal SB, Jacobson JC, Simonsen SE, Schulz KF (2011). The methodology for developing a prospective meta-analysis in the family planning community. Trials, 12, 104. (Read full article)
    25. Jacobson JC, Simonsen SE, Ward KM, Havlicak AL, Turok DK (2011). A Survey of Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use among University of Utah Undergraduate Students Aged 18-20.
    26. Turok DK, Gurtcheff SE, Handley E, Simonsen SE, Sok C, Murphy P (2010). A pilot study of the Copper T380A IUD and oral levonorgestrel for emergency contraception. Contraception, 82(6), 520-5. (Read full article)
    27. Turok DK, Gurtcheff SE, Gibson K, Handley E, Simonsen S, Murphy PA (2010). Operative management of intrauterine device complications: a case series report. Contraception, 82(4), 354-7. (Read full article)
    28. Turok DK, Simonsen SE, Schulz K (2010). Misoprostol for cervical priming prior to IUD insertion in nulliparous women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, (1).
    29. Warren JE, Turok DK, Maxwell TM, Brothman AR, Silver RM (2010). Array comparative genomic hybridization for genetic evaluation of fetal loss between 10 and 20 weeks of gestation. Obstet Gynecol, 114(5), 1093-102. (Read full article)
    30. Turok DK, Simonsen SE, Marshall N (2009). Trends in levonorgestrel emergency contraception use, births, and abortions: the Utah experience. Medscape J Med, 11(1), 30. (Read full article)
    31. Warren JE, Turok DK, Maxwell TM, Brothman AR, Silver RM (2009). Array comparative genomic hybridization for genetic evaluation of fetal loss between 10 and 20 weeks of gestation. Obstet Gynecol, 114(5), 1093-102.
    32. Turok DK, Gurtcheff SE, Esplin MS, Shah M, Simonsen SE, Trauscht-Van Horn J, Silver RM (2008). Second trimester termination of pregnancy: a review by site and procedure type. Contraception, 77(3), 155-61. (Read full article)
    33. Romero I, Turok D, Gilliam M (2008). A randomized trial of tramadol versus ibuprofen as an adjunct to pain control during vacuum aspiration abortion. Contraception, 77(1), 56-9. (Read full article)

    Review

    1. Shih G, Turok DK, Parker WJ (2011). Vasectomy: the other (better) form of sterilization. [Review]. Contraception, 83(4), 310-5. (Read full article)
    2. Deutchman M, Tubay AT, Turok D (2009). First trimester bleeding. [Review]. Am Fam Physician, 79(11), 985-94. (Read full article)
    3. Turok D (2007). The quest for better contraception: future methods. [Review]. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 34(1), 137-66, x. (Read full article)
    4. Turok DK, Ratcliffe SD, Baxley EG (2003). Management of gestational diabetes mellitus. [Review]. Am Fam Physician, 68(9), 1767-72. (Read full article)

    Book Chapter

    1. Turok DK (2008). Chapter 6, Section C: Management of Miscarriage. In Ratcliffe S (Ed.), In Family Practice Obstetrics (3rd Edition, pp. 144-50). Philadelphia: Mosby.
    2. Turok DK, Schultz TR (2008). Chapter 8, Section I: Complications of Pregnancy, Endocrine Conditions. In Ratcliffe S (Ed.), In Family Practive Obstetrics (3rd Edition, pp. 243-54). Philadelphia: Mosby.
    3. Beukema R, Raiche M, Turok DK (2008). Chapter 7, Section A: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. In Ratcliffe S (Ed.), In Family Practice Obstetrics (3rd Edition, pp. 151-61). Philadelphia: Mosby.
    4. Mata JM, Turok DK (2008). Chapter 16, Section F: Intrapartum Complications, Retained Placenta. In Ratcliffe S (Ed.), In Family Practice Obstetrics (3rd Edition, pp. 488-91). Philadelphia: Mosby.
    5. Turok DK, Van Horn JT (2004). Obstetrics and Gynecology. In Haas LJ (Ed.), Primary Care Psychology (pp. 87-94). Oxford University Press.
    6. Turok DK (2001). Diabetes in Pregnancy. In Radcliffe S (Ed.), Family Practice Obstetrics. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams, & Wilkins.

    Editorial

    1. Nguyen BT, Shih G, Turok DK (2014). Putting the man in contraceptive mandate. Contraception, 89(1), 3-5. (Read full article)
    2. Shields WC, Cohen EL, Turok D (2011). Bringing it home: our imperative to translate reproductive health research into real practice change. Contraception, 84(1), 1-3. (Read full article)
    3. Turok DK, Shih G, Parker WJ (2011). Reversing the United States sterilization paradox by increasing vasectomy utilization. Contraception, 83(4), 289-90. (Read full article)

    Letter

    1. Gawron LM, Gero A, Kushner KL, Turok DK, Sanders JN (2019). Unprotected intercourse in the 2 weeks prior to quick-start initiation of an etonogestrel contraceptive implant with and without use of oral emergency contraception. [Letter to the editor]. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 222(4S), S891-S892. (Read full article)

    Abstract

    1. Flores MES, Turok DK, Jacobson JC (2012). Differences in birth control use and unintended pregnancy among Latina and white populations giving birth in Utah, 2004–2007. [Abstract]. Reproductive Health 2011. Las Vegas, NV, September 16, 2011. Contraception Journal, 85(3), 321.
    2. Jacobson JC, Maurer KA, Turok DK, Murphy P (2012). Patient Travel Time and Distance for Second Trimester Dilation and Evacuation in the Intermountain West [Abstract]. Reproductive Health 2011. Las Vegas, NV, September 16, 2011. Contraception Journal, 85(3), 323.
    3. Swenson C, Jacobson JC, Mitchell J, Turok DK (2012). LNG IUD removals when the strings are not present: a case series. [Abstract]. Reproductive Health 2011. Las Vegas, NV, September 16, 2011, 85(3), 328.
    4. Jacobson JC, Murphy P, Turok DK (2012). Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence in Women choosing the Copper T380A IUD for Emergency Contraception [Abstract]. Reproductive Health 2011. Las Vegas, NV, September 16, 2011. Contraception Journal, 85(3), 223.
    5. Turok DK, Jacobson JC, Gurtcheff SE, Flores M (2011). Pregnancy Intendedness and Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Presenting For Intrauterine Device or Oral Levonorgestrel as Emergency Contraception [Abstract]. Contraception, 84(3), 332-3.
    6. Jacobson J, Maurer K, Turok DK (2011). Same-day cervical preparation with misoprostol prior to second-trimester D&E: a case series. [Abstract]. Contraception Journal, 84(3), 310.
    7. Dermish A, Turok DK, Jacobson JC, Burke K, Flores M (2011). Failed Iud Insertions In Nulliparous And Parous Women [Abstract]. Contraception, 84(3), 332.
    8. Swenson C, Turok DK, Ward K, Jacobson JC (2011). Misoprostol vs. Placebo Prior to IUD Insertion in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial; also presented as a poster at the North American Forum on Family Planning, Washington, DC, October 23, 2011 [Abstract]. Contraception Journal, 84(3), 307.
    9. Turok DK, Jacobson JC, Simonsen SE, Gurtcheff SE, Trauscht-Van Horn J, Murphy PA (2011). The Copper T380a Iud Vs. Oral Levonorgestrel For Emergency Contraception: A Prospective Observational Study [Abstract]. Contraception, 84(3), 321-2.
    10. Pawasarat J, Gibson K, Jacobson JC, Turok DK (2010). IUD Removals in Emergency Department Settings [Abstract]. Reproductive Health 2010 Atlanta, GA.
    11. Gammon L, Simonsen SE, Handley E, Gurtcheff S, Turok DK (2009). U USE IT (University Undergraduates' Sexual Education—Investigating Teachings survey) to evaluate students' perceptions of virginity. [Abstract]. Contraception Journal, 80(2), 222.

    Newspaper

    1. Turok DK, Jones K (2012). Compassion, Contraception, and Abortion. Salt Lake Tribune; Available at: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53609137-82/abortion-women-contraception-effective.html.csp.

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