After nearly 20 years of dedicated care, Penobscot Valley Hospital bids a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Paul Turnquist, MD, who retired from his role in the Emergency Department in May. Since joining PVH in 2005, Dr. Turnquist has been more than a skilled emergency physician—he’s been a steady, compassionate presence in a place where lives can change in a heartbeat.
“The Emergency Department is a place where the weight of decisions is heavy,” said Melissa Pelkey, CEO of Penobscot Valley Hospital. “For two decades, Dr. Turnquist has carried that weight with grace, skill, and quiet strength. He’s shown up for his patients, his colleagues, and this community with a consistency that is rare and deeply valued.”
Known for his calm under pressure, respectful demeanor, and genuine kindness, Dr. Turnquist earned the trust of all who worked alongside him and the gratitude of the patients he served. His medical knowledge and sound judgment guided countless decisions in moments of crisis, while his compassion made those moments a little easier for patients and families alike.
Beyond the Emergency Department, Dr. Turnquist also contributed through his work in the Flight Physical Clinic, helping ensure the health and safety of those in aviation. Credentialed in both hospital and family medicine, his broad expertise made him an invaluable member of the PVH medical team.
“In a profession where burnout is common, Dr. Turnquist has always led by quiet example—showing that it’s possible to be both clinically excellent and deeply human,” said Pelkey. “Even in my short time as CEO, I always knew I could count on him—and that’s something I’ve deeply appreciated.”
As he steps away from the hospital and into a well-deserved retirement, we hope this next chapter brings the same kind of purpose and fulfillment that he brought to his medical career—whether it’s spending more time with loved ones, building airplanes, or simply enjoying a slower pace.
Dr. Turnquist, thank you—for the years, the wisdom, the quiet leadership, and the profound impact you’ve made at PVH and beyond. Your legacy is not just in the shifts you’ve worked or the charts you’ve signed, but in the lives you’ve touched and the respect you’ve earned. You will be missed—and always remembered.
Congratulations on your retirement, and we say a heartfelt thank you as you fly off.