Dr. Kurachek grew up in Pleasantville, New York and completed his undergraduate studies in History and English at Duke University. He was the "Outstanding Pediatric Medical Student" at the University of Miami Medical School participating in migrant health programs, a free women's clinic and Big Brother's program during his training. He completed his pediatric residency in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. Dr. Kurachek subsequently completed fellowships in pediatric pulmonology and critical care at the Children's Hospital of Boston.

After medically directing Critical Care at Cook-Fort Worth Children's Hospital for two years, he came to Minneapolis to direct Critical Care at the Children's Hospital (Minneapolis) and help establish the Children's Respiratory and Critical Care organization. Dr. Kurachek participates in a variety of medical volunteer organizations as well.  Recently, Dr. Kurachek became formally trained in smoking cessation and provides one-on-one counselling for adolescents and parents.

Dr. Kurachek and his wife, Mary Burns, have three children and reside in Minnetonka.