Hello my fellow Firefighting and EMS Professionals

[The Hook]

To DustDevil,

Didn't quite get the angle you were coming from. Still think you were a bit harsh/bitter. Constructive criticism is one thing though a swift kick in the arsh is another. Who knows, maybe she will react positively to your reply. She had the class the write you back with intelligence and guts.

Maybe she does have what it takes?

The Hook

[emt_wolfe]

I do appreciate those who in support of me, have written back on my behalf. However, I do not wish this topic to cause conflict between other users of this forum. I am taking everyone's comments seriously though. I do agree with Mr. Dustdevil, If this is something I really want, I must dedicate myself to my choice of career paths now, if I want to be successful in achieving my goals. But, to let you know though I have already enrolled in a local university to take classes this summer, to go back and finish my biochemistry degree. I looked in the the company I work for, and they have an excellent tuition assistance program. So this will be very helpful. Oh well, I guess we will see what happens.

[ALERT Medic]

You're not causing conflict...trust me. There's just a few people who come off as being more than frank with people and it seems like it causes conflict.

Dust and Rid, I will say this, I have to agree with just a little bit of what you say. I've seen people come around ems that have plans to go on to PA or MD school and never leave the back of the truck but that's the exception not the rule. I've seen more people actually follow through on their goals than become complacent in doing ems. Either way I think wolfe got a little embarrased just for introducing herself and last I checked we were supposed to be posting here to encourage our colleagues, not make them feel like less of a person for choosing ems.

Anyway, not trying to further cause conflict here, just sticking up for someone who has dreams and goals...and for the record, I never took her comments to be complaining. Don't know where ya'll came up with that one.

[Patch]

Ridryder, I have and will certainly be using the search function here and exploring, just wanted personal opinions. Thank you for yours, I truly appreciate it.

I definitely agree that a swift kick in the right direction of focus is sometimes needed. I have always had the encouragement to follow my dreams but not the focus. If I had got a swift quick at the right time I would be a ten year veteran and not just realize how far behind I am. Focus on what you know you want to do and do it. Ignore the distractions of life and go!

[Ridryder 911]

Let's look at it this way... remember in your basic class, on that 1'st day.. when everyone was telling "what they wanted to be or why they took the course".... how many said they wanted to be a physician. As an instructor, I have always had at least 2-3 per class. In my 25+ years teaching, a couple hundred students a year, I have had about 5 that made it. These were medics, that worked the field for several (>10) years before entering medical school.

R/r 911

[emt_wolfe]

Well I have had an interesting turn of events lately. I will be starting work at a well known ambulance company in Baton Rouge on Monday. What's better is, they are going to pay for my Paramedic school. So I am happy to be getting back on a unit. It will be a far cry different from the casino, but I am ready. I have been off of the streets for a year now. It has been a good break but I am ready to go back. It looks like my plans of getting my paramedic are going to happen sooner than I thought. Oh well, just thought I would give folks an update. Have a great day!

Danielle

[Dustdevil]

Well, that's a mixed blessing. It is a very positive step towards becoming a paramedic. But it is one major nail in the coffin of your medical school dream. I hope this means you intend to give your total attention to being an EMS professional. We need you, but you need a little focus.

Congratulations on the job and the school prospect! Best of luck!

[cotjockey]

I'm not sure how becoming a paramedic will help you become a physician. Most of the classes don't apply toward pre-med, the clinical experience is very different, and if you want to go for the MD, it makes much more sense to start with the medical classes right away...paramedic school takes a lot of time and dedication, which if you truly want to be a doctor, could be better spent. (I hope the grammar police don't come after me for the run-on sentence!)

My paramedic class was full of people who said they were taking it to bring them one step closer to the RN...NONE of the medic classes applied toward the RN program.

If you truly have the goal, go for it...but, don't take baby steps that won't benefit you in the future.