WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast
Health & Fitness:Medicine
Hear an inspiring journey from elite special operations flight paramedic to medical school. Our guest, Ricky Ditzel, a 160th flight paramedic, shares his unique pathway from an unstable home life to becoming a medical student. Ricky speaks about his time as a young Ranger, his path to becoming a flight paramedic, and his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discusses the responsibility that comes with his role and the importance of precision and care for pilots, crew chiefs, and special operators.
Turning challenges into opportunities, Ricky recounts his experience of building a field hospital in response to the pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of understanding anatomy for pre-hospital traumatic brain injury management and shares the difficulties of transitioning from military to medical school. Listen as Ricky discusses his nonprofit that provides support and resources for people making a similar transition and his belief in the power of networking and mentorship in reaching one's goals.
Get ready to be inspired by an incredible testament to resilience and dedication. Ricky shares his journey, struggles, and contribution to military healthcare. His message echoes the significant impact of military personnel in the healthcare industry. This episode is not just about Ricky’s journey but is an inspiring story of determination, resilience, and the will to make a difference. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Pathway to Special Operations Medicine
(0:07:42) - Military Medicine and Redemption in Early Career
(0:14:57) - Aviation and Paramedic Roles and Responsibilities
(0:26:24) - Flight Medic Procedures and Challenges
(0:33:44) - Military to Medical School
(0:45:05) - Medical School and Brain Injury Management
(0:55:53) - Supporting Special Operators in Medical School
(1:00:13) - Medical School Challenges and Military Legacy
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Pathway to Special Operations Medicine
Ricky shares his journey from JROTC to military medicine, offering advice for similar transitions.
(0:07:42) - Military Medicine and Redemption in Early Career
Ricky recounts his journey from Ranger to flight paramedic, taking control of his career and finding success.
(0:14:57) - Aviation and Paramedic Roles and Responsibilities
Ricky shares his journey from military to flight paramedic, SOCCM, Green Platoon selection, special operations aviation medical indoctrination, survival training, and the 160th's mission of serving special operators.
(0:26:24) - Flight Medic Procedures and Challenges
Ricky shares stories of responding to urgent calls, preparing for flight, providing medical treatments, and the importance of quick decisions.
(0:33:44) - Military to Medical School and COVID
Ricky transitioned from military to medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic, building a 216-bed field hospital named after Navy Seal Ryan Larkin.
(0:45:05) - Medical School and Brain Injury Management
Ricky reflects on transitioning from military to medical school, the importance of anatomy for TBI management, networking, and the Pat Tillman Foundation's aid.
(0:55:53) - Supporting Special Operators in Medical School
Ricky is helping military personnel transition to medical school with resources, cognitive assessments, MCAT support, and publication assistance.
(1:00:13) - Medical School Challenges and Military Legacy
Ricky emphasizes teamwork, leadership, integrity, and values, encouraging listeners to find a balance and new passion.
Take Home Messages:
Episode Keywords:
Military Medicine, Flight Paramedic, JROTC, Cerebral Palsy, Special Operations, Aviation, Pre-Hospital Traumatic Brain Injury, Medical School, COVID-19 Field Hospital, Networking, Mentorship, Anatomy, MCAT, Leadership Gap, Nonprofit, Military Transition
Hashtags:
#MilitaryToMedicine #Resilience #HealthcareHeroes #InspiringJourneys #FromWarzoneToMedSchool #SpecialOperations #FlightParamedic #MedicalSchool #TransitionStories #HealthcareLeadership
Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine
The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.
Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/
Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes
Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm
WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you.
WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.
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Pamela B. Andreatta, EdD, PhD - Managing Upper Extremity Vascular Injuries: Training and Readiness for Military Surgeons
MSG(R) Samuel Rodriguez- Saving Lives at the Tip of the Spear-Battlefield Care in Unconventional Warfare and Innovations in Special Operations Medicine
MAJ Joshua Anchan, MD-Critical Care in the Skies: Military Neonatal Transport Teams
POCUS in Military Medicine: Applications, Challenges, and the Future of Combat Casualty Care-COL Cristin Mount, MD, and LTC(P) Scott Grogan, DO
VADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 2 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.
VADM(Ret) Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, MBA, FACS- (Part 1 of 2) Navy Trauma Surgeon- Innovating, Influencing, and Inspiring at all Leadership Levels in Military Medicine.
RADM(Ret) Carol A. Romano, PhD, RN- Advancing Nursing Practice and Leadership in the Federal Health System and Training the Next Generation at USU.
LTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert Discusses the Joint Trauma System Drowning CPG and how to Prepare and Provide Optimal Dive Medical Care
MG(R) Richard A. Stone, MD- “Save Every Life You Can”- Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Leading the Veterans Health Administration
COL Arthur Yeager, MOT- Army Aviator, Combat Stress Expert, Occupational Therapist, Inventor, and Experienced Rehabilitation Professional
LTC(R) Matt Welder, DNP, CRNA, FAWM- Operational Medicine Expert: Optimizing Physiology in Abnormal Conditions and Applications for Military Missions
Benjamin Hall- Veteran Fox News War Correspondent Injured in Ukraine: Amazing Rescue, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Assisted by Military Medicine Expertise Across the Globe
Col (ret) David Carmack MD MBA – Air Force Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Providing Hands-on Training for Expeditionary Medicine
Col (Ret) Donald Taylor- US and in Combat Zones Healthcare- Leading the Team, Caring for High Profile Casualties, and Managing Limited Resources
MG(R) Barbara R. Holcomb- Nursing in Military Medicine and Providing the Best Possible Care in Austere Environments and at Home
Major General (Ret) Philip Volpe, DO- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Setting the Ground Rules and Starting a Mentorship Relationship
RADM Bruce L. Gillingham, MD- Keys to Developing Successful Mentorship Relationships in Military Medicine during a Career and for Life
Brigadier General (R) Richard Ursone- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Defining mentorship relationships and explaining why they are critical to mission success
VADM(Ret) C. Forrest Faison III, MD- 38th Navy Surgeon General- Providing Medical Support to Combat Operations and Humanitarian Missions Across the Globe: Defeating the Tyranny of Distance
Col (Ret) Todd E. Rasmussen, MD: Advances and Innovations in Vascular Surgery During Wartime (Part 2 of interview)
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