Episodes
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How Hard Is EMT School, Really?
I think a lot about how difficult an EMT class should be. It’s considered an entry-level role in healthcare, but medical terminology and anatomy don’t come naturally to most people, and many students are surprised by how much the class asks of them. Some fall too far behind and throw in the…
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The Physician Who Went Back to Day One ft. Dr. Joe Kent
Most of our students sit in that classroom because they're starting out. Dr. Joe Kent sat in it while already forty-plus years into practicing medicine — as an infectious disease physician who spent the pandemic on the other side of the numbers everyone else was just reading in the news. He took...
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Meet Your Instructor: Tori Mollard
Tori M has been with CET for almost three years! Originally from California, she moved here for medical school at UIC College of Medicine. Her love of emergency medicine and longing to reconnect with the work after moving led her to find us through some mutual friends and we're grateful for the...
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Second City Actor Crushes EMT Class ft. Terrence Carey | Summer 2026 Check-In
Terrence absolutely crushed the class and was a pleasure to work with throughout the entire summer. As we wrapped the summer class, I thought it would be great to record a final boss with him as well as learn more about his background and where his future lies. Please enjoy my conversation with...
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Meet Your Instructor: Brandon S and Jaelyn H
Brandon and Jaelyn were our busiest instructors this Summer. I wanted to catch up with them over a podcast to learn more about their backgrounds and how they became BFFs. Connect with them: [email protected] [email protected] Chicago EMT Training offers EMT certification courses in Chicago…
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From Film Industry To Healthcare ft Karina T | Summer 2026 Check-In
Karina has been absolutely crushing our class and graciously agreed to record neurological scenario video. In doing so, I wanted to learn more about Karina's background, her why, and where she hopes to go in healthcare. Thanks for tuning in. Karina's Neurology scenario Chicago EMT Training offers...
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Spring 2026 Student Recap with Axel Foley
Axel and I just wrapped up two patient scenario videos for youtube and I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on his experiences in our class. He absolutely crushed every part of it. Reach out to him: [email protected] Chicago EMT Training offers EMT certification courses in...
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Meet Your Instructor: Nik Chevas
Nik joins us on the podcast to reflect on his journey throughout EMS. He is currently a FF/PM on a couple municipalities. From starting UIC EMS with us, the consistent growth, and self-awareness for burnout, we're grateful to have Nik on our team. Connect: [email protected] Chicago EMT Training...
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8. Surviving Medic School
Two of our instructors, Anna and Liam, who are newly minted paramedics give the rundown on paramedic school with two of our other instructors, Joey and Erik, who are beginning their medic school journeys. They chat about applications, finding a balance, establishing rapport with preceptors, and...
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Instructor Tips On Doing Well In Class
Vince, Sarah, David M, and David Z reflect on some common issues students have had and share what future students have access to and what they should be thinking of when entering our class. Learn more at www.chicagoemttraining.com Chicago EMT Training offers EMT certification courses in Chicago...
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Meet Your Instructor: Side Quests with Erik Polik
Erik Polik joins us on the pod to share their personal journey to what was originally medical school. He is embarking on a side quest into paramedic school in January. We also reflect on sources of fulfillment, growth as an instructor, and how our EMT class is evolving. Connect with Erik:...
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Meet Your Instructor: Tactical Medicine with FF/PM Michael Amacher
Despite not seeing this instructor too often, we value his experiences and teaching style. He had a rough beginning in life but the military and becoming an EMT gave him the path and structure to thrive. We take it all the way to the beginning, becoming a paramedic, and eventually his recent...
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7. How We Chose Our Medical Specialty [Match Day 2025]
It's Match Day! We could not be prouder of our team. Dan, Diann, and Rowanne have been working with our students since before the pandemic. They helped us pivot within the pandemic. They helped administer vaccines to the UIC community. So to see them fulfill their dreams of becoming a physician...
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6. The EMS Rabbit Hole ft. Mohammad Abuakar
Our next guest is Mohammad Abuakar. He's currently rounding out his last year of medical school! Our relationship with Moe spans 10 years and we're so lucky to be working with him as he awaits plans for residency. His experiences range from critical care paramedic on a mobile stroke unit…
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Meet Your Instructor: Russelle Alegado
Our next guest is Russ Alegado. She took our class back in 2016. It was actually our first and last 8 hour Saturday class. Since then, she's helped teach our EMT program, became a firefighter/paramedic, and landed her dream role with the Chicago Fire Department. Please enjoy our conversation with...
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5. From EMT to RN ft. Ruthie Picha
Welcome to our Christmas episode! We invited one of our instructors, Ruthie, to come on and share her perspective as an ER Nurse on the current dynamics between prehospital providers and ER staff. She has a unique perspective since she took our EMT course in 2018 and has been teaching with us…
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Meet Your Instructor: Ryan Jerger
Ryan has been an integral part of Chicago EMT Training. He stepped up multiple occasions in times when I was absent. It's been great seeing Ryan come into his own. I always knew Ryan was in the grind-mode era of his life with the three jobs and juggles. (Medex Ambulance, Event Medical Solutions,...
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Meet Your Instructor: Diego Guzman
Diego has been with us ever since he completed the course in the Summer of 2020. He is one of the last instructors that started with us at UIC. We reflect on his personal journey of deciding between MD and PA. He also goes into how to find shadowing opportunities and set yourself up for success…
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4. Reflecting on Summer 2024 and The Shortage of Paramedics
Marty and I reflect on how our Summer 2024 went as well as shared some of the pivots we're implementing as we begin our Fall 2024 program. We were recently requested for an interview on the current shortage of Paramedics so we wanted to share our thoughts here as well. Cheers....
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Meet Your Instructor: Jack McHugh
Jack shares how he fell in love with Emergency Medicine through his experiences in the military. He’s someone that truly loves the medicine aspect of Emergency Medicine. So much so that he currently prefers to remain at his single role paramedic position rather than exploring dual role...
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3. Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry ft. Dr. Amy De La Torre
As Amy was wrapping up high school, she became aware of certain programs [GPPA at UIC] within college that would maximize her experience and future. She took the EMT class her freshman year and began working with UIC EMS immediately after. She's been an active member of our group all the way...
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Meet Your Instructor: Jon Sanchez and Ruthie Picha
Jon and Ruthie hop on to share their respective journeys into healthcare. We've come a long way since their time as students in the EMT class. We could not be prouder. Grateful for the time they get to share with our students. Connect with them: [email protected] [email protected] Chicago...
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2. Wajdey Returns after PA School!
It's always a joy to have our previous instructors come back after they've completed either nursing/paramedic/medical/physician assistant school. In this case, it's been about 12 years since Marty and Wajdey has seen each other. Wajdey had some time this summer before he starts his first job as a...
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1. Where you go, I go.
We reflect on our individual and collective journeys through EMS. Although we are the founders of Chicago EMT Training, our three years wouldn't be as successful without the team that helps them deliver the content and ensure a positive learning experience for each of our students. This podcast...