Posted on Jun 13, 2017
SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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SGT Flight Medic
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My best advice is to study and learn everything you can. When it comes to the medical field your knowledge and competence is what sets you apart.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Pretty sure Senior medics are an E5 slot, or at least it was when I was an E4 Senior medic.
The best way to be taken seriously is to know your craft inside and out as if you are a higher rank. Speak with the confidence of someone who knows what they're talking about and people will listen. If you don't have it already, start expanding your skill set with EMT-I, EMT-P, EMT-I, PHTLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.
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SPC Team Leader
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I agree SFC (Join to see) . The best way gain credibility in your unit is to be the absolute best you can in your craft. It also helps to have a wide array of interdisciplinary skills for example in combat arms it is nice to know TCCC, Commo, Fires Control, Demolitions, etc.

I'm not a medic so I can't speak super intelligently about your field.
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MSG Brad Sand
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Act more seriously. IF you are the senior medic be the senior medic. Soon enough...in the bigger picture...if you are the senior medic your rank will come in line.
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SPC (Join to see)
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I realized that as I put on the new rank, and took the position, I get no satisfaction or have fun with "goofing off" as I did when I was just another private. Actually getting put into a leadership position has changed my attitude and sense of direction. So I appreciate that. And I've proven my worth to my platoon by actually being able to explain not just what to do, but why for certain things. Appreciate the advice MSG.
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MSG Brad Sand
MSG Brad Sand
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SPC (Join to see) -
Anytime and happy to do it. If I can ever be of additional help, do not hesitate to ask.
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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MSG Brad Sand - Roger that. Have a nice rest of your day MSG
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What advice do have on being taken more seriously as an E-4 senior medic within a battalion where senior medics are E-6?
SSG Editor At Large
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The short answer is to be capable and execute your mission. Your capability as a medic has little to do with the rank you wear. Your demonstrated capabilities will be what makes people take you seriously. Keep your motivation high, but don't confuse enthusiasm with capability. Seek every opportunity to train your junior medics. Work with your leadership to integrate casualties into every drill and exercise. Assign homework and self-study. Make sure your medics are squared away in their personal and professional lives through solid counseling. And while you are leading and developing others, you must also develop yourself. As the senior medic, you may not have the kind of direct mentorship you'd want. Seek out senior medics in other organizations and ask them for advice. Take time to pursue education when you can. I recommend starting some of the medical courses on ALMS such as the SOCM Prep Course and the 18D Prep Course (you can sign up through the ATRRS Self-Development Center). Once the ECM program launches, put in your packet as soon as you can. In the meanwhile, live your NCO creed and remember that the mission comes first, then your Soldiers, then your own needs.
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SPC (Join to see)
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Thanks Sergeant. I will look into some of the stuff listed above and have conversations with other senior medics. I know previous medics had offered to teach sutures but none held up so I did that. And have already Earned respect from those higher in this company.
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SSG Editor At Large
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SPC (Join to see) - Remember that the basics are what save lives. Don't worry too much about sutures until you've mastered the basics of battlefield care. The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC), run by the Joint Trauma System (JTS), publishes the TCCC standards online at http://cotccc.org. TCCC is the system that the Ranger Regiment used to bring its preventable death rate down to 0%. If you'd like more information, please feel free to send me a message.
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SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Be the subject matter expert.
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MSG Mark Million
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Just do you job well and give sound advice. Those who need your care will recognize your abilities and treat you in accordance to how you present yourself. If you appear confident and competent, you will quickly garner the respect you earn for yourself. Being a good medic isn't just about knowledge, it's about knowing people, knowing when something is wrong beyond the obvious and knowing how to fix problems or where and when to send those with problems for further care. Normally I would expect at some point a recommendation for CPL Stripes, though some commands are less inclined than others to issue those stripes. SGT will come soon enough, just work on getting correspondence course done and take some college courses if you can. Distinguish yourself from your peers. All of these things will earn you respect and cause you to be taken more seriously.
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SPC (Join to see)
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I was discussing the idea of getting CPL and what I'd need to do to get that, and what I'm tracking is I'd need to go before a board and go to BLC still. Is this accurate MSG?
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MSG Mark Million
MSG Mark Million
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It's been a few years since I was on active duty, but I believe you would need BLC, and likely the promotion board to give you your P. Those should will likely be a priority for your command due to the position that they have you in.
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SFC Transfer Specialist / Precert Nurse
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Learn as much as you can from your provider. So that you will be the best resource for your Command to come to you when there is a medical issue. This is not just a Band-Aid but readiness, and issues with malingering and profile rangers. Not that they haven't been doing this for a few days but those issues do come up. Education wise start working on Paramedic if that is your goal or nursing, RN. Those areas will also give you a leg up.
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SFC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Be professional and know your stuff. If you don't know, don't pretend that you do.
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SGT Victoria Belbusti
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I was in that same boat and I have a buddy who joined who had years of experience. Sometimes they just do not see you for anything but your rank. Continue to learn and expand your skills and don't back down.
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SGT Flight Medic
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I had the issue of joining with more experience. I had been an EMT I on the civilian side for a couple years before I joined. It got to the point that during some of our tables they SNCOs would refer back to me with a year in the Army. I just made sure to demonstrate my knowledge, proficiency, and professionalism at all times. However, I did have a lot to learn about the Army stuff if that makes sense. I think one of the best compliments I ever got was "I keep forgetting you've only been in for a year." If you carry yourself with confidence and do the right thing you tend to earn the respect of others.
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SGT Victoria Belbusti
SGT Victoria Belbusti
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I do agree, but in a toxic environment they see you as competition only.
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SSgt Bruce McClelland
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Yep, get promoted to E-6, or even E-7. ;-)
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SPC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SPC (Join to see)
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I have to wait on time in service for that sergeant! Haha
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