What makes combat medics stand out?

A word to the wise. Avoid reunions. I went to one for The Geodetic Survey Squadron that I was once a part of. After I was there, I wondered who the hell all the old folks were, before I realized that I was also one of em. That was the last reunion I attended.

There is a special bond between Grunts and their medic. A "Doc" that takes care of his patients, is awesome. I am walking today because of a Combat Medic. I have a family, and have a great life because a "Doc" knew what he was doing. Greater love is never found than between a Grunt and Doc.
You want to be a Great Doc, then take care of those under your care. Sometimes, Doc has to say No, suck it up, but sometimes Doc has to say, Hey, this guy is really hurt. Know the difference and don;t be afraid to do the right thing, always.

Other than earning the EFMB, what also sets a medic apart from their peers is the constant need to grow medical knowledge, proper use of said knowledge and always ALWAYS checking on the troops you are medically responsible for. What I mean by this, is that if you are assigned to a Line unit (be it Artillery, Infantry, Engineers), and there is a pause in movement from them, you still move IOT constantly check on their medical welfare; checking water consumption, looking at/for blisters.....and perhaps the occasional IV infused at 2300 when folks are banging on your barracks door (interrupting you and your gf engaging in "activities") because someone drank way too much and needs help, and you go help them (yes, this happened to me).

I will give you my opinion and some information I wish I had when I was lower enlisted. Im a 15 year 68W, the last 8 have been as a Flight Paramedic (F2).

The answer starts with who do you want to stand out to? If the answer is your peers, advance your understanding and medical knowledge. AIT will teach you the basics of Army Medicine. Try to obtain additional certifications such as ALS, PALS, and attend courses like DECM. Once you expand your base knowledge (crawl), become an instructor in those courses and master your understanding (walk), and at some point seek higher echelons of medical licensing like Paramedic (F2, W1, W2), Nursing, or Physician Assistant (IPAP). Now, if the answer is you want to stand out to your leadership, then focus on operationalizing your medical knowledge. You can put on a tourniquet but do you understand your role of care and how that fits within the battlefield or your Unit's METL? Learn the warfighting doctrine for your formation, become familiar with supply and maintenance for your medical inventory, and become the subject matter expert in your medical AO. You should aim to couple technical knowledge over your peers with tactical knowledge and be a well rounded medic. Put effort into refining your personality so you can communicate effectively in both oral and written formats and have a positive demeanor so you are viewed favorably by the people you interact with (this takes lots of work). Finally, if your goal is to impress the board, do all of the above and focus on showing growth and diversity. You are a medic but go to airborne or air assault if you can. You have skills badges, go to courses that make you a more versatile tool like CFDIC (instructor) or broadening assignments. Once you have hit SSG, go to Battlestaff. Build your leadership resume by holding Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant time. Once you have done these, show that you can operate AND plan by getting involved in the MEDOPS positions or work in BN S3. GET A CIVILIAN EDUCATION, if you look in ACT you will see only 17% of E7 and below for 68W have an associates degree. Get your EFMB. At 15 years, try to be nominated for the Order of Military Medical Merit.

Build a history of being a high quality person, have technical mastery, tactical proficiency, and build a diverse portfolio so you stand out to the Army and always seek growth. Good luck to you, brother!

I was initially a combat medic when I joined; back in those days it was 91A!
I was a civilian paramedic before I joined, so that was a huge advantage at the medic course at Sam Houston.
I would say get some basic EMT books and study them. Read everything you can get your hands on, maybe take a CPR and first aid/first responder class. The more you know going in the better off you will be. While you are there, have fun, but study, be prepared.

Attitude, Competence, Courage, Determination and Focus combined with sharp intellect, physical and mental stamina, and a team player - make for a world class Combat Medic. I knew a few but only a scant few!!! MSG SKip Pettit, 91B (Combat Medic)