Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOF to SOM): Ricky Ditzel

WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast

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:

1. Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges.
2. Military personnel play an impactful role in the healthcare industry.
3. Understanding anatomy is crucial for pre-hospital traumatic brain injury management.
4. Transitions from the military to medical school can be complicated but are achievable.
5. Precision and care are vital in positions such as a flight paramedic.
6. Building a field hospital during a pandemic presents unique challenges and lessons.
7. Networking and mentorship can significantly aid in transitions from military service to medical school.
8. Military medicine provides a unique perspective and skill set in medical school.
9. Nonprofits can provide crucial support for those transitioning from military to medical school.
10. Balance and clear thinking are important when dealing with high-stress environments.

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

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