Cultivating EMS educators: The role of mentorship

Discover how mentorship helps EMS educators thrive, with expert insights from Jonathan Jenkins and surprise guest Mike Taigman

February 17, 2025 01:07 PM •

Heads with colorful cubes as symbol of mentoring and psychotherapy.

In this episode of the EMS Educator Podcast, we dive into the intersecting worlds of EMS education and mentorship with guest Jonathan Jenkins, a seasoned EMS educator.

As a surprise, we’re also joined by Mike Taigman, a renowned expert in EMS and healthcare improvement and mentor to many. Together, they explore the critical role of mentorship in developing new EMS educators, sharing insights, personal stories and practical advice.

Whether you’re an aspiring EMS educator or a seasoned professional, tune in for this conversation on the power of mentorship for EMS educators.

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The EMS Educator Podcast

Prodigy EMS brings you EMS education reimagined. Join us for relevant, high-quality discussions around the best practices in EMS education. You’ll find interviews with experts in EMS, education, medical direction, leadership, and more. Earn CAPCE credit at www.prodigyems.com and explore our library of courses. Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube and IG.

Hilary Gates, MAEd, NRP, is the director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS and is a consultant for 410 Medical, Inc. She is a volunteer paramedic in the Alexandria (VA) Fire Department and teaches in the School of Education at American University in Washington, D.C., and in the Emergency Medicine program at University of Pittsburgh. Beginning her career as a volunteer EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Montgomery County, Md., Gates became a full-time paramedic, EMT instructor and FTO at AFD, and then served as senior editorial and program director for EMS World. Gates implemented AFD’s MIH/CP program in 2017 and has extensive experience as an EMS educator, symposium presenter, and quality improvement trainer.

Rob Lawrence has been a leader in civilian and military EMS for over a quarter of a century. Currently, he works on both coasts in part-time roles as director of strategic implementation of PRO EMS Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as executive director of the California Ambulance Association. Rob is also the principal of Robert Lawrence Consulting. He previously served as the chief operating officer of Paramedics Plus in Alameda County, California, and COO of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (Virginia), which won both state and national EMS Agency of the Year awards during his 10-year tenure. Rob also writes and podcasts at EMS1, is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board, and co-hosts the popular FirstWatch “Conversations that Matters” web series. Rob is a former board member of the American Ambulance Association and currently serves as chair of its Communications Committee and as a member of the media rapid response task force, providing media response to national industry-related news inquiries.