DAMN Good Medics

Part 2 - Return to the Basics - Competence


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In Part Two of our conversation on competence, we shift focus from the individual provider to leadership. Lee explores how burnout, poor training, and unclear expectations often cause leaders to stall—or fail altogether. From the dangers of "flying by the seat of your pants" to the missed potential of under-supported FTOs, we ask: Are we preparing people to lead, or just promoting them?

We dig into the real gaps—between expectation and education, between promotion and preparation—and ask what it really means to be competent in leadership roles.

Topics Covered:
  • The role of burnout and fatigue in stalling leadership development

  • How interpersonal strain within agencies erodes leadership capacity

  • Why many leaders are promoted without meaningful training

  • The difference between expectations and preparation

  • Are provider training programs actually building proficiency—or just checking boxes?

  • Why FTOs (Field Training Officers) may be the best-suited candidates for field supervisor roles

  • How to identify knowledge gaps before they turn into leadership failures

  • The case for supporting FTOs and training program directors

  • Rethinking promotion criteria: Are we promoting too soon, too often, or at the wrong level?

  • The core message: Competence is more than meeting the minimum.

🎧 Listen to Part One if you haven't already, and stay tuned for future episodes as we keep unpacking what it takes to lead with integrity and skill in EMS.

📲 Share this episode with a colleague or supervisor—it might start a conversation worth having.

Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic

Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225

Ironed Out Media:

www.IronedOutMedia.com

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DAMN Good MedicsBy Mark Norris