While educators know the importance of pathophysiology in EMS education, teaching it logically and practically is a significant challenge. The need for pathophysiology begins in EMT class as a vital foundation—and continues throughout all certifications. In this episode, EMS author and professor Joe Mistovich helps break down the barriers to teaching pathophysiology. From content to concepts, this will help you teach pathophysiology effectively and understandably.

Joseph Mistovich, Professor Emeritus, retired as the Chairperson of the Department of Health Professions and as a Professor at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio after 35 years of service on the faculty. His first 11 years he served as the EMS Program Director before becoming Chairperson of the Department. During his tenure as Chairperson, he continued to teach EMS courses every semester until his retirement. He frequently teaches EMS education courses at the EMR, EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic levels and continues to speak at EMS conferences. He also continues to serve on professional boards and committees related to emergency medical services. While at Youngstown State University, he was the recipient of the Watson Award, Chairperson Leadership Award, and two Distinguished Professorship Awards in Teaching, a Distinguished Professorship Award in Research and Scholarship, and the first recipient of the Distinguished Chairperson Award for Excellence in Scholarship awarded for excellence in scholarship while serving as chairperson of a department. He received a Master of Education degree from Kent State University, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree in Allied Health and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services from Youngstown State University. He has authored fifteen EMS textbooks and more than fifty EMS journal articles. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), which is the national accrediting committee for EMS programs, for more than eighteen years. He has also served on numerous National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) committees related to Department of Transportation national curriculum revision and was one of eight group leaders that developed the National EMS Education Standards. He served on many National Registry of EMTs projects where he continues to assist with special projects