In the thirty-ninth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Anna Maguire Johnston, an EMT and paramedic student whose path into healthcare was shaped by personal experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to service.

Anna’s journey began in 2019, when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved in with her family. As a caregiver, Anna witnessed firsthand the physical, emotional, and human side of healthcare. Caring for her grandmother during that time sparked her desire to serve others in their most vulnerable moments and ultimately led her to pursue a career in emergency medical services.

We talk about what motivates Anna to keep going through the challenges of EMS training and patient care. For her, every difficult moment is grounded in purpose—knowing that the effort, exhaustion, and persistence are all in service of helping someone when they need it most.

Anna is especially passionate about EMS and the vital role it plays in the healthcare system. She speaks with pride about the field she works in and the responsibility that comes with being on the front lines of emergency care. EMS, for Anna, represents trust, urgency, and compassion in action.

She also reflects on one of her proudest accomplishments: learning how to recover from failure and continue forward. Persisting through setbacks and pulling herself out of hard moments has shaped her strength, grit, and perspective—qualities that continue to guide her both personally and professionally.

Anna’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful healthcare journeys begin at home—and that resilience, purpose, and service can turn adversity into a calling.