The Actual Paramedic to Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Story

When I reviewed last week’s blog post, I realized the title was a little misleading. It had the potential to truly tell the story of my transition from paramedic to osteopathic manual practitioner, but I didn’t give much detail about my actual journey. So, in this post, I’ll share more about how I got here.

I’ve been a paramedic since 2009, recently passing the 16-year mark in this career. It has been an eventful journey to say the least. I initially chose this path because of a genuine desire to help people. I know that sounds cliché, but it was a major factor in my decision-making. Of course, the adrenaline rush of driving an ambulance with lights and sirens may have been part of it…

Being a frontline emergency responder has been equal parts

fulfilling, challenging, exciting, and frustrating. Yet there’s a side of the profession that few can truly fathom. Heartbreaking is the one word I’d use to describe some of the challenges we encounter daily. The work is often chaotic, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. Over time, I realized I wanted to find peace — not only for myself, but also to create a more peaceful environment for the patients I serve. About five years ago, I began to realize I might be due for a change. I wasn’t the same person I was when I first set out on my EMS career—some changes were positive, others less so. Working through the Covid-19 pandemic was especially difficult, though I suppose the lighter traffic was one small silver lining.

I started exploring my options, going down many rabbit holes in search of the right fit. Eventually, I found my way to osteopathy. A couple of colleagues had already made the leap to osteopathic manual practice, so I reached out to hear their thoughts. They spoke highly of the profession, its philosophy, and the impact it could have on patient-centered treatment.

Flash forward to my first day back at school at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO). I’ll share more about the CAO in a future post, but I vividly remember that first day. Being in my mid-30s and starting a whole new educational journey was overwhelming, yet I felt an optimism I hadn’t experienced in years. I thought I had a reasonable understanding of osteopathic treatment, but quickly realized there was a vast amount of philosophy and methodology to learn.

Thankfully, my years as a paramedic gave me valuable skills that eased the transition into osteopathy: clinical decision-making, working well under pressure, and effective communication. Alongside these, I have integrated principles of compassionate care into my practice, ensuring that my emergency medicine background is balanced with a holistic, patient-centered approach.

The journey has been far from easy, but my passion for helping others live and feel their best has been constant motivation. Transitioning from the chaos of emergency medicine to the calm, restorative practice of osteopathy has been a profound career change. Today, I strive to provide a peaceful environment for my patients, integrating compassion and care into every treatment — a balance that continues to inspire me every day.