Fire Chief, Paramedic, and EMS Educator Mitchell Waite, PhD discusses his books The EMS Leadership Challenge ,  Fire Service Leadership theories and Practice, and a 400 Days a Call to Duty on this episode of the Medical Author Chat.

Chief Waite leads the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. He has been in the fire service for 25 years and even longer in EMS. His career in leadership began by enlisting in the US Marine Corps 35 years ago. We start the conversation by talking about Mitch’s recent deployment to Iraq and his work as a Liaison Officer to General Ray Ordierno.

400 Days a Call to Duty

The first book we discussed is scheduled for early May 2010. In 400 Days a Call to Duty Mitch explained that his intent is to write about the difficulties citizen soldiers face leaving family and jobs for overseas deployments. He explained part of his goal is to “Share good news stories to enrich and educate.”

400 Days is based on journal entries Mitch wrote daily during his deployment. It was “therapeutic” to write every day. Proceeds from the book will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The EMS Leadership Challenge

Next we discussed the EMS Leadership Challenge – a book meant for anyone in EMS. Our conversation included the importance of research for EMS, the lack of leadership in EMS, the disconnect between leadership and expertise.

Mitch and I also talked about the usefulness of this book as a textbook and a course he is developing on EMS Leadership for Mid State Technical College paramedic students.

Advice and Connect

We conclude the podcast with Mitch’s advice for aspiring authors. Make sure to listen and heed his encouragement to “share information to benefit others.” Connect with Mitch on Facebook or email Mitch Waite

Read related posts and tips:

1. Paramedic to the Prince – Medical Author Chat with Tom Notestine
2. Hero Pants: Medical Author Chat with Jim Haden
3. Stories from the E.R. Loading Dock – A medical author chat with Eric Liddy Sr.