Full disclosure during interview?

[HenriMatisse]

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My city is about to begin written and practical test for their EMS unit. I'm currently 2 years away from beginning medical school (if all goes according to plan of course.)

Should I acknowledge this during the interview? On one hand it shows I'm dedicated to a career in medicine, but on the other it shows that I'm not dedicated to a career in EMS. They'll be investing time and resources training me at the academy for a 2 year return.

Working for a major city's 911 unit will look much better on an application than the company that I currently work for, not to mention the value of the experience itself for me. I'm not sure how to play my hand. I don't know of the scheduling options they offer new employees and I'm taking classes 3 nights a week as is and will continue doing so for the next year. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Dwindlin]

My city is about to begin written and practical test for their EMS unit. I'm currently 2 years away from beginning medical school (if all goes according to plan of course.)

Should I acknowledge this during the interview? On one hand it shows I'm dedicated to a career in medicine, but on the other it shows that I'm not dedicated to a career in EMS. They'll be investing time and resources training me at the academy for a 2 year return.

Working for a major city's 911 unit will look much better on an application than the company that I currently work for, not to mention the value of the experience itself for me. I'm not sure how to play my hand. I don't know of the scheduling options they offer new employees and I'm taking classes 3 nights a week as is and will continue doing so for the next year. Any insight is appreciated.

Not really. It has been stated ad nauseum on this board, but in reality most ad coms view any kind of EMS experience (9-1-1, private, campus, etc) as simply another experience. It ranks right up there with Habitat for Humanity, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Most on here will tell you not to pursue EMS unless it is something you really enjoy because again, it isn't as helpful as one would think.

That said, yes tell them. If they are paying to train you most places have a payback requirement that you may not meet if you leave in two years.

 

[joeDO2]

I think the most important thing is that you pursue something that you enjoy for the next 2 years. You will be more excited about it and more likely to perform well. If this new career is what you would enjoy more, go for it. Being up front about the time commitment is essential because you will want these people to write a recommendation for you. Also, retention rates in EMS are very low anyway so 2 years seems like a reasonable time frame. I agree with atkinsje that schools probably don't look closely at which company you worked for but you will probably have more interesting experiences to write about in your essays with this new route.

 

[docB]

As is well documented on this board I don't think that using EMS as a stepping stone to medicine is a good idea when you already know what you want to do. As an EMS educator I don't train medics for the short term. I'm trying to create medics who will be on the street for decades. Most of the people who are sponsored through my program (i.e. some company or agency pays their tuition) sign agreements where they will work for at least 3 years as a medic for that agency or else they owe the agency some or all of the money back.

 

[proman]

I don't think there's anything to gain by full disclosure. Like DocB said, agencies look for long term employees, not people looking for stepping stones. But, everyone acts in their own interest, so I don't see anything wrong with pursuing a full time good quality EMS job while you get med school lined up. Just don't tell anyone, especially before you are hired. Don't put yourself at an unnecessary disadvantage.

 

[Dwindlin]

I don't think there's anything to gain by full disclosure. Like DocB said, agencies look for long term employees, not people looking for stepping stones. But, everyone acts in their own interest, so I don't see anything wrong with pursuing a full time good quality EMS job while you get med school lined up. Just don't tell anyone, especially before you are hired. Don't put yourself at an unnecessary disadvantage.

Disregarding the underhandedness of this advice it still isn't sound. From the post it sounds as if the OP is getting training from them and if that is the case they will likely own some time. Most places have a minimum of two year repayment. If the OP skips out before the minimum repayment they will be responsible for the entire amount most likely (which for me was $5000+ after fire and EMS academy). If the OP if fine with that go for it, although it doesn't speak very highly of character and if they want a letter from anyone there doing that may burn some bridges.

 

[proman]

It's very altruistic and naive to consider the needs of an employer above your own. I don't recommend it. The OP, who unfortunately hasn't come back to give more information, wants a job and knows he's most likely a short term employee. Why provide them any reason not to hire him? Plus, it may take him longer to get into med school and a good job is a good job. Regardless, plenty of rookies quit or get fired in the first 2 years and 2 years of a 911 service sure beats Starbucks.

 

[HenriMatisse]

Thanks for all of the responses.

Prior to worrying about full disclosure I have to worry about actually getting the job. They have a written test, practical, interview board, and six months of academy that they can cut you from at any point. I'm not sure whether their written and practical is similar to the state test or harder than it. Review classes are coming up and unfortunately I'm either working or at school for most of them.

It's a great opportunity and they pay much better than private companies. I believe I'm going to leave out the school stuff of my application unless its brought up. If I was fortunate enough to get a position, which a pretty daunting if, I could delay enrolling in school until I get into one that is convenient for both me and my fiance, rather than going wherever I get in and having to pack our stuff up and move. So the 2 years I'm banking on could be extended to 3 or 4.

Thanks again for the input. I've got to stop pipedreaming for the moment and get back to studying for the written.

 

[jwk]

Thanks for all of the responses.

Prior to worrying about full disclosure I have to worry about actually getting the job. They have a written test, practical, interview board, and six months of academy that they can cut you from at any point. I'm not sure whether their written and practical is similar to the state test or harder than it. Review classes are coming up and unfortunately I'm either working or at school for most of them.

It's a great opportunity and they pay much better than private companies. I believe I'm going to leave out the school stuff of my application unless its brought up. If I was fortunate enough to get a position, which a pretty daunting if, I could delay enrolling in school until I get into one that is convenient for both me and my fiance, rather than going wherever I get in and having to pack our stuff up and move. So the 2 years I'm banking on could be extended to 3 or 4.

Thanks again for the input. I've got to stop pipedreaming for the moment and get back to studying for the written.

Don't forget there are no guarantees you'll get in med school at all - 2 years off, 4, or whatever. In the meantime, don't worry about what might or might not happen, and concentrate on the shorter term.