216-MSc Student Rob Schembri

<p>This week, Aebhric O’Kelly is joined by <strong>Rob Schembri</strong>, a Canadian critical care paramedic with Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service, and a student on CoROM’s <strong>MSc in Austere Critical Care</strong>.</p><p>Rob discusses his journey through critical care paramedicine, his recent move onto a special operations team and why, after decades in the profession, he decided to pursue postgraduate education in austere medicine. His new role includes supporting the transport of patients with high-risk pathogens and mechanical cardiac support, as well as USAR and other specialist operations. </p><p>The conversation explores the Canadian paramedic system, including the progression from Primary Care Paramedic to Advanced Care Paramedic and ultimately Critical Care Paramedic. Rob explains the extensive training required at the critical care level and how international paramedics can enter the Ontario system. </p><p>Rob also talks candidly about undertaking his first research project, navigating ethics approval and discovering that the thesis he initially dreaded has become one of the most interesting parts of his MSc.</p><p>The episode finishes with a discussion about lifelong learning, career development and Rob’s advice to clinicians beginning a career in austere medicine: <strong>learn as much as you can, experience as much as you can—and enjoy what you do.</strong> </p><p><br></p><p><u><strong>Chapters</strong></u></p><p><strong>00:00 – Meet Rob Schembri:</strong> Critical care paramedicine, Ornge and joining the special operations team.</p><p><strong>01:18 – The Malta Connection:</strong> Rob&#39;s Maltese heritage and his family&#39;s move to Canada.</p><p><strong>03:03 – Returning to Malta for a Master&#39;s Degree:</strong> The irony of pursuing postgraduate education in the country his parents left.</p><p><strong>03:25 – Why the MSc in Austere Critical Care?:</strong> Preparing for specialist critical care and special operations.</p><p><strong>05:02 – High-Risk and Special Operations Medicine:</strong> High-risk pathogens, mechanical cardiac support, USAR and specialist transport.</p><p><strong>06:50 – Why Study Austere Critical Care in Malta?:</strong> Choosing CoROM rather than a conventional Canadian critical care programme.</p><p><strong>08:18 – POCUS and Future Training:</strong> Bringing austere prehospital ultrasound into specialist practice.</p><p><strong>11:05 – Reaching the MSc Thesis:</strong> Rob&#39;s progress through the p