Can a Medical Student retain his Paramedic Lisence in the State of Illinois once he gets his MD degree?

Question

I'm a medical student who is also lisenced as a Paramedic (I worked for several years before medical school). I know in Indiana, there are doctors who retain their paramedic title and lisence, but I was wondering if this is also possible in Illinois? Are there legal or liability issues for working as a medic on a scene, but also having an MD?

Answer 1

That's a very good question! There's a resident who also works part time in Jefferson County in Alabama, and I've always wondered about that.

I suppose you'd be held to the standard of care that you are currently certified at. There's a second year medical student who I work with occasionally, and as long as he doesn't go outside his scope of practice as a medic, then it's just fine.

When you get to be an MD, talk with your state medical board before you try to work as a medic. That will resolve any questions you might have. It also might help to talk with your medical director. You also might want to see if your MD malpractice insurance will cover your actions as a medic, or if you need to carry separate malpractice insurance.

As an MD you will be held to a different standard of care, yet you will be stuck with just the tools of a paramedic. This might legally and morally put you in a bit of a bind. You may have the knowledge to insert a chest tube, but what are you going to do in the field? Use an ET tube and your trauma shears? (hee-hee). An MD working as a medic in the field would be fun! After all, theoretically, you could act as your own on-line medical direction. Orders for Lidocaine? No problem!

Anyways, that's my two cents. Good luck in your chosen profession, and remember to be nice to us medics once you become an MD! :)

Answer 2

WHY would you want to? YBIC