Working Forward: The Path Home

Military Veterans across the Grand Canyon state, especially former combat medics, face a difficult journey as they transition into civilian careers. Despite years of battlefield medical experience, many find it challenging to convert their military training into recognized certifications for civilian health care jobs. This roadblock leaves highly skilled Veterans underemployed at a time when Arizona is grappling with a severe health care workforce shortage.

In this episode of “Working Forward,” host Kathleen Bade explores the unique challenges Veterans encounter when pursuing careers in health care. The conversation shines a light on the critical question: How can we create better job training programs for Veterans that recognize their skills and accelerate their path into civilian medical roles?

The discussion is anchored by the WorkingNation documentary “The Path Home,” which follows combat medic Veterans striving to bring their life-saving expertise to hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms. Their stories reveal the frustrating gap between military training and civilian credentialing and the resilience required to keep pushing forward.

Listen to an intriguing conversation with a Mayo Clinic doctor and director of the Mayo Clinic Military Medicine Program who explains how the health care system can bridge the gap by offering specialized pathways for Veterans. Also, get insights from a former combat medic currently enrolled in the program, as well as the film’s executive producer, who emphasizes the urgency of addressing this nationwide issue.