Behind The Shield Mike Conner (Military Medicine, Firefighter Fitness and Filipino Culture) - Episode 1120
Mike served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, where he served as a platoon leader, company commander, and staff officer at the Battalion to Division level. After transitioning from the Infantry, he earned a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the military’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program. Following his academic achievements, Mike served as a primary care manager for a U.S. Army Cavalry Squadron. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the training of all assigned EMTs and instructing non-medical personnel in basic lifesaving techniques. Mike has multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon returning from deployment, Mike contributed to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at Fort Hood as a lecturer and clinical preceptor. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in the education, mentorship, and supervision of physician assistant students, fostering the next generation of military medical professionals.
Mike further advanced his medical education by earning the U.S. Army Flight Surgeon qualification, becoming an aeromedical physician assistant. He served as the primary care manager for a panel of over 300 pilots and aviation support personnel, overseeing their health, preventive medicine, and deployment readiness. In addition to these responsibilities, he served as a special staff officer, advising commanders and staff on all medical issues. Concurrently, Mike also worked as a neurosurgery physician assistant, providing care for trauma and critically ill patients.
Continuing his journey in the military, Mike became the Chief of Clinical Operations for the 2nd Infantry Division, where he was responsible for the medical readiness of over 11,000 military personnel and served as the primary care manager for 250 special staff members. After retiring from the Army, he worked as an independent medical consultant with Medical Equation Inc., focusing on litigation and workers’ compensation cases, and completed the Designated Doctor training by the Division of Workers’ Compensation in 2018.
Throughout his military career, Mike earned several qualifications and badges, including the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Flight Surgeon Badge. He has co-authored multiple publications on firefighter health and fitness and has been a guest on several podcasts advocating for firefighter health and wellness.
Driven by a passion for fostering meaningful change within the first responder community through education and research, Mike is a committed member of several professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the National Fire Protection Association.