Prolonged Field Care Podcast PFC Podcast 257: Gaining Real World Experience
Dec 1, 2025
In this discussion, Ben Garfin, a former Ranger Regiment medic with over 12 years of experience, shares his insights on the vital role of clinical rotations for combat medics. He emphasizes that real-world experience, not just simulations, is essential for developing independent decision-making skills under pressure. Ben outlines effective rotation designs, highlights the importance of mentorship, and discusses legal aspects of international training. He underscores the need for frequent, hands-on exposure to high-acuity situations to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
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Experience Teaches What Simulators Can't
- Experience is the only teacher you can't get from simulation or classroom training.
- Real patient encounters expose variation and stress that textbooks and mannequins cannot replicate.
Design Rotations For Variety And Mentorship
- Build rotations around ER, trauma centers, and NGO-style constrained hospitals to cover varied acuity and resource limits.
- Ensure a mentoring provider is present to coach students while they practice and make decisions.
Leverage Safe Foreign Rotations
- Consider safe international sites (e.g., Belize) with English-speaking staff and embassy backing to access high-acuity cases.
- Use formal relationships with local ministries or hospitals to reduce legal and operational friction.