JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Robert “Bob” Preshong, Department of Combat Medic Training at the U.S Army Medical Center of Excellence, was selected as the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, Civilian Instructor of the Year in a virtual ceremony held by video teleconference Aug. 6.
Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster, commanding general, U.S Army Medical Center of Excellence, or MEDCoe, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, presented the award on behalf of Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general.
Preshong has been teaching the Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT, portion of Advanced Individual Training 68W Combat Medics for 11 years and has been a paramedic for 29 years. Prior to training at DCMT, Preshong trained medical professionals in the United Arab Emirates for two years, and owned an ambulance company for five years.
"I started down this path simply because I felt I could make a difference in these young folk’s lives," Preshong said. "I continue to do this because I feel that I am making a difference, and I love what I do.
“There is always evolution in medicine, and especially in something as dynamic as the EMT field,” he added. “There are changes yearly, and we have to adapt to those changes giving them the most up to date information.”
Preshong was by-name selected to develop a 24-hour refresher National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or NREMT, course, the first in DCMT history. This course intended to lower attrition, potentially saving the U.S. Army approximately $8.75 million.
He is also the chair of the DCMT modular test exam committee, which created 21 modular exams that incrementally ensure achievement of learning outcomes and progression toward full NREMT exam preparedness and success.
Preshong said his passion is producing educated and highly skilled combat medics. His students display an innate pride and skill that is developed by his extraordinary interpersonal skills.
Preshong also maintains proficient and current clinical skills by working as an EMT in his off-duty hours. This allows him to remain current in EMT doctrine, laws, and real-world ethical challenges.
In his free time, he continues to work as a paramedic and provides medical support for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four Basketball Championship, the Alamo Bowl, the National Basketball Association championship series and large concerts.