WCU Emergency Medical Care Program

08/18/2026

Looks like it’s not just the first day for the current students. Congratulations to Dr. Emma Kunkleman on her new position. She is a graduate of the EMC residential program. We are proud of you Dr. Emma!

🎉 Exciting news from Grand Strand Pediatrics! 🎉

Please join us in giving a big Grand Strand Pediatrics welcome to Dr. Emma Kunkleman, who will be joining our Myrtle Beach location beginning September 8th!

Dr. Kunkleman will be caring for patients alongside Dr. Devin Bazick and Gabrielle Bulleman PA-C, and we are so excited to have her join this wonderful team.

We can’t wait for our patients, families, and community to get to know Dr. Kunkleman and welcome her to the Grand Strand Pediatrics family!

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Whee are back at it again for the 2026-2027 school year. Whee celebrated yesterday with the annual EMC pre-year picnic. Whee are also excited to share that this year will be the inaugural year for the Department of Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare lead by Dr. Jennifer Hinton (left) and the EMC program will be under the leadership of Dr. Susan Braithwaite (right). Both of these leaders are enthusiastic and passionate about the program and excited to see what the new year brings. Whee wish our students and faculty a great year of learning and growing and all the opportunities it will bring.

07/25/2026

Come on out and see us at the Skyland Fire and Rescue Safety Day! We are here from 9 am until 2 pm at the Arden Campus of Biltmore Baptist Church. 35 Clayton Rd. Arden, NC 28704. Whee would love to see you! This is a day where you can learn about all of the emergency resources in the area that respond to the call daily.

07/11/2026

Whee would love to see you in the crowd at this presentation by our very own Dr. Braithwaite! This presentation looks into what draws providers into the field and what ways can we keep them. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear the published research on this topic. Whee hope to see you there!

Do you know what draws someone to become a paramedic — and what makes them start thinking about leaving? 🔍
Meet Dr. Susan Smith Braithwaite — one of our featured presenters at the NCAEMSA 2026 Summer Symposium!
🎯 Session: Paramedic Professional Identity: Who Are We?

🏷️ Track: Leadership
Drawing from a published research study, this session explores paramedic professional identity and its direct implications for EMS administrators. It examines what draws individuals to paramedic practice, how they navigate their identity as insiders in the first responder community while seeking recognition as healthcare professionals, and what workplace stressors ultimately push them toward the door. Attendees will gain research-backed insight into one of the most pressing challenges facing EMS today: retention.
👤 About Dr. Susan Smith Braithwaite:

Dr. Susan Smith Braithwaite began her EMS career in 1988 as a paramedic in Florida and has spent decades advancing the profession through education and research. Currently serving as Program Director for Emergency Medical Care at Western Carolina University, she holds a Doctor of Education in Adult and Community College Education from NC State University. Her research interests include ethical decision-making, professional identity, and active learning strategies. A Regional Associate Editor for the Paramedicine journal and faculty for NAEMT's PHTLS and AMLS programs, Dr. Braithwaite is also a Level II Paramedic Coordinator through the North Carolina Office of EMS and a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
📅 August 3–7, 2026

📍 Renaissance Hotel | Asheville, NC
Register today and reserve your spot:

🔗 https://linktr.ee/ncaemsa

07/04/2026

America is not the only one celebrating a milestone this year! Did you know the EMC program started on America’s bicentennial anniversary? Whee wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July with friends, family, and colleagues!

06/01/2026

Excited to speak with potential students about our golden and purple paramedic program. Whee would love for you to come to the mountains and be a part of the 50 year history of the Emergency Medical Care Program. Thank you to Johnston Community College’s EMS Program for the invite.

05/25/2026

Today we pause in remembrance of those who gave their lives to protect this country and serve its people. Thank you for your service, honor, and sacrifice. We also remember those who were left behind holding only the memories of the loved and lost. Thank you and today and always we remember you!

05/23/2026

Whee hope everyone had a great EMS week. This is a time to celebrate you and the amazing care you provide to people in their greatest time of need. Thank you for answering the call and continuing to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most!

05/09/2026

Congratulations to the EMC students graduating today! Be proud of your accomplishments and take forth the knowledge you gained to the field of medicine. Use it to make changes for good and to provide the best care of your ability to your future patients. We are proud of you and look forward to seeing and hearing all of the great things you will accomplish! Whee are going to miss you and go cats!