History
GEMS grew out of a partnership between Renew Accelerated High School and Peter Seltzer when in 2017 they were seeking to expand their CTE offerings. Peter began by creating an EMS education program. A curriculum was developed, medical training supplies were acquired and the program was successfully marketed within the school. 4 separate classes were provided in the first school year and 88% of the students who regularly attended class received their Industry Based Certification of CPR and Emergency Medical Responder.
Based upon this initial success GEMS was created with support from YouthForce NOLA. With support from YFN GEMS seeks to assist more schools in offering CTE courses.
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Instructors
Founder
Peter Seltzer
Peter Seltzer is a lifelong New Orleanian. He has extensive experience with EMS education and has instructed at Tulane University’s School of Medicine, Nunez Community College, New Orleans EMS and the New Orleans Fire Department. Accolades that he has received include being named a Healthcare Hero by New Orleans City Business for his innovative educational strategies involving experiential healthcare training. In addition to his work experience he has numerous industry contacts that he seeks to leverage for student internships and to ensure that the training provided is designed to meet the needs of local industry.
Education
Temple University
BBA, 2008
Nunez Community College
Paramedic, 2012
Certifications
Louisiana Paramedic Instructor
American Heart Association CPR Instructor
instructor
Neil Patel
Neil Patel is a 6-year firefighter and EMT at NOFD Station 27 protecting the 7th Ward neighborhood. While studying neuroscience at Tulane University, the fire service found Neil when he least expected. After spending 4 years learning the craft throughout various agencies and hospitals throughout TX and LA, his goal of coming back to work for the city he loved came to fruition in 2016. In those years he has been involved in teaching EMS education, municipal and industrial firefighter training, 2 disaster response deployments, and a growing passion for passing on the knowledge to newcomers. He is currently pursuing the Homeland Security program at Tulane, coming full circle to his beginnings and hoping to help others find their calling.
Medical Director
Meghan Maslanka M.D.
Dr Maslanka is an Emergency Medicine Physician at University Medical Center New Orleans. She provides medical direction to GEMS and supports students in healthcare shadowing experiences.