Q&A: Medical director talks new roles, services

Editor’s note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Dr. Ronald Carver is the newly hired medical director for the city of Portales and Roosevelt County.

Q: Give us some of your background, who are you, your career, etc.

A: I grew up in Fredonia, KS. I am a family medicine board certified physician and work full time as medical director for Nor Lea General Hospital emergency department in Lovington. I also provide medical director services for several EMS and emergency dispatch services in eastern New Mexico.

I graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1992. I then did an internship with University of Virginia in Roanoke for one year. Following that I served 5 years as a flight surgeon in the USAF, at Reese AFB, TX then Tyndall AFB, FL.

Incidentally, I “moonlighted” in the old hospital emergency department in Portales in 1995 and 1996 while I was stationed at Reese AFB, TX in Lubbock. After one additional year working a civilian job in Panama City, FL area I completed residency with University of Colorado Swedish Family Medicine Residency program in Englewood, CO in 2002.

I have been full-time with Nor Lea since 2002. My wife Stacey was born in Lovington but grew up mostly near Lubbock.

Q: What was the process in being selected for this position?

A: As I understand, the current medical director was stepping down and I was asked if I had interest in the position.

I believe I was recommended by Donnie Roberts, the State of New Mexico Regions 1 and 3 EMS Executive Director. Many will know that he grew up in Portales.

Q: What interested you about this position?

A: I enjoy getting to help out the prehospital side of care in this role. These are often under-appreciated men and women doing a difficult job.

I have fond memories of working at (then) PRMC-P. Since I already work with multiple other services in the area and the need had arisen, I am excited for the opportunity.

Q: Tell us about the job; What does a medical director do?

A: A medical director provides guidance for EMS services from the point of view of a physician. We verify training early in the year for ongoing EMS licenses, serve as liaison with local hospital medical staff and the EMS service as required. We also help with approval of local protocols for treatment.

I will be available to answer questions as needed and will review random and problem EMS reports as required. In the case of Portales, I will help with continuation of the special skill for use of the medication ketamine.

Special skills are medications or procedures approved above and beyond the usual state scope of practice guidelines and require approval of the state Medical Direction Committee. I have served on the state Medical Direction Committee for the past several years.

Q: How will you assist the county as the next medical director?

A: The position also includes medical direction for all of the Roosevelt County volunteer services.

Q: Do you have any big items on your agenda for the county or your department?

A: I do not have a big agenda for change. I will need to quickly learn the strong and weak points and direct my attention to facilitating improvement.

— Compiled by Landry Sena, the Staff of the News