From Medic to “Doc”: Earning Your Place on the Team

I was recently invited to sit in on a meeting to discuss proposed protocols and scope of practice for Tactical Medics in my state. At one point, during the discussion of what sick call medications should be on our approved list, one of the participants commented, “What medic is going to tell a SWAT cop he’s gotta sit out because he took ‘X’ medicine?”

I have. Multiple times.

That’s our job.

That single question highlights the difference between simply being a medic on a team and being the team’s “Doc.” It doesn’t happen overnight—nor should it. Becoming “Doc” is a badge of honor, a title that signifies you’ve earned the trust and respect of the team. It represents acceptance into a group where you were once an outsider.

When I was first selected for my team, I was just “the new medic” or simply “the medic.” It took time before they called me by name. Even after returning from CONTOMS with my basic EMT-T training, I was still an outsider. But I kept showing up. I participated in every training, responded to every call-out, immersed myself in learning everything I could about their job, and shared everything I could about mine. Slowly, my credibility grew, and so did my acceptance.

Then one day, it happened. During team assignments for a training exercise, the Team Leader, a former infantry Marine like myself, looked over and said, “…and Doc, you’ll be with me.” It was no small moment. I knew what it meant: I was now one of them. Not the same as them, but accepted as part of the team.

To get there, you have to do more than just show up. Assessment and Selection is only the beginning—it’s the tryout. We must be experts in our field and strive for excellence in theirs. Their wellbeing must always come first in our eyes. Teach them medical skills. Ask how they’re feeling. Make sure they have “water and clean socks.”

We’re not shooters, but we must know their movements, weapons, and tactics. Even if you’re not permitted to carry a sidearm, train with them. Shoot with them—and shoot well. Be an asset, not a liability. No one wants to “babysit the medic.” If you learn the stack, understand their tactics, and master your role, they will respect you. Even if you get “dropped at the door” or left at the last point of cover, they will know you earned your place by putting in the work.

After every mission or exercise, ask every operator: “Are you okay? Are you injured?” In time, they’ll start coming to you—first with questions, then with aches, pains, and ailments.

Operators often hesitate to report injuries or illness. They worked just as hard as you did to get there, and they don’t want to be sidelined. Many will try to push through and hope no one notices. But once you gain their trust, they’ll come to you knowing you’ll do everything you can to keep them operational. If you tell them they need to sit out, they’ll know it’s because you have their best interests and the team’s in mind.

The medic who will tell a SWAT operator to sit out when necessary is a Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) medic.That medic is Doc.