Congratulations to our SMS Standout Michael Rogers. Michael is an excellent clinician with a broad spectrum of knowledge that makes him ask concise and thorough questions during his assessments of patients. He is an extremely valuable asset to the SMS remote medic team. Thank you, Michael. Keep up the excellent work!
We were able to get a glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Michael and learn some fun facts about him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
M.R. A normal day begins around 4:30 a.m. with quality assurance of the aviation fueling system. Then, I prepare for the day’s flights by weighing out the passengers and cargo. Then, it’s off to perform water samples to ensure potable water compliance. Of course, my main role is to assure the health and well-being of the heroes that work on the mighty Atlantis. I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great culture and atmosphere. The Atlantis is a great place to work. We are currently in a TAR and it’s a mad house, but we still have a good time.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
M.R. Every vacation is the best one.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
M.R. Very happy and sometimes too loud. Next time you go to Walmart, consider buying a filter for your mouth.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
M.R. The people. We have a great culture and great people.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
M.R. Mexican food and Japanese food.
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
M.R. I have worked with the volunteer fire department for around 30 years. I enjoy traveling, scuba, motorcycling, and flying radio-controlled airplanes.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
M.R. I try to remember that I am one person in a very important team. That team has objectives to achieve. I work with great people, and I want the team to achieve success.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
M.R. I think it’s being able to work through a complicated medical case and find details that I would miss if I didn’t take the time to really investigate. It helps if you really care.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
M.R. Defiantly, Forest Gump.
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
M.R. When my wife passed away six years ago. The passing of a spouse has a profound impact that can’t be put into words. The good news is that you are now better prepared to help others that suffer the same.
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A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
M.R. Work is tough; that’s why they pay you. Go into it with a happy attitude, and enjoy the ride. Don’t compare yourself to others; just run your race and let them run theirs. People don’t need to hear what you think. Tell them what the policy or procedure is, and they will decide whether to do the right thing or not.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
M.R. Spending time with people and animals that I love.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
M.R. Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. A short writing about dealing with changes at work or your personal life.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
M.R. Great question. The immediate thing that comes to mind is to eliminate suffering; however, without suffering, you would miss the great times, and everything would become average. So my superpower would be to help people through the difficult times and help celebrate the great times.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
M.R. You don’t have to take every fight. Sometimes, winning looks like you smiling and walking away happy.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
M.R. My bucket list is more about principles than events. Do more of what I enjoy and less of what I don’t enjoy.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
M.R. I have a female Rat Terrier named Spankey.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say, and why is he here?
M.R. I’m ready to eat Mexican food and drink a couple of margaritas. Are you going? Are you really wearing that?
