Catherine Gibbs' journey to becoming the instructor and course coordinator for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course at Temple University’s College of Public Health (CPH) began long before she ever set foot on campus. At just 12 years old, she took her first steps toward a healthcare career, a path she has followed with unwavering passion. Today, her enthusiasm for her work is reflected in her ever-present smile, which only grows wider when she talks about her role as an educator and EMT instructor.
“It’s probably hard to believe I was shy and introverted as a kid,” she reflects with a chuckle. In fact, Gibbs’ father had to help her overcome her shyness to approach the EMT booth at a community event in Exton, Pennsylvania. “I’ve always been fascinated by ambulances. I wanted to be closer to the action,” she explains. Encouraged by her father, she signed up for a youth EMT summer camp called the Junior Medic Program, and from that moment, there was no turning back.
As a teenager, Gibbs' passion for healthcare only deepened. By 15, she was riding along on ambulances as an observer, and at 16, she earned her EMT certification through her local division. By the time she was 17, she was already an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) instructor. “Instructing was something I loved,” she says, reflecting on how early experiences shaped her future.
After enrolling at Temple University in 2015 with plans to pursue a career as a physician, Gibbs’ path took a turn. “I specifically chose Temple because of the student EMS organization,” she explains. Quickly rising to the role of director of the student EMS organization, she found herself immersed in the world of pre-hospital care. But midway through her studies, she realized that becoming a physician wasn’t her calling. Instead, she decided to pursue a pre-hospital nursing career, completing her neuroscience degree before earning a nursing degree from Thomas Jefferson University.
Even after her time at Temple, Gibbs’ connection to the university remained strong. During her role as director of the student EMS organization, she recognized a need for on-campus EMS training. “We realized there was significant demand and desire for on-campus EMS education and CPH was the perfect home,” she recalls. That realization led her to propose creating a formal EMT course. Although COVID-19 delayed the plans, in 2022, the EMT course was officially launched under Gibbs' leadership.
“There’s nothing I love more than teaching EMS and watching as students develop into skilled and confident providers,” she says enthusiastically. “My favorite subjects to teach are behavioral health, cardiology, health and wellbeing of the EMS provider, and obstetrics and gynecology.”
The course, currently an elective, is already making an impact within the community. Gibbs has built an impressive network of local partners, including Temple’s hospitals, Holy Redeemer, and 13 other EMS organizations, providing students with valuable clinical hours. “I look forward to expanding the EMS division and adding additional educational opportunities,” she shares, excited about the potential opportunities that the opening of Paley Hall could bring, including its full-sized operational simulated ambulance for hands-on learning.
Gibbs is also dedicated to ensuring that her students are well-prepared for their future careers. Students who complete her course are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam, sometimes landing jobs within days of earning their certification. “It’s amazing to see our students support their communities by quickly transitioning into the workforce, whether it’s on an ambulance as an EMT (pre-hospital) or in the hospital setting as patient care technicians,” she notes proudly.
Despite her full-time role as an instructor, Gibbs remains hands-on in the field. She volunteers in EMS and works as a Pediatric Emergency Department Nurse and believes staying active in the field enhances her teaching. “When you’re teaching something, I think it’s really important to stay active in it,” she says. Between teaching, working as a nurse, and even answering 15-20 calls a day about EMT classes, she also somehow finds time to pursue her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at CPH.
What drew her back to Temple was its commitment to community engagement. “I love Temple’s community mission,” Gibbs says. “We’re in a unique position to connect with the community and make a difference.” As a member of the College of Public Health, she sees firsthand the importance of health literacy and outreach, particularly in a city as diverse as Philadelphia. “We have the opportunity to teach CPR, first aid, and reach out to the youth and the general public. I’m hopeful that through education and collaboration, we can make a real impact on the healthcare landscape here.”
Gibbs' story, growing from a shy 12-year-old to an enthusiastic instructor, reflects the values that Temple University holds dear—community, service, and lifelong learning. Her commitment to public health and education mirrors the university’s mission to make a meaningful impact, not just within the walls of the classroom, but in the broader Philadelphia community. Through her work at CPH, Gibbs is not only shaping the next generation of EMS professionals but also giving back to the region where it all began.