Difficult Conversations Podcast

Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician

Episode 145 | May 25, 2021

Burning Shield - The Story Of Jason Schechterle

Jason Schechterle

Keynote Presenter & Motivational Speaker

Jason Schechterle

Hello and welcome to Difficult Conversations with Dr. Anthony Orsini. Doing this podcast is one of the best decisions that I ever made because every week I get to interview some of the most incredible people in the world, leaders in healthcare and in business who have taught me so much. Every week I feel inspired and it has given me a new appreciation for the good in people and the unbreakable human spirit. The man you will meet today is going to inspire you more than ever! I met retired Phoenix police officer, Jason Schechterle, when we were both presenters recently at a TEDx Talk. When you meet Jason, you can’t help but be impressed and inspired. Jason’s journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy, and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity. His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished. Jason is the subject of the book, Burning Shield:, which we’ll talk about today, as Jason tells us his story of why he’s the luckiest person alive.

Jason tells us the incredible story of his journey to becoming a police officer and the day that changed his life forever. We learn how he suffered burns to 43% of his body, with his neck, head and face being the worst, spent two and a half months in a coma, and was not expected to survive. Jason tells us about the doctor that he called, “One of the greatest healers and lifesavers this world has ever known,” and how this doctor questioned his own reasoning behind doing the surgery. Jason had fifty-six surgeries in seven years, and he shares experiences he had with some of the doctors and nurses in the burn center, being vulnerable, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are willing to help. Amazingly, not only does Jason survive, but he ends up going back to work as a homicide detective and playing golf. He explains how in his recovery process, it was so important to tell other people that there’s nothing as powerful as a made-up mind. Throughout this process, Jason’s wife was so dedicated and the love they have for each other really showed, but there was another person in his life that really represented the friendship and camaraderie between two police officers. Learn about Brian and what he did for his family. Jason ends up sharing his story of how he worked hard to fight agains Ford Motor Company to discontinue a defective and dangerous car thereby helping and probably saving the lives of other police officers We end with Jason telling us the toughest conversations he’s had, which he credits his wife, and he shares inspirational advice with us that you really have to hear! If you enjoyed this podcast, please hit follow, and download all the previous episodes to find out more about what we do and how we teach communication.

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