HARTFORD — On November 6, 2014, eight EMTs were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Ryan Dunn:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Ryan Dunn and I am 23 years old from Houston, Texas. I graduated from TCU in 2013 with a degree in Biology and Chemistry and the eventual goal to go to medical school. After working in the Emergency Department as a scribe for 2 years, I moved up to Tolland and got my certification at CodeOne in East Harford in July.  In my free time I like to watch sports of all types, play basketball, and play video games. I am excited and grateful to be part of the Aetna team and can’t wait to work with and meet all of you!

Shahbaz Khan:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hello everyone my name is Shahbaz Khan. I am 29 years old and live in Bristol, CT. I was born in Pakistan but raised in United States. I did my undergrad at Central Connecticut State University, from there I went to Atlanta, GA because I got accepted to Cambridge Allied Health for RT(T) Radiation Therapy. I took two years to complete the course and got my diploma. When I come back to CT I became an RA (Recovery Assistant) helping mentally disabled patient, not getting enough working hours I knew I needed to do something else. I was doing my independent studies to get licensed for RT(T) but I needed a profession which will help me gain knowledge, experience, and something I would love to do. My friend who works for Aetna told me “why don’t you come to Aetna and try working as an EMT”. I thought about it and gave it a shot. I was lucky enough to get a job in Naugatuck Ambulance and after getting cleared from the FTO’s I started to enjoy myself as an EMT. I learned new things every day. Every my partner and I did was exciting and I was hooked. I enjoy working in the medical field and try to stay connected as much as I can. The feeling of helping someone and being there for the patient in time of their need is the best feeling. In my spare time I love spending time with my friends. I am a people person so I like interacting with people and making new friends. I enjoy working out, going for a run and dance whenever I have spare time. I live life to fullest although sometimes life does pull you down, but you only get one life so enjoy it as much as you can. I look forward in meeting and making new friends with this company.

Brianna Koshmerl:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Brianna Koshmerl and I am 22 years old from Glastonbury Connecticut. I Grew up in Glastonbury and graduated from Glastonbury High School. I started my college career at UMass Amherst, But transferred for my sophomore year to UConn. While on campus, I participated in many extracurricular’s and philanthropy events, did research in biological sciences, and held student jobs. I graduated from UConn in May, 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology. I just completed my EMT-B course this past summer, and are excited to begin gaining experience in the emergency services field. I want to attend a Physician’s Assistant program, and are using this experience as a gateway into the healthcare career with patient interactions.

Jared Kuhne:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jared Kuhne and I am 29. Originally I come from northeast Pennsylvania, and recently moved to Ellington CT with my wife.  I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served in Afghanistan as a translator. During my four year commitment, I earned my Bachelor’s degree and went on to continue my education as a pre-med major at the Central Connecticut State University.  I received my EMT training in New York City with Empress Ambulance Service, before moving to Connecticut.  I enjoy being a productive member of the community I live in, and I hope that I can make a positive impact here in Hartford.   It is my hope to become a knowledgeable healthcare provider, and I’m looking forward to kick starting this career as an EMT with Aetna Ambulance.

Lauren Slebodnick:   FULL TIME, EMT.  Originally from Manchester, NH, I now live in Suffield, CT.  I am 22 years old and I just graduated from Cornell University in May 2014 with a degree in Biology & Society.  I was a goalie on the Women’s Ice Hockey Team while in college and I hope to continue my hockey career to the 2018 Winter Olympics.  I am also a big Bruins fan.  I took an EMT class over the summer and recently obtained my certification.  I also volunteer with Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association and Johnson Memorial Medical Center.  In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a Physician Assistant Program.  I am very excited to join Aetna’s team and I look forward to meeting and learning from my fellow colleagues.

TJ Wain:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is TJ Wain.  I am twenty-six years old initially from Waterbury, CT.  I currently reside in Wolcott where I volunteer for the local fire department.  I graduated University of New Haven back in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, concentrating my studies in Police Administration.  I was active as an undergraduate DJing various events on and off campus as well as holding several executive positions in the Sigma Chi Fraternity raising funds for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation as well as the Children’s Miracle Network.  As an alumnus, I continued my work as President of the New Haven Alumni Association until attending Paramedic school at Capital Community College, Fall of 2013.   After attending paramedic school, I found that I truly enjoyed the impact that I was able to have on peoples’ lives.  It may not necessarily be “providing that band-aid,” but providing information, with genuine care, for a more beneficial impact.  “What’s a man’s worth if he’s not making the world a better place.” In my spare time, I still actively DJ events as well as enjoy gym, cross-fit and other endurance activities.  I look forward to advancing my career in paramedicine and find there is a lot of opportunity in the field for growth and education.

Chris Willey:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Willey and I am originally from New Jersey. I moved to Killingworth when I was fourteen and after college moved Manchester where I have lived for the past year and a half. I went to UCONN for Psychology and Anthropology. I had originally planned to go into accounting or business but realized early on that wasn’t for me. I started to have interest in the medical field my junior year and after talking to friends who were involved in it, quickly became interested in emergency medicine and EMS. In 2012 I took my EMT course at Hartford Hospital. The following year I started volunteering as an EMT, and began working in Hartford Hospitals Emergency Department as an ER Technician. I also work as an EMT in East Windsor. Currently I’m in my final semester of Paramedic School at Goodwin College. I am looking forward to starting my career at Aetna and am counting down the days till orientation!

Alex Zhakov:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Alex Zhakov and I am 22 years old. I was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia and I moved to the United States when I was four years old. Since then, I’ve lived in different parts of Connecticut and love the area. Currently, I reside in Farmington, CT. I recently graduated from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with a Bachelor’s Degree. While attending college in Massachusetts, I completed my EMT certification and am looking forward to beginning my EMS career in Connecticut. When given the opportunity, I love to travel and experience new cultures. In my free time, I love running outdoors, working out at the gym, cooking, catching up on current events, spending time with my family, and playing with my dog. I hope to continue my medical career in the future by attending graduate school. I am particularly interested in the field of infectious disease and would love to someday have a career focused in this area. I am thrilled to be a part of the Aetna team and can’t wait to begin!