Meet the Team: Michael Shepherd, Paramedic Team Lead

Michael Shepherd joined the team here at Restoration Healthcare more than two years ago as a paramedic and was recently promoted to the position of paramedic team lead. Michael is part of our lab team, tasked with starting patient’s IV’s and performing blood draws when necessary.

This Tustin, Calif., native is also in charge of scheduling for our paramedic team and resolving issues that might arise. And he isn’t shy about saying one of his best friends, Erin, worked at our Irvine clinic and recommended him for the job of paramedic back in February of 2018. According to Michael, he’s been here ever since because of the care our doctors and staff express and deliver for our patients.

Michael received an Associates of Arts degree in 2013 from Santa Ana College where he majored in Fire Science. He worked for a number of ambulance companies in Orange County and Sacramento before joining the team at our Irvine clinic, and holds a California Paramedics license, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, and a Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification. He is also CPR certified.

On a more personal level, we asked Michael to tell us about his life outside of work. Here is what he had to say:

Restoration Healthcare: Please tell us what you like to do in your free time.

Michael Shepherd: Mostly, it’s spending time with my family, including my wife Lauren and my almost year-old son Samuel. He is definitely growing up way too fast. My family also includes a dog named Scully and cat named Foxie. Besides that, I like working out and watching as much sports as I can.

RH: What’s your favorite restaurant in town — the one you return to time after time and year after year? And what dish do you continue to order?

Michael: My favorite restaurant is Lazy Dog in the Tustin Marketplace. My wife and I love all their food, but our usual order is their garlic edamame as an appetizer, and I love their Cali burger. It comes with Hatch chilis and guacamole on it. It’s delicious!

RH: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Michael: I studied Latin for all four years in high school.

RH: A penguin walks through the door wearing a sombrero. What does she say and why is she there?

Michael: The penguin is here for a resto 25 IV with hydration. She has been partying nonstop since Cinco De Mayo and needs to revitalize herself before heading back out to party more.

RH: If you could pick three famous people to be a part of your entourage, who would you pick and why?

Michael: I would pick Ryan Reynolds, because I think he’s one of the funniest people alive. Second would be LeBron James, because I am a huge basketball — and more specifically, Laker fan — so talking to him would be very fun. And third would be Mike Trout — again sports related — but I am a huge baseball/Angels fan and he is by far the best player currently in baseball.

RH: If you were granted one superpower, what would you want it to be and why?

Michael: The ability to teleport whenever/wherever I want. I would be able to be anywhere anytime I wanted!

RH: What is your favorite quote of all time?

Michael: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” — Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott.