Emergency Medicine Institute

Marianne Kostenbader RN, BSN
Manager GEM-Emergency Medicine Institute

Marianne joined the Emergency Medicine Institute as a program coordinator for the simulator lab in 1999. She now serves as the Manager for EMI with dual responsibilities in administrative functions as well as providing education for the institutes. Marianne brings with her a background in Emergency, Trauma and Flight Nursing as well as remaining active in EMS as a PHRN.

John F. McCarthy , D.O., FACEP Chief, Prehospital EMS
Medical Director GEM-Emergency Medicine Institute and University MedEvac

Dr. McCarthy has served as the medical director at the GEM-Emergency Medicine Institute since 1995. He has been involved in the fire and EMS services for 22 years. During that time he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an Emergency Medical Services Fellowship at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, leading to his positions of chief of Pre-Hospital EMS, medical director of University MedEvac, and medical director for the City of Allentown EMS. Currently, he is also an attending emergency medicine physician for Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Dr. McCarthy has also been actively involved in clinical research.

Christopher M. Confalone NREMT-P
Program Coordinator
610-969-0271

Christopher began his healthcare career in 1993 as a volunteer First Responder. Through the years, he has obtained multiple specialized certifications including NREMT-P. In search of continual education and eagerness to teach, he has recently left his tenure of 10 years with Liberty EMS / Medic 9 Paramedic Service, Inc. Christopher has taught ACLS and CPR with a focus on community outreach and education. Beyond EMS, Christopher enjoys being an entrepreneur in the information technology field.

Alan Heckman, BS, NREMT-P
Program Coordinator
610-969-0287

Alan began his EMS career as a volunteer EMT at Northwestern Ambulance. He is a graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in Education and a teaching certificate in Secondary Education – Communications. He completed his paramedic training in 2000 and worked as a paramedic for Cetronia Ambulance. Alan served as a teacher in the Allentown School District for six years and has also taught at Muhlenberg College. Before joining the staff of EMI in October 2006, Alan was the Education Coordinator for Cetronia Ambulance. Currently, he works as a part time paramedic for Cetronia Ambulance and Northwestern Ambulance. Alan serves as the Administrator of the EMT & Paramedic Programs and coordinates NREMT-P Refresher, PHTLS, AMLS, and ACLS for EMT-Basics.

Angela Surdovel EMT-P
Administrative Secretary
610-969-0259

Angie has been with the EMI family since April, 2002. She brings to EMI both an accounting and prehospital background which has added a unique blend to the staff. Angie has been a paramedic for the City of Allentown EMS and South Mountain Medic 5 in prior years. She looks forward to assisting the pre-hospital and hospital personnel with any questions concerning courses held at the EMI.