Be prepared to give someone a second chance on their worst day
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Be prepared to give someone a second chance on their worst day
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR
INSTRUCTOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Brian brings three decades of emergency medicine experience and leadership to fulfill the SMR mission. He completed his paramedic certification through the Bossier City Fire Training Academy and is the founding member of Sparks Medical Resources. He is an NAEMT instructor and certified EMS instructor and holds an AAS in Paramedic Science and an AS in General Science in Allied Health. Brian completed PA school at LSU—Health Sciences Center and was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society, graduating with honors as the recipient of the program’s Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award. He continued his education at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences—Arizona School of Health Sciences and completed a MS in PA Studies, majoring in clinical medicine. Brian then attended Lynchburg University’s School of PA Medicine where he graduated summa cum laude with his Doctor of Medical Science. His doctoral coursework includes completion of an EM fellowship and earning the NCCPA’s Certificate of Added Qualifications in Emergency Medicine. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, LSU-S Chapter’s Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Circle of LSU-S Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society.
As an IBSC certified tactical peramedic, Brian oversees the tactical medical support program for the Minden Police Department's Special Response Team. As a full-time PA, his current role includes serving as the lead advanced practice provider in the Minden Medical Center emergency department. Brian is a certificated fixed-wing pilot, father of three boys, and spouse of the chief medical director, Stacey Sparks.
Dr. Sparks attended Tulane University in New Orleans, earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. She completed medical school at Louisiana State University—Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA. She matched and completed a pediatric residency, serving as the chief resident during her tenure at LSUHSC. Dr. Sparks is a board-certified pediatrician through the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow through the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has a spectrum of experience, including in-patient acute care pediatrics, caring for underserved populations and primary care pediatrics. She is currently a physician partner in a flourishing pediatric practice, offering high-quality healthcare to the local community and surrounding areas. With over 15 years of clinical practice, Dr. Sparks brings an invaluable degree of healthcare leadership and clinical acumen to curriculum development, corporate operations, and instructor oversight. She is the mother of three boys and co-owner of SMR with her husband.
Craig has an extensive and decorated career in the public safety arena. Serving as the SMR Assistant Director, he adds over two decades of prehospital experience in emergency medicine and fire protection. Craig is a veteran of the US Army, serving as a cavalry combat medic with overseas deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Craig’s law enforcement career began with the Shreveport Police Department before transitioning to the Shreveport Fire Department as an explosive ordinance technician and arson investigator. He maintains certification with the Louisiana POST council and provides tactical medical support as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. Craig is an NAEMT TCCC, TECC, AMLS, and PHTLS instructor with a special interest in prehospital trauma management. He currently serves as the Law Enforcement Medical Representative for the Louisiana Emergency Response Network and holds the position of adjunct instructor at Global Training Institute since 2016, specializing in trauma sustainment skills. As a testament to his devotion to professional growth, he completed an associate of nursing degree and is currently working as a registered nurse in a rural emergency department. Among numerous certifications, Craig is a Tactical Paramedic and a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Craig and his wife Emily, a PA in pediatric endocrinology, are both highly respected clinicians in the regional healthcare community.
Dr. Chanler serves in an adjunct role as associate medical director and subject matter expert for instructor and curriculum development. Graduating from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, he continued his education at Louisiana State University—Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA. Upon graduating medical school, he completed his family medicine residency at LSU and maintains a board certification in family medicine. Dr. Chanler’s clinical experience spans over two decades in private practice, acute care hospital medicine, and emergency medicine. He has served as Minden Medical Center’s medical staff president, emergency department medical director, and EMS medical director. He is currently a staff physician in the emergency department and continues to set the standard in the practice of evidence-based medicine. Along with his wife, Jill, he is the proud father of twins and has a special interest in music theory.
Dr. David Janese is a distinguished graduate of the Emergency and Family Medicine Residency Program at LSU Health Shreveport. Hailing from Texas and growing up in a family deeply rooted in the medical field, he developed a passion for healthcare early in life. Before attending medical school, he worked as a paramedic in Harris County, TX—a role he continues to honor by maintaining his paramedic license and staying active in the EMS community.
Dr. Janese enjoys teaching and mentoring EMS practioners, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge to shape the next generation of emergency medical professionals. He serves as the clinical manager and supervisor for a 911 EMS agency in Texas, as well as the chief medical director for the Shreveport Fire Department. Additionally, he holds the position of associate program director for the LSU Health EM/FM residency program. Despite his extensive responsibilities, Dr. Janese finds time to provide care in rural emergency departments, showcasing his dedication to ensuring access to quality medical care in underserved areas.
Shane Barton is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with specialization in Sports Medicine. A native of East Texas, Dr. Barton earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. He began his professional career as a computer engineer with NASA at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Following graduation from Baylor College of Medicine, he completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Harvard Medical School–Massachusetts General Hospital, where he also served as assistant team physician for the New England Patriots.
Since 2005, Dr. Barton has served the Ark-La-Tex region, holding key leadership roles at LSU Health Shreveport and the Willis Knighton Health System. Dr. Barton has published extensively, lectured around the world, and served as team physician for high schools, colleges, and professional teams. He holds a MPH from LSU Health, as well as an MBA and MS in Healthcare Management and Leadership from the University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical School.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Barton is a commissioned reserve deputy with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and serves as tactical medical director for both the CPSO and the LA State Police (LSP) SWAT team. Additionally, he also serves as the medical director for the LSP Training Academy. He calls LA home, along with his wife, Tammy, and their children, Ethan (Olivia) and Ella Grace, finding fulfillment in both his professional achievements and family life.
Chuck has been married to his wife Kelly for 12 years. He has a daughter and two stepdaughters. Charles is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of EMS experience, currently serving as a Captain with Caddo Fire District 3 and as a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner at Minden Medical Center. He graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University in 2024. He specializes in Adult and Geriatric Acute Care with clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Intensive Care. Charles has conducted research on GLP-1 medications in Type II diabetes and has presented on critical healthcare topics, including Cardiovascular Drugs: Goal Directed Medical Care, Shock, Fluids, Acid-Base, Nutritional Support, and Acute Respiratory Failure (ARDS): Recognition and Support. His extensive experience and leadership, combined with his dedication to advancing clinical knowledge has earned him accolades including Firefighter and Paramedic of the Year at CFD3. Passionate about quality healthcare and community service, he is eager to leverage his skills as an EMS instructor while furthering his career.
Allen, wife Jennifer, and their three daughters call Minden home. Allen is a veteran of the Army National Guard and a fixture in the local healthcare community. Following completion of a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Grambling State University, he started his healthcare career as an emergency department registered nurse, quickly advancing to the role of department manager. Under Allen’s charge, numerous performance improvement initiatives were instituted, driving the department to optimal efficiency. He continued his professional advancement by completing a Master of Science in Nursing at Grambling State University, earning a board-certification as a family nurse practitioner. Allen has a surplus of experience in emergency and family medicine and continues to maintain a medical staff appointment in the Minden Medical Center Emergency Department. He is a full-time practicing clinician and managing partner of Premier Family Clinic in Minden, LA and serves as the elected coroner of Webster Parish. Allen has a lengthy history as an American Heart Association instructor of all disciplines and brings a career of clinical expertise and executive healthcare management to the talent pool of SMR.
Steve brings over two decades of unparalleled prehospital expertise to the SMR team. Beginning his career as an EMT and professional firefighter, Steve is driven by a commitment to career advancement and professional growth. His resume includes an extensive career in fire service and flight medicine as a flight paramedic. The challenging environment and high-pressure situations of critical care flight medicine produces practical experience that provides immeasurable value to his clinical foundation. Steve’s broad experience as a civil servant and EMS practitioner provides the breadth of knowledge that he imparts to students as a certified EMS and AHA instructor. Steve is dedicated to the SMR mission of training the next generation of emergency responders. His teaching approach is both dynamic and practical, drawing from his vast field experience to provide students with real-world insights and hands-on skills. Steve's dedication to excellence in education ensures that his students are well-prepared to meet the demands of their current and future roles.
Patti is a career paramedic with an immense amount of prehospital clinical and instructional experience. She holds an Applied Associate of Science and is a steadfast advocate of the EMS profession, fostering the professional development of new and seasoned EMS practitioners. As an EMS instructor-trainer, she is a driving force in prehospital emergency medical education within the State of Louisiana. Patti is the owner of Professional Medical Training Services and graciously serves as a mentor and program director for the EMS courses offered by SMR.
Memorial Hermann Life Flight delivered an exceelent presentation.
Learn the skills that may give someone a second chance on their worst day. Deputy Chief Harrison, a SMR BLS student and new instructor, exemplifies the product of the SMR mission. This success story underscores the transformative power of proper training and preparedness.
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