For Immediate Release: May 21, 2026
Public Relations Office
Dawnie Slabaugh
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Email: slabaugh@siskiyous.edu
Weed / COS – College of the Siskiyous is proud to announce that Theresa Gowan, Lead Faculty of the College of the Siskiyous / Mendocino College Satellite Paramedic Program Training Center has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Clinical Excellence Award from the California Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority as part of this year's statewide EMS Awards program
Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 175 nominations submitted from across California, this recognition highlights Gowan's exceptional clinical skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient care in the emergency medical services profession.
"The dedication and commitment demonstrated through this nomination exemplify the highest standards of clinical care in the EMS profession," said Ashley Williams, Deputy Director of Legislative and External Affairs in an email announcement. "We are honored to recognize individuals whose work reflects such excellence and impact in patient care."
The Clinical Excellence Award recognizes EMS professionals who consistently demonstrate superior clinical performance, critical thinking, and compassionate care in high-pressure environments. Theresa Gowan's selection reflects not only individual achievement but also the strength and professionalism of the broader EMS community. Gowan was formally notified of the award in March, with an official award presentation by Kirk Thomsen – Paramedic Program Director & EMS Coordinator and Dr. Jeremiah Sims – Dean of Career & Technical Education on April 3.
"We are incredibly proud of Theresa Gowan for receiving this well-deserved statewide recognition. Her selection from such a competitive field of nominees across California is a testament to the high caliber of instruction and clinical expertise she brings to our Paramedic Program," said Dr. Char Perlas, Superintendent/President. "At College of the Siskiyous, we strive for excellence in our Career and Technical Education programs, and Theresa embodies the dedication, skill, and compassion we hope to instill in all our students. This award not only honors her individual mastery of the profession but also highlights the strength of the partnership between Siskiyous and Mendocino College in preparing the next generation of EMS first responders."
The California EMS Awards program recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence, leadership, and innovation in emergency medical services. Honorees are selected based on their impact, professionalism, and dedication to advancing quality patient care throughout the state.
The Paramedic Program trains students to provide immediate care to the critically ill and injured. Paramedics determine the nature and extent of illness or injury, provide advanced life support, communicate with emergency medical services personnel and transport patients to the hospital. The paramedic program is a highly interactive, fast paced, hands-on experience, requiring student participation. This program meets or exceeds all state and national guidelines for paramedic training, and includes Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Providers, Advanced Medical Life Support, International Trauma Life Support, and Geriatric Emergency Medical Services. Students who successfully complete the requirements for this program will be prepared for the Paramedic National Registry examination. The curriculum may also academically prepare the student to transfer to a four-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree program.
Learn more about the Paramedic program at College of the Siskiyous or send an email to cteinfo@siskiyous.edu.
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