Greenville Reporter

Michael Firtha, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at ECU Health, originally aspired to become a firefighter. "I wanted to be a firefighter," he said, influenced by his uncles who held significant positions in the fire department. After high school, Firtha received a scholarship to train as a paramedic, intending to follow in his uncles' footsteps.

Firtha's career path shifted after gaining experience in the medical field. He completed emergency medical technician (EMT) training while working in his local hospital’s cafeteria and part-time as a firefighter. He later worked as a nursing assistant on the orthopedic trauma floor and then as a paramedic in the emergency department. "Using my paramedic certification, I was hired as a full-time suture technician," he explained.

His diverse medical experiences led him to pursue medicine. "It was good to see the different sides of health care," he noted. Firtha emphasized that each role taught him valuable lessons applicable to his current position.

Firtha attended Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, for medical school. "Campbell is in rural North Carolina, so I was surrounded by a community similar to what’s here in Greenville," he said. He graduated with a degree in osteopathic medicine and completed further training at the Cleveland Clinic and UC Davis Children’s Hospital/Shriners Northern California.

Choosing pediatric orthopedics was influenced by personal experiences and family background. "Taking care of children is one of the most important things anyone can do," he stated, recalling his mother's impact as a kindergarten teacher.

At ECU Health, Firtha appreciates working with his team focused on patient care. "Our pediatric orthopedic surgery group is young and focused on patient care," he remarked. The support from ECU Health has been crucial for providing quality care: “Providing excellent patient care to children with orthopedic injuries often requires a lot of resources and special implants and technology."

Firtha values eastern North Carolina for its community feel and family-friendly environment. "It felt like home," he shared about returning to the area.

He encourages others considering health care careers: “Health care is a field where you can feel good about the work you’re doing,” highlighting the sense of purpose it brings.