Dr. John W. Ridley has a wealth of experience in the medical field, in a variety of positions, both civilian and military. He began his career as a patient care technician before going to serve during the Vietnam conflict as a combat medic. He then worked as a trainer for combat medics, until he received an appointment to the laboratory training program at Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam, Houston, TX. He served three years of active duty as a medical laboratory technician and then pursued his BS degree in Zoology and his Master's of Education degree, both from the University of Georgia. During this time, his work experience included positions as a laboratory technician and later a technologist, then a clinical laboratory manager and as an officer in several US Army Reserve Combat Support Hospitals, rising to the rank of Colonel. Dr. Ridley completed a Ph.D. in Health and Human Services shortly after completing a tour of duty in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He then completed his education as a registered nurse, which allowed him to incorporate the critical clinical perspective into his role as an educator, which began in 1992, and continues today. Dr. Ridley is currently the Director of Medical Laboratory Technology at West Central Technical College in Waco, Georgia.