Q&A with Jocelyn Hulbert: Reflecting on 38 Years with EMSC

Jocelyn (Joc) Hulbert, HRSA EMSC Project Officer, announced her retirement over the summer. As we approach Joc’s last day after 38 years with the EMSC Program, we asked her to reflect on her incredible journey with HRSA and EMSC.

Tell us about the start of your career with the EMSC Program and your transition to HRSA.

I started with the EMSC Program 38 years ago while working at Children’s National in Washington, D.C. That was when EMSC first received federal funding. At the time, funding was awarded to just four states, and I was asked if I wanted to work on this new project. Of course, I said yes! Over the years, I’ve worn many hats. I started with the National Resource Center (which later became the EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center), and in 2010 I transitioned to HRSA. Watching the program grow from those early days has been an incredible journey, and I am very proud of what EMSC has accomplished.

How has the EMSC Program evolved since you started, and what has surprised you the most along the way?

What surprises me most is how much progress we’ve made improving pediatric emergency care with limited funding. Many programs receive much larger budgets, but thanks to our dedicated grantees and partners, we’ve been able to accomplish so much with very little. The passion and commitment of the EMSC community is truly unmatched.

What moments stand out the most during your tenure, and what achievements are you particularly proud of?

The advent of Pediatric Readiness really stands out—beginning with the National Pediatric Readiness Project and now with the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project. Together, federal staff, grantees, and our resource centers gathered the first-ever national data on the status of pediatric emergency care. That data has given us an evidence base to work from, which is something I’m especially proud of.

Looking back, are there particular hurdles or growing pains that stand out in the program’s evolution? How did those moments shape where EMSC is today?

Yes, there were many. Limited funding has always been a challenge and with that comes the question of how to prioritize. But those hurdles pushed us to be more creative, more collaborative, and more determined to get the most out of the resources we had. It shaped a culture of innovation and teamwork that defines EMSC to this day.

What have you enjoyed most about your role with HRSA and EMSC?

The people. Getting to work with such passionate individuals—our grantees, colleagues, and partners—has been the greatest joy. I’ve loved traveling to see the work happening at the state level, witnessing firsthand the hurdles they overcome and how they make change happen. And working so closely with our two resource centers has been a true highlight of my career.

As you leave this longtime role and pass the reins, what do you hope to see for EMSC’s future?

All good things! I hope to see national buy-in for Pediatric Readiness—not just from partner organizations but from everyday practitioners and clinicians. Once everyone understands the direct impact of being Pediatric Ready, children will truly receive the best possible care wherever they go when ill or injured.

If you could leave one message to those continuing the work of the EMSC Program, what would it be?

Hold on to the vision that inspired you when you first started. Keep pushing forward in every sphere of your influence to advance the program. Don’t give up!

Lastly, what are you looking forward to most in retirement?

Not waking up to an alarm clock! And spending more time with my grandson—that’s what I’m most excited about.

On behalf of the entire EMSC community, we wish Joc all the best in retirement. Thank you for your many years of service, dedication, and commitment to improving pediatric emergency care. Your impact has been felt by everyone in the EMSC family.