Decisions Decisions

I have decided that I want to go back to school again after I am done recuperating from my surgery.

I know that I want to do something in medicine but I can't make up my mind what. I do not want to become a Dr. I did when I was younger, but I have become kind of disenchanted with the idea. I have always wanted to be a paramedic, so the obvious route is for me to become an EMT (UCLA has a great training program) and eventually become a paramedic.

However...as I get a little older and my friends start families and have babies, I have started to think that I might like to be a midwife? I have been privileged enough to attend several births and I find that I am very collected and everyone tells me how much they appreciated having me there. I also really enjoy it, there is just something magical about that process of pregnancy and birth and the period following that I am addicted to. I am also a big believer in empowering women when it comes to pregnancy and birthing. I am not even sure where to begin to get that kind of training? And would it be better for me to just become a Licensed Midwife, or a Certified Nurse Midwife? I would think that it would be better to become a CNM, generally more training is better, right?

I have some serious issues with the medical establishment on a whole, where does that put me fitting into it? Do I want to avoid it all together (no, I know that I really really want to go into it), do I want to get into it and try in my own small quiet way to make it better for everyone that I can touch (yes, I know that I really really do). It is all very confusing.

Any thoughts? I know a few of you out there are in the field...advice? Anyone out there who knows me personally who has any insights?

I will be back later with some manner of list for today. =)