How Ken Dugas Built PSIS with Integrity and Honesty
Meet Ken Dugas, the visionary leader behind Pharma-Safe, a company that has revolutionized offshore medical services. With a career that began in emergency medical services, Ken’s journey from EMT to CEO is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and dedication to improving healthcare in remote environments.
Under his leadership, Pharma-Safe has not only adapted to the ever-changing demands of the oil and gas industry but has also pioneered advanced training programs and telemedicine services that have set new standards for offshore healthcare. In this interview, Ken shares his inspiring story, his guiding principles, and the legacy he is building at Pharma-Safe.
“Don't settle where you are. Be grateful for where you are, but you should always try to improve yourself.”
Professional Journey: From EMT to Entrepreneur
Early Beginnings and Education
Ken Dugas’ career began in the high-pressure world of emergency medical services. Starting as an ambulance driver, he progressed to become an EMT, Intermediate, and then a paramedic.
His experience offshore opened his eyes to the unmet medical needs in that environment. He successfully advocated for a dedicated medical division offshore, a move that laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Though initially disappointed not to lead the new division, he acknowledges it was a blessing in disguise. The experience of working under a seasoned manager allowed him to acquire management expertise. This period of growth and learning was instrumental when he later established PSIS.
Pioneering Telemedicine and Professional Involvement
One of his notable achievements includes pioneering telemedicine services on the North Slope of Alaska, marking a significant advancement in remote medical care during its earliest years. His dedication to professional development is evident in his involvement with numerous organizations.
Throughout his years, he has accumulated the titles of:
- American Heart Association Instructor
- Medic First Aid Master Instructor
- Dive Medic
- NAUI Master Diver
- National Registered Paramedic
Ken’s experience also includes serving as a board member on the Louisiana State Board of Wholesale Drug Distributors for nine years, a member of the Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group, and a board member for the Livingston Parish American Heart Association.
Founding Pharma-Safe: Adapting to Industry Needs
Together with Lanis, Ken founded Pharma-Safe initially as a medical supply company for offshore clients. However, the volatile nature of the oil and gas industry required a pivot. The two recognized the need for comprehensive medical services offshore, and so developed a clinical extension program to better train paramedics for remote environments.
This program, created with consultation from nurses and physicians, equips paramedics with the skills needed to handle the unique challenges of remote working environments as opposed to the limited scope of purely emergent care.
This program became the foundation of the present-day Health Management System and all of PSIS’ services. Ken and Lanis have worked throughout the years to create an expert team and a comprehensive set of services that address the ever-changing challenges of remote industrial safety and healthcare.
Current Role and Responsibilities
In his position as co-owner and co-founder of PSIS, Ken focuses on large-scale issues, especially financial matters and company vision. He challenges other leaders to think creatively in response to complex issues and aims to foster a dynamic environment.
Vision for the Future
Looking to the future, Ken aspires to create a legacy where Pharma-Safe operates independently of specific people; creating self-sustaining systems that utilize the team’s expertise while optimizing for efficiency. The goal in this is to ensure steady, continuous growth.
Every day as a business owner is a testament to his resilience and dedication. He acknowledges the privilege of contributing to saved lives and making a tangible impact through the systems and environment he has helped create.
Guiding Principles and Keys to Success
Humility and a willingness to learn are central to his success. Surrounding himself with people who offer diverse perspectives fosters an environment of true teamwork. Encouraging open dialogue, he values suggestions and objections, challenging ideas to ensure they are the best option.
Ken Dugas holds Pharma-Safe’s core values, especially integrity, close to his heart. He believes in doing things the right way and taking care of his people to the best of his ability. He is grateful for what he has achieved, but carefully balances it with an ambition for constant improvement, both personally and professionally. His philosophy is to never settle, always striving for self and company development while maintaining consistency and patience in working toward goals.
A Personal Touch: Family, Hobbies, and Volunteer Work
Ken is from Lafayette, LA, and now resides in Denham Springs, LA, where he shares his life with his wife of 37 years. He acknowledges the leap of faith the two took in creating PSIS and the sacrifices they made together to make his vision a reality. She has helped throughout the years with her background as a nurse, giving insight into the clinical medicine aspect side.
Together, they have three children: two sons and a daughter. Ken enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends traveling, scuba diving, riding motorcycles, and playing guitar.
Volunteer Work
His commitment to the community is evident through his extensive volunteer work. He serves as the president of the Combat Hero Bike Build, a volunteer organization supporting disabled veterans by providing accessible motorcycles to allow veterans to experience the freedom and adventure of motorcycle bike riding and the supportive biker communities.
Similarly, he is involved in the Run for the Wall initiative and has served as a Road Guard Captain and Route Coordinator. Run for the Wall is an organized motorcycle ride crossing from the West to the East Coast to ride to Washington, D.C., at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Riders then travel together to Marseilles, IL, to the Middle East Conflicts Wall. This ride supports veterans in raising awareness of our un-accounted for prisoners of war, missing in action, current military and veterans.
Ken is also a Patriot Guard of LA member and volunteers his resources to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, the leadership team of ACTS Retreats, the Knights of Columbus, and Knights on Bikes. These efforts reflect his dedication to giving back and supporting causes close to his heart.
Pharma-Safe’s Commitment to Understanding and Supporting
Pharma-Safe is a company led by individuals who have firsthand experience in the positions they now oversee. This deep understanding of the challenges faced by their personnel is a priority, ensuring continuous learning and improvement.
Pharma-Safe is also a staunch supporter of the oil and gas industry, actively involved in lobbying efforts to advocate for the sector.
Kenneth Dugas’ journey from an EMT to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and continuous growth. His story is not just about building a business, but also creating a legacy of integrity, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
