Episodes
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Listen in as our hosts, Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes, interview the authors of three impactful oral and poster presentations live at the 2024 APIC Annual Conference in San Antonio. Learn about a multi-prong approach to enhance outcomes in a dental unit, insights from a pediatric measles outbreak, and the adoption of a veterinary occupational and infection control assessment for enhanced safety. Discover more details on each presentation in our Further Resources section.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guests:
Andrea Lombard, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC, Infection Control Manager, Community Health Services (CHS)
Andrea is a nurse. Nursing chose her, she became a nurse when nursing was a vocation path. Andrea became intrigued with infection control and prevention in the 1980’s after working on a team under a primary investigator researching the efficacy and outcomes of using chlorhexidine gluconate in the preoperative setting. Andrea learned infection control and epidemiology at the CDC and Emory, became certified in Infection Control, and then pursued a master’s in public health. Her career journey has led her to work in a variety of practice settings – acute care, home care, public health, long term care, outpatient, behavioral health, dental, and ambulatory care – with a variety of roles – direct patient care, leadership, management, infection surveillance, prevention and control, quality improvement, program development, community assessments, evaluation, planning, community partnerships, education, and advocacy. Her work in Connecticut has led the State to being identified as the first jurisdiction in the United States targeted to eliminate Hepatitis C.
Payal M. Patel, MPH, CIC, Infection Preventionist, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Payal M. Patel began her career as an Infection Preventionist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio in 2021. She holds a Master’s in Public Health in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Payal is dedicated to her role as a consultant, educator, researcher, and change agent in infection control and prevention. She represents various hospital areas including High Level Disinfection, Gastrointestinal Service Line, Fetal Services, Burn Program and Family Volunteer Services. Payal takes great pride in being an active member and serving as Treasurer of her local Central Ohio APIC chapter.
Tammie Hull, MA, BSN, RN, CIC, LSSGBH, Infection Preventionist, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Tammie Hull is an Infection Preventionist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She is a registered nurse and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare Professional. Her nursing experience ranges from occupational health to student and community health. Tammie began her role as an Infection Preventionist in 2020. She currently serves as an infection control representative to multiple hospital areas including inpatient units and primary cares, along with Employee Health, and sits on the Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Leadership Committee and the Ambulatory Coordinating Council Committee.Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Certified Veterinary Technician/Veterinary IPC, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota
Leslie has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since 2004 and has been working in veterinary infection prevention for about 16 years. She currently works at the Minnesota Department of Health in the Zoonotic Disease Unit consulting with veterinary clinics, wildlife rehabs, zoos, animal sanctuaries, and shelters on infection control and safety issues. Leslie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse and her associate degree in veterinary technology from Argosy University. In 2023, she also passed the CIC exam.Further Resources
Andrea Lombard poster presentation: Multiprong Interventions, Organizational Behavioral Changes, and Ongoing Monitoring Reduce Dental Unit Water Line Biofilm Growth, June 2021 to Nov2023
Payal Patel and Tammie Hull poster presentation: Lessons Learned from a Measles Outbreak in a Pediatric Population in Ohio
Leslie Kollmann oral presentation: Veterinary Occupational Health and Infection Control Assessment Program (VOHICA) -
In this insightful podcast, nurse manager Allison Zelikoff explores the history and importance of occupational health, its partnership with infection prevention, and how she found her calling in this field. Find out more about the critical role of occupational health in promoting workplace safety and the challenges this discipline faces including administrative and financial barriers. Listen in to understand the future of occupational health and the crucial connection it maintains with infection prevention.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
Allison Zelikoff, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager, Occupational Health, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Allison Zelikoff is the Nurse Manager for Occupational Health at Fred Hutch, a cancer and infectious disease research institute and patient care center in Seattle, Washington. In her role, Allison manages a program that provides direct care to employees following workplace injury, response to bloodborne and respiratory pathogen exposure, large-scale vaccination programs, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and data analysis aimed at preventing injury and illness among employees in the workplace. Her professional background includes direct patient care serving vulnerable populations in the community setting and at Harborview Medical Center, the region’s level 1 trauma center.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard speak with Trent MacAllister, Infection Preventionist at the Washington State Department of Health and APIC Annual Conference Committee member. He shares insights into the abstract review process for the APIC Annual Conference. Trent provides information on how to submit speaker proposals and abstract submissions, discusses common mistakes in submissions, and explains how the committee determines oral presentations versus poster presentations. This episode offers invaluable tips for those looking to participate in the conference.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Trent MacAllister, MPH, MS, CIC
Trent MacAllister, MPH, MS, CIC, is an Infection Preventionist at the Washington State Department of Health within the Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section. In this role, Trent conducts Infection Control and Response (ICAR) consultations with healthcare facilities throughout the state. He has also provided outbreak investigation and response support to acute care, long-term care, ambulatory care, residential treatment, and behavioral health facilities. Trent worked as an infection preventionist in an acute care hospital before transitioning to his current role in public health. Trent is currently the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Annual Conference Committee (ACC) Abstract Sub-Committee Chair and the 2025 APIC ACC Vice-Chair. In his free time, Trent enjoys mountain biking, hiking, hanging out with his dogs at the lake, and traveling the world with his fiancée.
Further Resources:
"How to Write An Abstract"
Reasons for Rejections of Abstracts Submitted to APIC's Annual Conference: Ensuring Transparency and Encouraging Quality -
Explore the world of infection prevention and control in the long-term care sector on APIC's 5 Second Rule podcast. This episode features A.C. Burke, a veteran of the public health and healthcare sectors, who shares her passion for infection control in long-term care facilities. From issues of staffing and burnout to the ongoing need for roles dedicated to IP, Burke provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing IPs in long-term care. Tune in to understand more about the importance of infection prevention in these critical healthcare settings, where the need to balance patient safety with quality of life is paramount.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
A.C. Burke, Vice President for Healthcare Quality for RB Health Partners, Inc.
A.C. Burke is the VP for Healthcare Quality for RB Health Partners, Inc. In this role, she consults with long-term care facilities on infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and practices, and provides training to infection preventionists and staff in nursing homes on a variety of infection prevention topics. A.C.’s prior experience includes working as the Director of Infection Prevention for Mayo Clinic Florida and the Healthcare-associated Infection Prevention Program Manager for the Florida Department of Health. She has 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and is nationally board certified in infection control (CIC).
Further Resources:
GAO Report
Press Release
APIC Support of IPC in LTC
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In this engaging episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard converse with patient advocate Rosie Bartel, sharing her incredible battle with a persistent MRSA infection, which began as a complication of knee replacement surgery. As a survivor and activist, Rosie's brave story takes us through her grueling journey of surmounting multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and amputations, underscoring the importance of patient perspective in healthcare and infection control. Listen in to learn more about her crucial role in infection prevention advocacy and the essential changes that resulted from sharing her story.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Rosie Bartel, MA in Educational Leadership, Patient Partner
Rosie is a widow, mother, grandmother and an educator. In August of 2009 she underwent a total right knee replacement that developed into a MRSA staph infection. As Rosie continues to battle this MRSA infection in her body, she is driven to share her story of survival. She believes in helping others with disabilities and other health concerns find their voices. She uses her story to co-design with medical professionals, researchers and to advocate for patients and their caregivers.
Further Resource:
Rosie Bartel: Viewing Infection Data from the Patient's Perspective - YouTube -
In this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes talk with Aayushi Chheda, past president of the Midnight Sun Chapter of APIC, and Talia Lefkowitz, past president of the Greater New York Chapter of APIC, both winners of a 2023 Chapter Excellence Award. Aayushi discusses their successful strategies to revitalize the chapter during the pandemic, while Talia describes the techniques used for ongoing Chapter success. The conversation focuses on networking, implementing surveys to measure educational needs, and strengthening communication for both virtual and in-person meetings in order to build a culture of resiliency and balance.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MPA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guests:
Aayushi Chheda, MS, MPH, CIC, Supervisor at Providence Alaska Medical Center
Getting connected to other professionals in the field of IP has been an integral part of Aayushi's professional and personal journey in Alaska. In 2021, she assumed leadership roles within the local APIC chapter, serving as President-Elect before becoming President.
Talia Lefkowitz, BSN, RN, CIC, Assistant Director of Infection Prevention at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Talia is the immediate past president of APIC Greater New York Chapter 13, and has enjoyed giving back to the chapter using an innovative and collaborative approach to engage and retain members.
Further resource:
APIC Chapter Information -
Are you ready to be inspired by a conversation with Dr. Tania Bubb, APIC's 2024 president? Listen to this podcast to learn about her volunteerism, journey to the APIC presidency, initiatives, and values that she will promote during her leadership. Hear her discuss the importance of trust and collaboration, active listening, and valuing others' lived experiences in the infection prevention and control industry.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Tania Bubb, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Dr. Tania Bubb is the 2024 APIC President. She is Senior Director of Infection Prevention & Control at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY. She has worked as an Infection Preventionist since 2006 at major academic medical centers with responsibilities spanning the continuum of care. She’s served her local and national APIC Board of Directors. Prior to serving at the national level, Dr. Bubb chaired the APIC Professional Development Committee, was a member of the American Journal of Infection Control Editorial Review Board, and APIC’s Practice Resource Editorial Panel. Most recently, Dr. Bubb co-chaired APIC’s Health Inequities and Disparities Taskforce. She is an experienced speaker and author, having presented at local and national APIC events as well as other conferences, and authored publications related to the field of infection prevention and control.
Dr. Bubb received Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Nursing from City University of New York Herbert H. Lehman College and earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nursing from New York University.
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Join us as we hear from Rosa Lozano, the chair of APIC's Emerging Infectious Diseases Task Force. She discusses her role in assembling the passionate, diverse members of the task force and how they are developing operational guidance to assist infection preventionists and public health professionals in combating novel pathogens and infectious diseases.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
Rosa Lozano, MPH, CIC, Assistant Vice President, Infection Prevention, Methodist Healthcare System
Rosa Lozano joined the Methodist Healthcare System of eight hospitals in 2019. As the Assistant Vice President of Infection Prevention, Rosa mentors a team of hospital Infection Preventionists, champions comprehensive infection prevention programs, and collaborates with healthcare teams to drive patient and healthcare worker safety. Rosa also serves as the Chair of the Emerging Infectious Disease Task Force for the Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, representing 15,000 infection prevention members globally. Rosa is also passionate about mentorship and leadership growth for Infection Preventionists, and emerging healthcare leaders.
Rosa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from The University of Texas, and her Master of Public Health degree in Healthcare Systems, Management, and Policy from the Colorado School of Public Health. She has also served on APIC’s Public Policy Committee, and Communications Committee.
Further Resources:
Emerging Infectious Diseases
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Heather Saunders, an Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Consultant and Research Nurse Program Manager, shares personal strategies to navigate and recover from burnout. Through Heather’s experience in healthcare she found her passion for infection prevention and is now creating awareness on the importance of self-care and practical approaches to achieving joy in the job. Join the Five Second Rule podcast to find out how Heather consistently incorporates wellness in her personal and professional life.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Heather Saunders, MPH, RN, CIC
Heather Saunders is an experienced and motivated registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health and a certification in infection control. Striving for excellence in the prevention and control of infectious disease, Heather believes in using innovative and strategic leadership methods to achieve program goals. Currently, Heather is employed with Johns Hopkins University Division of Infectious Diseases as a research nurse program manager, using her expertise to guide research in the prevention and control of infections in health care settings. Additionally, Heather is the owner of Broad Street Prevention, where she serves as an infection prevention consultant. During her off hours, Heather enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. She is the proud author of the blog, All the Lessons We Learn, where she gives a lyrical accounting of all the beautiful, painful, and transcendent lessons that we learn on this journey we call life.
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This podcast hosted by APIC celebrates International Infection Prevention Week with guest Carole Kamangu. Carole is a nurse epidemiologist and infection prevention consultant who moved to the US in 2004 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and obtained her master's in public health. Listen to her inspiring story of her initial aspiration to become a surgeon, followed by her move to the US, challenges in nursing school, and ultimately her success in the IP field.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
Carole W. Kamangu, RN, MPH, CIC, CEO and Principal Consultant, Dumontel Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Carole is the founder/CEO of Dumontel Healthcare Consulting, LLC, a Texas-based infection prevention and control firm, where she applies her leadership skills in project and program management, quality improvement, and strategic planning. She also serves as a consultant at APIC Consulting, Inc. She is the co-founder and current board secretary of Congo4Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that serves schools in low-income communities of the DRC.
Further Resources:
Handwashing 101 with Dumontel Healthcare Consulting, LLC -
In this episode of the 5 Second Rule, hosts Kelly and Lerenza interview Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist and autism parent, who shares his insights from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and provides strategies to better equip IPC programs for the future. His enlightened advice about anticipating and preparing for emerging infections, combined with his inspiring view of addressing vaccine skepticism, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their community from infectious diseases.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
Further Resources:
The Deadly Rise of Anti-science
About our Guest:
Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine
Hotez is Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, and Professor of Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is also the Director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development and Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. Additionally, Hotez is University Professor at Baylor University and a Fellow in Disease and Poverty at the James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Hotez was among the first to predict Zika’s emergence in the U.S. and has served on infectious disease task forces for two consecutive Texas Governors. As an internationally recognized physician-scientist in tropical diseases and vaccine development, he is called upon frequently to testify before Congress. While at the Clinton Global Initiative, Hotez co-founded the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. In 2017, he was named by Fortune magazine as one of the 34 most influential people in healthcare; in 2018, he was appointed by the U.S. State Department to serve on the Board of Governors for the U.S. Israel Binational Science Foundation. Hotez received the Sackler Award in Sustained Leadership from Research!America. He was also the recipient of APIC’s 2022 Distinguished Scientist Award.
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Our hosts are joined in-person by three oral and poster presenters at the 2023 APIC Annual Conference in Orlando! You'll hear about insights from a new IP director, hand hygiene compliance technology, and Candida auris. Check out more information about each oral or poster presentation in our Further Resources section.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guests:
Benjamin Galvan, MLS (ASCP), CIC, CPH
Benjamin D. Galvan is a board-certified infection prevention director in Tampa, FL and a consulting infection prevention subject matter expert with APIC Consulting Services. Since 2018, Benjamin has demonstrated a passion for infection prevention and patient safety by leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and performance improvement methodologies to improve health outcomes. In June 2021, Benjamin was awarded the inaugural Emerging Leader in Infection Prevention award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and was selected as a rising star in healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2022. In 2015, Benjamin attained his bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and is presently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida.
Emily Gaddam, BSN, RN, CIC
Emily Gaddam is a Nurse Epidemiologist, Infection Prevention Consultant, and Health Delivery Scientist dedicated to quality and patient safety. She plays an active role in Greater Los Angeles APIC chapter as the Communication Chair, webmaster, and legislative committee member. Emily's achievements include earning a prestigious blue ribbon at the National APIC conference for her pioneering efforts in C. auris prevention, publishing a recent stem cell investigation in Transfusion, and demonstrating unwavering commitment to preventing central line infection at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the nation's premiere heart transplant center.
Marissa Yee, MPH, CIC
Marissa Yee, MPH, CIC, is an infection preventionist at the University of Michigan Health. She began her infection prevention career in 2016 at U-M Health as the data coordinator for the institution’s hand hygiene program before taking on infection prevention analyst responsibilities and, in 2019, becoming an infection preventionist. Marissa covers inpatient adult and pediatric units along with several ambulatory health centers and specialty clinics. She works closely with the outpatient pediatric and adult dialysis units to identify opportunities for reducing bloodstream infections and vascular access infections. She leads Ambulatory Care Infection Prevention meetings and actively participates on the Ambulatory Care Regulatory Readiness Advisory Council.
Harry Zhen, MPH, CIC
Harry Zhen, MPH, CIC, is an infection preventionist at the University of Michigan Health. He began his career in infection prevention in 2019 as an analyst and data coordinator for the institution’s hand hygiene program before transitioning to the role of infection preventionist in 2020. His current areas of focus include the adult pulmonary moderate and intensive care unit, pediatric surgery and operating rooms, interventional radiology, and respiratory care. He is the Infection Prevention lead for the Mold Surveillance and Response Program at the University of Michigan Health, and is also the co-lead of the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Surgical Site Infection Prevention Workgroup at the University of Michigan Health.
Further Resources:2024 Call for Speakers
Benjamin Galvin Poster Presentation: A 90-Day Success Story: Insights from a New Infection Prevention Director with Multicenter Oversight
Emily Gaddam Oral Presentation: Candida Auris: A Team-based Approach to Taming the Wild Yeast
Harry Zhen and Marissa Yee Oral Presentation: Data Rather Than Germs on Your Fingertips: Leveraging Business Intelligence to Improve and Sustain Hand Hygiene Compliance
2023 International Infection Prevention Week
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Tune in to hear Dr. Gilmartin share her journey from her start as an infection preventionist in a rural hospital to a Doctor of Nursing. In this episode, she discusses using implementation science and to help IPs to close the gap between what we know and what we do. Dr. Gilmartin explains effective measures in conducting research on everyday IP issues and the value of dissemination. Enjoy this lively discussion between our 5 Second Rule hosts and APIC’s 2023 Distinguished Scientist Award recipient.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Heather Gilmartin, PhD, NP, CIC, FAPIC
Gilmartin works with the Veterans Health Administration (VA), Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation as an investigator and research health scientist. Her research focuses on understanding and optimizing the culture of healthcare to enhance employee engagement and patient safety. Gilmartin is a VA Career Development Awardee and creator of the Relational Playbook for Cardiology Teams, a patented invention to help healthcare teams thrive in the workplace. She is an assistant clinical professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the associate director of the Dissemination and Implementation Science Research Core at the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. She has over 20 years of clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner in areas such as acute care, family practice, infection prevention, epidemiology, and public health. Gilmartin is also an executive leadership coach with the VA Leadership Coaching Cadre.
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Whether you've attended before or are a first timer, you'll want to listen as our hosts interview the 2023 APIC Annual Conference Chair Maria Whitaker. Get the hot tips that will help you navigate the conference like a pro and maximize your time among the education sessions, posters, exhibit hall, and more. Whether you attend in person or virtually, you won't want to miss this episode!
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
Maria Whitaker, BS, MT(Micro), CIC
Maria Whitaker worked as a clinical microbiologist for 18 years before pursuing her career in infection prevention. For the next 22 years, Maria worked as the manager for the infection prevention and control program in both the acute and long-term care settings at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center in Cortland, New York. She is currently working as an independent consultant.
Maria is very active in APIC. She has served as President and Chair of the Education Committee for her local chapter, and has served on several committees at the National level including Practice Guidance Committee, Communications Committee, and is currently Chair of the Annual Conference Committee.
Maria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology and has been Board Certified In Infection Prevention and Control since 2001. -
Listen as an expert IP mentor and a successful IP mentee discuss their relationship, how they found each other, and the benefits of a mentor-mentee relationship in today's IPC workforce.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guests:
Sheri Ives, MBA, BSN
Sheri Ives has been with VDH since May of 2020. She began as the Covid Regional Containment Advisor for Southwest Virginia then transitioned in May of 2022 to the Southwest Regional Infection Preventionist role. Sheri has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an MBA with Specialization in Healthcare Administration from King College, Bristol, TN. She also holds certifications in Performance Improvement for PDCA Cycle and a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. She brings over 30 years of Healthcare experience and leadership to VDH and looks forward to continuing to serve Southwest Virginia.
Jennifer Justice, CCMA
Jennifer Justice has been with VDH since November of 2021. She began as a case investigator/contact tracer on the Covid Regional Containment Team for Southwest Virginia, then became a mentee in the Southwest Regional Infection Prevention Team in 2023. Jennifer is a CCMA with a background in a Medical Lab for 11 years before coming to VDH. She brings over 13 years of healthcare experience to VDH and looks forward to continuing to serve Southwest Virginia.
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In this episode, our hosts discuss the many certifications in IPC with CBIC immediate past president Sandra Callery and CBIC board member Tiffany Wiksten. Learn about the different options in certification, how to discover which certification is right for you, and what it could mean for the advancement of your career. For questions pertaining to this episode, leave a message for hosts and subject matter experts using the “Contribute to the Convo” button in the upper right corner.
Further resources:
Certification FAQsHosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guests:
Sandra Callery, RN, MHSc, CIC, LTC-CIP, assistant professor, McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario Canada
Sandra Callery has practiced in the field of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), for many years and in a variety of healthcare settings. She is a registered nurse, with a Master of Health Sciences. She has been involved in research and publications regarding disease transmission, management of patients with antibiotic-resistant organisms, emergency preparedness, and most recently, the value of certification for the Infection Control Professional. Sandra is the immediate past President of The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
Tiffany Wiksten, DNP, RN, CIC, associate director, Standards Interpretation Group
Tiffany Wiksten has been a nurse for more than 20 years and an infection preventionist for more than 10 years. In her current role, she is an infection control subject matter expert at The Joint Commission. She has led infection prevention and control efforts in a variety of healthcare settings including large academic medical centers, a community medical center with associated long-term care facility, as well as various ambulatory healthcare sites. She is certified in infection control and has her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
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Tackling the Annual Risk Assessment and Infection Prevention Program Plan can be a daunting task even for the most experienced IP. Listen as guest speaker, Rebecca Battjes, discusses pitfalls to avoid in the process of formulating a comprehensive plan and strategies for organizational success.
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Rebecca Battjes, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Infection Prevention Senior Clinical Advisor for Diversey
Rebecca Battjes is an Infection Prevention Senior Clinical Advisor for Diversey, one of APIC’s 2023 strategic partners. Before being an IP clinical advisor, Rebecca was the infection prevention & control program manager for an acute care hospital and short stay skilled nursing facility. From 2013 to 2021, she was an Infection Preventionist at a large academic medical & Level One trauma center in the heart of Detroit. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Spanish literature from Wayne State University and a Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University.
Further resources:
Rebecca Battjes video
APIC IP Talk
APIC/JCR Infection Prevention & Control Workbook
APIC Cost CalculatorEpisode is sponsored by HibiClens
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Breaking into the IPC industry can be challenging. Listen as two infection prevention experts and leaders discuss strategies on how to get started in the field, and best practices to advance your IPC career. You’ll learn how to utilize your foundational knowledge, the best ways to market yourself, and that previous experience is not always necessary.
Hosted by:
Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC
About our Guests:
Lisa Sturm, MPH, CIC, FAPIC
Lisa works at Ascension and is the system Senior Director for Infection Prevention. She wants everyone listening today to know that if you have the will and desire to become an infection preventionist, or want to grow within the field, that the sky is the limit and there are endless amounts of resources and people willing to help you along the way.
Chaz Rhone, MPH, CIC, FAPIC
Chaz is currently the Assistant Vice President of Infection Prevention for HCA Healthcare North Florida Division. His professional passions include advancing the field of IP through leadership development of IPs and advocating for M.P.H.-ers as equally qualified candidates for IP positions.
Further Resources:
https://apic.org/professional-practice/infection-preventionist-ip-competency-model/
https://apic.org/professional-practice/roadmap/novice-roadmap-for-the-infection-preventionist/
https://youtu.be/GItrfuqLRfw
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For the first episode with our new hosts, Patricia "Pat" Jackson, 2023 APIC President, stops by to answer questions on her presidency and to discuss the strengths and struggles of the lone IP, or "one-ers."
Hosted by:
Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB
About our Guest:
Patricia "Pat" Jackson, RN, BSN, CIC, FAPIC
Pat Jackson is the 2023 President of APIC. She is Director of Infection Prevention at White Rock Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She has been an infection preventionist for the past 27 years. She has worked primarily in large academic medical centers predominantly in pediatrics but recently has become a "oner" / lone IP in a small community hospital in Dallas, TX. Pat’s passion is mentoring new IPs. She served as an original author on APICs Roadmap for the Novice Infection Preventionist and spent many years as a faculty member to APICs epidemiology training courses. She believes we have to attract and retain the talent of the next generation in order for APIC to succeed.
Further resources:
APIC Toolkit for Rural and Isolated Settings -
APIC Hero of Infection Prevention Kelley Knapek talks about what it takes to successfully recruit, train, and retain talent in the IPC industry. Learn how she developed a tool to help others break into IPC, and how she became a 2022 Hero of Infection Prevention in Leadership.
Hosted by:
Marie Wilson, MSN, RN, CIC and Jay Liggins, MS, CIC
About our Guest:
Kelley Knapek, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, CWON, Good Samaritan Medical Center
Kelley Knapek is the Manager of Infection Prevention at Good Samaritan Medical Center (SCL Health now Intermountain) in Lafayette, Colorado. She has been an infection preventionist since 2014 and has a background in nursing--working in mental health, med/surg, ortho, and wound care. Outside of work Kelley enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and spending time with her husband and two young boys.
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