ICTalk: Infection Control Today Podcast

ICTalk: Infection Control Today Podcast
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ICTalk: Infection Control Today Podcast is a podcast that dives into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in infection prevention and control. This podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and actionable advice, covering topics relevant to health care professionals at every level—from C-suite executives to infection preventionists, sterile processing, environmental hygiene staff, and more. Join us for conversations with leading infection preventionists, industry experts, and thought leaders as we explore how to create safer environments, improve outcomes, and navigate the evolving landscape of infection control. 

  1. Sep 23

    The IFU Problem: Is Sterile Processing Information Becoming Unmanageable?

    Sterile Processing's Hidden Patient Safety Risk: When Cognitive Overload Meets Complex WorkSterile processing professionals perform high-stakes work requiring sustained attention to detail, yet burnout, fatigue, interruptions, and cognitive overload receive far less attention in SPD than in many patient-facing areas of health care. Randalyn Harreld, CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL, CSPDT, CASSPT, CLS, AAS, FHSPA, clinical education manager for Steelco Belimed, wants that to change. “This particular topic, I think, is pertinent and is not something that we talk about enough,” Harreld told Infection Control Today® following her presentation at the Southern California Sterile Processing Association chapter meeting in Newport Beach, California. “Because we're such a labor-intensive and hardworking environment, I just felt like it's important to bring it up.”  One major concern is interruption. “We say, and I say this all the time, ‘I'm a multitasker, and I can multitask.’ And really, there's a study that talks about how humans, we're not multitasking; we're task switching,” Harreld said. Consider an employee assembling an implant tray with 200 components. After counting 40, the technician is interrupted and later returns to the tray. “You forgot where you were,” Harreld said. “Now we're introducing rework.” But cognitive demands are only increasing. Harreld pointed to the rapidly evolving complexity of medical devices and the IFUs sterile processing professionals must follow. Some instructions she has encountered contain more than 100 steps, while formatting and organization vary considerably among manufacturers. “Just the complexity of the information that we are expected to know is getting harder, is getting faster, is getting more, bigger and longer,” Harreld said. “But how are we making it easier, and are we making it achievable to adhere to?”  Harreld would like to see greater standardization of IFUs, comparing the concept with safety data sheets, where information appears in predictable sections. Meanwhile, facilities can address human factors now. Harreld suggested standardized workflows, protected safe zones, micro-rests, staff rotation, technology aids, checklists, better access to IFUs, and reinforced training. “If your staff is tired or burnt out, try to come up with some strategies,” she said. “Really support your team to make sure that they feel like they're getting the relief before you lose them and before you have an injury.”

    The IFU Problem: Is Sterile Processing Information Becoming Unmanageable?

  2. Sep 9

    What Does the Cyclospora Outbreak Reveal About Public Health Surveillance? An Expert Discusses With ICT

    What happens when we expect public health to respond immediately after years of inconsistent investment?For Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, the current Cyclospora outbreak illustrates a much larger problem. "It's about speed. It's about capacity," Castrucci told Infection Control Today®. "You can't underinvest in public health and then expect it to have a fast and swift response." In a wide-ranging conversation with ICT Lead Editor Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, Castrucci discusses foodborne disease surveillance, workforce capacity, misinformation, declining institutional trust, science communication, and why public health funding cannot follow a boom-and-bust cycle. He also argues that rebuilding trust will require more than telling Americans to "trust the science." Public health professionals must communicate plainly, listen empathetically, build relationships before emergencies occur, and show people how public health affects their everyday lives. Perhaps his simplest explanation came from his daughter: "A pediatrician helps one person at a time. My dad helps everybody all the time."

    What Does the Cyclospora Outbreak Reveal About Public Health Surveillance? An Expert Discusses With ICT

  3. Jul 30

    Lead Aprons May Represent an Overlooked Infection Prevention Blind Spot

    Reusable lead aprons have long been viewed as essential radiation protection for clinicians, but infection prevention experts say they may also represent an overlooked environmental hygiene challenge. During a recent Infection Control Today and Diagnostic Imaging roundtable, experts from infection prevention, perioperative services, and radiology discussed why lead garments often escape the scrutiny applied to other reusable equipment despite being used every day in patient care environments.  Moderator Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, opened the discussion by asking whether reusable lead aprons have simply been overlooked rather than proven to be low risk. That question shaped a conversation focused on contamination, inconsistent cleaning practices, and the need for clearer guidance. Peter Graves, BSN, RN, CNOR, argued that lead garments should not be dismissed simply because they are covered by sterile gowns during procedures. "We don't go back and culture the lead ever," Graves said. "When we think about radiation-attenuating devices, lead actually functions much like PPE." Several panelists pointed to the absence of standardized cleaning protocols as a significant barrier. Jill Holdsworth explained that organizations may document cleaning activities, but there is often little consistency in how those garments are actually disinfected. Justin McKay said ATP testing has proven to be one of the most effective ways to demonstrate the problem. In one comparison, he found lead garments in an operating room to be far more contaminated than a gas pump handle. "When infection prevention sees the data, they say, 'We cannot ignore this,'" McKay said. The discussion also addressed practical challenges, including uncertainty about which disinfectants are compatible with lead garments, conflicting manufacturer recommendations, and questions over whether individual clinicians or hospitals are responsible for maintaining embroidered personal garments. Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, suggested that hospitals would benefit from a practical implementation guide. "I would love there to be a playbook that IPs can go to," she said. "It's so much easier to do something someone else has done successfully than to create the wheel on our own." The panel concluded that addressing lead garment hygiene will require multidisciplinary collaboration and standardized protocols. As hospitals continue to strengthen environmental hygiene programs, experts believe reusable lead aprons should no longer be an infection prevention blind spot.

    Lead Aprons May Represent an Overlooked Infection Prevention Blind Spot

  4. Jul 29

    AIDS 2026 Research Shows Individualized HIV Treatment Is Shaping the Future

    New research presented at AIDS 2026 demonstrates that HIV treatment continues to evolve, with growing evidence supporting both simplified 2-drug regimens and long-acting injectable therapies designed to improve adherence and quality of life. Jean van Wyk, MD, chief medical officer at ViiV Healthcare, discussed with Infection Control Today®, said the expanding treatment landscape gives people living with HIV more choices than ever before. "The important thing is clear communication and joint decision making," van Wyk said. "It's not for the physician to just decide what's best for the person sitting in front of them. It has to be a joint decision on what suits that person best." Among the studies presented was new data from the Long-Acting Treatment in Adolescents (LATA) trial, which found superior outcomes for long-acting injectable therapy compared with daily oral treatment in adolescents living with HIV. "Adherence is a real issue in adolescents," van Wyk said. "That's why long-acting injectables are a really good option for adolescents." He explained that injectable therapy removes the challenge of remembering to take a daily pill, while clinic-administered treatment results in consistently high adherence rates. Long-acting treatment may also help reduce HIV-related stigma because patients no longer need to keep medications at home or take pills every day. Beyond long-acting therapy, van Wyk highlighted the VOGUE study comparing the 2-drug regimen Dovato with the 3-drug regimen Biktarvy. The findings demonstrated comparable efficacy while potentially reducing patients' lifetime exposure to medications. Despite these advances, van Wyk emphasized that significant challenges remain. "We have great options, but why is it that between a quarter and a third of people around the globe do not have virologic suppression?" he said. "There's clearly a big unmet medical need still." Looking ahead, he remains optimistic that continued innovation, broader access to treatment, and stronger collaboration will help advance the global HIV response. "The whole model needs to be rethought," van Wyk said. "It is possible, and I'm always an optimist. I know we will get there. We just have to all work together."

    AIDS 2026 Research Shows Individualized HIV Treatment Is Shaping the Future

  5. Jul 20

    Contagious Conversations: One Profession, Many Pathways Into Infection Prevention

    Infection prevention and control (IPC) has long been recognized as a multidisciplinary field, yet the pathways into the profession vary dramatically across the globe. In the latest installment of Contagious Conversations, hosts Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC, and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, brought together 2 international infection prevention leaders to discuss how their countries educate, recruit, and support IPC professionals and what the future workforce may look like. Joining the discussion were Sinead Creedon, PhD, RGN, LLB, PCICP, MAAPP, director of the postgraduate certificate in infection prevention and control at University College Cork in Ireland, and Mohammed Halwani, PhD, professor, consultant, and infection control pioneer in Saudi Arabia. Together, they offered a fascinating look at how different health care systems approach the same mission: preventing infections and protecting patients. Both guests described unique journeys into infection prevention. Creedon began her career in infectious diseases and tropical medicine in London before returning to Ireland and transitioning into infection prevention. Halwani first became interested in IPC while pursuing graduate studies in medical microbiology in the United Kingdom, then completed additional training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and helped establish infection control programs throughout Saudi Arabia. Despite differences in geography and health care systems, both agreed that infection prevention has become increasingly complex, data-driven, and interdisciplinary. Traditionally, infection prevention roles in Ireland have been dominated by nurses. However, Creedon explained that modern IPC teams increasingly include microbiologists, pharmacists, surveillance scientists, and public health professionals. She noted that newer educational programs are also attracting professionals from diverse backgrounds, including veterinarians, physiotherapists, laboratory scientists, dental professionals, and public health specialists. "We've had a vet on our course because of the introduction of One Health," Creedon said. "We've had lab scientists, surveillance people, physiotherapists, [and] dental staff. It's really broad, and it's really nice to get all of those different people involved because each person brings a different flavor to the table." Halwani described a similar evolution in Saudi Arabia. While nurses continue to comprise many infection preventionists, professionals from microbiology, laboratory sciences, medicine, and public health are increasingly entering the field. He emphasized that public health professionals often contribute valuable expertise in epidemiology, statistics, and surveillance while receiving additional clinical training after joining IPC departments. The conversation quickly turned to a debate that has gained attention in the United States: Should infection prevention be reserved primarily for nurses, or should the profession actively recruit individuals from diverse disciplines? Both guests argued strongly for broader inclusion. Creedon believes the future of IPC depends on expanding opportunities for professionals with expertise in epidemiology, surveillance, behavioral science, quality improvement, and systems thinking. "IPC has become so scientific and data-driven," she said. "If we don't engage with that and if we're not able to do that, then we're just going to be left behind." She also highlighted the growing importance of behavioral science and patient safety competencies. "We've always had a role with quality patient safety. IPC and quality patient safety go hand in hand," Creedon said. Halwani offered an even more ambitious vision. Looking toward the future, he hopes universities will eventually establish dedicated bachelor's degrees in infection prevention and control. "I would love to see a bachelor’s degree in infection control," Halwani said. "You can teach some clinical nursing parts, microbiology parts, and then the public health and epidemiology part. If we did a 4- or 5-year program, that would be perfect." Such programs, he argued, would create professionals specifically trained for infection prevention from the start of their careers rather than requiring them to enter through nursing, microbiology, or public health pathways first. “That's an opportunity for us,” Doran said. “Many people who want to get into infection prevention, if they're not clinical or don't already work in a hospital, are dependent on someone taking a chance on them. Much of that training, that cross-training, happens internally within that department, and not all hospitals or departments have the bandwidth to provide the level of education and cross-training necessary. So, it sounds again like you're able to leverage this external, internal infection prevention training that allows people to get up to speed without really taxing the department.”  Another striking difference discussed during the conversation involved professional certification. While certification is highly valued in the United States, both guests noted that advanced academic degrees often carry greater weight within their healthcare systems. In Saudi Arabia, Halwani explained that certifications such as CIC are respected and common among infection preventionists, but master's degrees and doctoral education tend to be more influential when it comes to hiring and career advancement. Similarly, Ireland places significant emphasis on postgraduate qualifications, although new guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control may eventually lead to broader certification frameworks across Europe. The panel also explored how the COVID-19 pandemic altered perceptions of infection prevention. Halwani described how the profession gained visibility and influence during the pandemic, leading more healthcare workers to pursue careers in IPC. "We actually had a stronger role in the hospitals, and people do respect infection control," he said. "After COVID, a lot of people wanted to do infection control." Throughout the discussion, a common theme emerged: there is no single path into infection prevention. Whether professionals arrive from nursing, microbiology, medicine, public health, epidemiology, pharmacy, or another discipline entirely, the field benefits from diverse perspectives. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex and data-driven, future infection prevention programs may need to embrace broader educational models and multidisciplinary teams to meet emerging challenges. As Stoltzfus noted during the conversation, the future of infection prevention will be shaped by professionals willing to learn from one another and build on their collective strengths. The more the global IPC community shares ideas, experiences, and approaches, the stronger the profession becomes. If this conversation demonstrated anything, it is that while infection prevention may look different from country to country, the commitment to patient safety remains universal. This conversation is part of the ongoing Contagious Conversations series exploring the future of infection prevention and control through diverse global perspectives.

    Contagious Conversations: One Profession, Many Pathways Into Infection Prevention

  6. Jul 9

    Dental PPE and Hand Hygiene: Avoiding the Most Common Infection Control Breaches

    Welcome Back to The Clean Bite!In May 2026, I had the honor of presenting an infection control class for just shy of 900 participants at the California Dental Association’s Art & Science Annual Meeting in Anaheim. I’m not going to lie, my biggest class ever. And the good news? I didn’t fall off the stage or throw up. So as far as this writer is concerned… huge success 😊 If you’ve ever had to “teach the experienced,” you know it can feel a little intimidating. But here’s the best part: I had a line of people waiting afterward and nearly 50 questions submitted through my Google form. That’s always my sign that it landed well: People felt comfortable, engaged, and curious enough to ask. Let’s Talk About the Real IssuesDuring the conference, my friend and fellow infection control enthusiast, Lori Serna-Pate, RDH, MEd, CDIPC, CEO and founder of Dental Training Solutions, and I sat down to discuss the most common infection control breaches we’re seeing. (You can catch the full conversation in the video!) Not surprisingly, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage rose right to the top, second only to hand hygiene. Let that sink in for a second. We’re either: Not using PPE at allUsing PPE as a uniform Or not removing it properly (like wearing clinical barriers outside treatment areas) And here’s the kicker: This isn’t isolated. It’s happening across the country in every type of dental setting. In Maryland and DC, where Lori works as a dental board inspector, the top 3 violations are: Lack of hand hygiene Improper PPE usage and disposal of PPE Failure to use utility gloves when handling sharps in the sterilization area Sound familiar? “When We Are at Risk”Lori made a statement that really stuck with me: “PPE is to be used when we are at risk, when we face occupational risk in our work setting.” Quick reality check: We are at risk in dentistry. Every single day. Even something as routine as treating a small cavity creates aerosols. That high-speed handpiece (aka…the “drill”) spins at incredible speeds, aerosolizing water and debris. Ultrasonic scalers do the same thing during hygiene visits. And those aerosols?They can travel up to 6 feet in any direction in the operatory. So yes, we suit up differently than our medical colleagues. PPE is chosen based on the risks faced in the work setting or during the activity to be performed. It’s essentially PPE-on-repeat all day long: Barriers (jackets or gowns) that cover the wrist, neck, and lap Exam gloves Masks Eye protection (safety glasses or face shields) Where We’re Falling ShortHere’s the truth: We’re pretty good about using gloves during patient care, but we struggle with: Hand hygiene before and after gloves Removing clinical barriers when leaving treatment areas Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and CDC guidelines are crystal clear: Hand hygiene must happen before donning and after doffing gloves. But what do we often do? Glove-to-glove transitions. No hand hygiene in between. Yes, this is a big deal. Offices have been fined $10,000 to $15,000 for a single violation. They are not playing around with this one. Now let’s talk about dental barriers (jackets/gowns). I’ll be honest; I used to wear mine everywhere: Front desk Bathroom Breakroom And I still see it all the time. Not because people don’t care, but because we’re busy and it’s easy to forget, or we just don’t know. The Overlooked Risk: Utility GlovesAnother big miss? Not using utility gloves when handling sharps and chemicals in the central sterilization area.Here’s something that may surprise you:About 90% of sharps injuries happen during instrument processing—not chairside. That’s exactly why OSHA mandates utility gloves. But here’s the reality in most offices: One size Shared by everyone (can you say gross here?) Poor fit for almost everyone Employer supplying dishwashing gloves instead of puncture and chemical resistant gloves. And when gloves don’t fit?They make instrument handling harder, not safer—especially when you’re dealing with burs, files, blades, cassette wraps, or pouch tape. A Simple Strategy That WorksLori and I also talked about workflow solutions, and one concept I absolutely love: Habit StackingThis means pairing a new habit with something you already do. For example: Perform hand hygiene while explaining the procedure to your patient Sanitize while asking, “Do you have any questions before we begin?” It’s simple, but incredibly effective. The Bottom LineHere’s what I want you to walk away with: Perform hand hygiene before and after glove use Remove jackets or gowns when leaving clinical areas Use properly fitting utility gloves when handling sharps and chemicals Make It Easy to Do the Right ThingA few quick wins for your practice: Create a team pact to remind each other about clinical barriers (jackets and gowns) Install hooks by operatory doors for easy removal and storage during the busy day Invest in multiple sizes of utility gloves, or better yet, assign personal pairs Small changes. Big impact. I’ve included the link to our full conversation above (and here again!) so you can dive deeper into the discussion. Because at the end of the day, staying on top of these fundamentals protects you, your team, and your patients and allows you to continue delivering the world-class care you’re known for. Until next time, my friends—Stay informed. Stay clean. Stay safe.🦷✨ — Sherrie, The Clean Bite

    Dental PPE and Hand Hygiene: Avoiding the Most Common Infection Control Breaches

  7. Jun 2

    Hantavirus: A Podcast with Matthew Pullen, MD, an Infectious Disease Doctor

    A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship near South America has drawn international attention and renewed concerns about emerging infectious diseases. While experts emphasize that the risk of a widespread outbreak remains extremely low, the appearance of Andes virus-associated hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on a cruise ship has raised questions about global preparedness, travel-related transmission, and public understanding of infectious disease threats.A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship near South America has drawn international attention and renewed concerns about emerging infectious diseases. While experts emphasize that the risk of a widespread outbreak remains extremely low, the appearance of Andes virus-associated hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on a cruise ship has raised questions about global preparedness, travel-related transmission, and public understanding of infectious disease threats. Matthew Pullen, MD, an infectious disease physician and member of the Infection Control Today® Editorial Advisory Board, said much of the concern stems from confusion about the virus itself. “Hantavirus is actually a very large family of viruses,” Pullen explained. “The ones we’re hearing about most right now are the Sin Nombre virus and Andes virus.” According to Pullen, Sin Nombre virus is the hantavirus most commonly found in the United States and is transmitted through infected deer mice. Andes virus, first identified in Argentina and Chile, has generated greater concern because of limited evidence suggesting possible human-to-human transmission. “There are a few cases where they’re pretty confident there was human-to-human transmission,” Pullen said. “But there’s still academic debate about whether some of those outbreaks represented true transmission or simply shared exposure.” Both viruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe disease with a case fatality rate approaching 40%. “It starts like a flu-like illness,” Pullen said. “Body aches, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting. Then the severe cardiopulmonary phase develops, and that’s what kills people.” Despite the seriousness of the illness, Pullen stressed that fears of a COVID-19-like pandemic are unsupported by current evidence. “I would say the likelihood is very, very, very low,” he said. One reason is the virus's limited transmissibility. “It doesn’t spread like COVID[-19] does. It doesn’t spread like the flu does,” Pullen said. “The last estimate I saw had an R-naught of about 1.2, meaning not every case even propagates to another case.” Pullen also questioned whether current monitoring measures surrounding the cruise ship outbreak are sufficient. “While balancing public health with patient autonomy is important, there are still seemingly unanswered questions about the transmission and exposure events in this outbreak,” Pullen told Infection Control Today®. “This raises concerns about the current monitoring strategy, especially as compared to other nations that have repatriated citizens from the ship and are following tighter monitoring plans.” More than the virus itself, however, Pullen worries about the social environment surrounding emerging disease events. “What worries me most actually isn’t the virus itself,” Pullen said. “It’s the social conditions around the virus.” He pointed to rapidly changing narratives on social media. “One morning, people on social media were saying this was going to be the next pandemic that would kill us all,” he said. “By that afternoon, those same people were posting that hantavirus was nothing to worry about and that the government was lying.” Pullen also warned about individuals attempting to profit from public fear. “There was even a physician online promoting ivermectin as a cure for hantavirus,” Pullen said. “Then conveniently mentioning they also sell ivermectin.” For clinicians, awareness remains important despite the rarity of the disease. “If someone comes in with severe pulmonary syndrome after traveling through Argentina or Chile, that should absolutely bubble up in your mind,” he said. Pullen believes most US hospitals already have the infection prevention infrastructure necessary to manage suspected cases. “Every hospital should be equipped to do respiratory isolation and airborne precautions,” he said. “The key is recognizing the syndrome early and escalating appropriately.” Still, he expressed concern about broader public health capacity. “The people working at CDC are phenomenal,” he said. “But they’re being hamstrung by funding limitations and policy decisions.” Ultimately, Pullen said the outbreak serves as another reminder that emerging zoonotic diseases will remain a global challenge. “Viruses don’t respect borders,” he said. “And the more interconnected the world becomes, the more important preparedness, communication, and public trust become.”

    Hantavirus: A Podcast with Matthew Pullen, MD, an Infectious Disease Doctor

  8. Apr 7

    Contagious Conversations: How SPD Voices Are Shaping Patient Safety

    At the SoCal Sterile Processing Association (SPA) Chapter meeting on March 21, 2026, in Newport Beach, California, one message came through clearly: Leadership in sterile processing does not begin with a title. It begins with a voice. In this special edition of Contagious Conversations, hosts Jill Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST, CHL, AL-CIP; and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, turned the microphone toward Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, lead editor of Infection Control Today®, following her presentation, “Leadership Beyond the Sterile Processing Department: Expanding Professional Influence and Patient Safety Impact.” The conversation reflected broader themes echoed throughout the event, where leaders across sterile processing, infection prevention, and industry highlighted mentorship, communication, and systems thinking as essential to advancing patient safety. The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Shahbaz Salehi, MD, MPH, MSHIA; Randalyn Harreld, CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL, CSPDT, CASSPT, CLS, AAS, FHSPA; Sharon Lashley, MS, MBA; Brian North; and Sarah B. Cruz, AS, CSPDT, CRCST, CHL, CIS, each addressing critical gaps in education, workflow, and system integration across sterile processing. “The March conference was highly successful, with over 100 attendees from Greater Los Angeles to San Diego coming together for a full day of impactful learning, collaboration, and advancement of the sterile processing profession,” said Jaime Amaya, CRCST, president of the SoCal SPA Chapter, and the sterile processing manager, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach & Irvine. To highlight their excellence, the chapter also recently won the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Large Chapter of the Year award for 2026.   Leadership Starts Before the TitleFor Whitacre Martonicz, the foundation of her presentation came from personal experience and observation. “Leadership is not a title,” she said. “It is a choice about whether you'll use your voice to make a difference.”  She described how her understanding of infection prevention and sterile processing did not come from job titles or hierarchy, but from individuals willing to share their knowledge publicly. “The people that I was learning from were not necessarily the people with all the titles,” she explained. “It was always the person who had gone out beyond their comfort zone and given that information out.”  That insight shaped the core message of her talk: that writing, speaking, and sharing experiences are powerful tools for influence across health care systems. Why Speaking Up Matters in SPDThroughout the discussion, both hosts reinforced the need for leadership development within sterile processing. Holdsworth emphasized the growing demand for these skills within the field. “They are probably one of the professions most hungry for leadership knowledge, and leadership training, and leadership discussions,” she said.  Whitacre Martonicz agreed, noting that many professionals hesitate not because they lack expertise, but because they lack confidence. “I've gotten messages… ‘I'd love to write an article… but I don't know how,’ or ‘I'd love to give a speech… but I don't know how to speak,’” she said. “All you have to do is try.”  Her advice was practical and accessible. Start small, build confidence locally, and expand outward. “Start in your own facility,” she said. “Even if it's just standing in front of your colleagues… or write a post… anything to get that conversation started.”  The Power of Everyday ExpertiseA recurring theme throughout the panel was the value of everyday problem-solving in sterile processing. Whitacre Martonicz highlighted how even simple observations can lead to broader improvements. “If you have that problem, I guarantee you that there's somebody else… [who's] having the same problem,” she said.  This perspective aligns closely with broader discussions at the event. Harreld’s session on fatigue and interruptions, Lashley’s focus on navigating IFUs, and North’s emphasis on technology and audits all reinforced the idea that small, consistent improvements drive system-level change. Cruz, the president-elect of the national HSPA, echoed similar principles in her focus on quality systems, while Salehi’s presentation on mentorship underscored the importance of guidance and professional growth across career stages. Overcoming Fear and Finding Your VoiceOne of the most candid moments in the discussion centered on fear, particularly around writing and public speaking. “I was surprised how many people were so terrified of writing,” Whitacre Martonicz said.  She encouraged attendees to reframe the process and lower the barrier to entry. “If you can't think of what to write… write that,” she said. “‘I don't know what to write, but I still have to write, so I will just write that I can’t think of what to write’ and so on… and then suddenly it's coming. It's kind of like the cork out of a bottle.”  Doran added another perspective on building confidence through intentional reflection. “What do I want them to walk away with? If I know the ending… I can back design it,” she said.  Together, these insights offered a practical roadmap for professionals looking to move from silent expertise to active leadership. Writing as a Patient Safety ToolBeyond professional development, Whitacre Martonicz framed communication as a direct pathway to improving patient outcomes. “If you don't have any words down… then I can't help you… and therefore [it cannot be] read by other people… and you saved the life of someone you never met,” she said.  That statement resonated as one of the most powerful takeaways of her session. Writing, presenting, and sharing knowledge are not just career-building activities. They are mechanisms for spreading best practices across facilities and improving care at scale. Building a Culture of ContributionThe discussion closed with a call to action for sterile processing professionals to engage more actively in the broader infection prevention community. “I want to know what's going on in your facility,” Whitacre Martonicz said. “What works? What doesn't work?”  She encouraged submissions across a wide range of topics, emphasizing that every question, observation, or improvement has value. “Send it in… we'll get that information,” she added.  Looking AheadThe SoCal SPA will continue this momentum with two additional events in 2026: the Summer Symposium and Vendor Show on August 15 at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and the Late Summer Seminar and Vendor Show on September 26 in Riverside, California. If the March conference is any indication, those events will continue to elevate the voices of sterile processing professionals who are ready to lead, not by title, but by action. These are the speakers and topics for this conference: Shahbaz Salehi, MD, MPH, MSHIA, the director of infection prevention and control at Foothill Regional Medical Center, Instructor at UCLA Extension. Topic: “The Power of a Mentor: My Journey From SPD to Medicine.” Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, lead editor of Infection Control Today®. Topic: “Leadership beyond the Sterile Processing Department: Expanding Professional Influence and Patient Safety Impact.” Randalyn Harreld: Clinical Education Manager (US), SteelcoBelmed. Topic: “Common Breakdowns caused by Fatigue, Interruptions, and Assumptions” Sharon Lashley, Clinical Education for STERIS. Topic: “Lost in the IFU wilderness? Find your way today!” Brian North, platform specialist—Ascendco Health. Topic: “Modernizing SPD: How Technology, Staffing, and Audits Must Evolve Together” Sarah B. Cruz, Sterile Processing Program Instructor. Topic: “Clean, Sterile, and Streamlined: Quality Systems for Sterile Processing.”

    Contagious Conversations: How SPD Voices Are Shaping Patient Safety
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About

ICTalk: Infection Control Today Podcast is a podcast that dives into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in infection prevention and control. This podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and actionable advice, covering topics relevant to health care professionals at every level—from C-suite executives to infection preventionists, sterile processing, environmental hygiene staff, and more. Join us for conversations with leading infection preventionists, industry experts, and thought leaders as we explore how to create safer environments, improve outcomes, and navigate the evolving landscape of infection control. 

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