American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

Jaksot

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  #62 Before the Breaking Point: The Future of Infection Prevention 03.09.2026 24min

  What if the field of infection prevention collapsed by 2029? In this thought-provoking episode, experts Dr. Elizabeth Monsees and Dr. Stephanie Stroever explore a pre-mortem analysis that asks leaders to imagine setbacks in infection control and uncover the reasons behind them. They delve into critical themes such as workforce attrition, funding loss, and public distrust. How can understanding potential failures empower professionals today? Tune in to discover actionable insights that could reshape the future of infection prevention. With special guests: Elizabeth Monsees, PhD, RN, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC, FSHEA, FAAN, Nurse Research Scientist at Children's Mercy Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Stephanie Stroever, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and the Director of Research for the Division of Emergency Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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  #61 Leading the Charge: Transforming Infection Prevention Through Leadership 06.08.2026 30min

  What does effective leadership look like for infection preventionists (IPs) in today's healthcare landscape? In this episode, we explore the insights from the groundbreaking LEED IP study, focusing on how IPs can transition from task-based roles to systemic leaders. With guests Dr. Kayla Ruch and Dr. Al Mohajer, we discuss the significance of the Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, the barriers IPs face, and the transformative impact of formal leadership training on their professional identities. Tune in to discover how to elevate your leadership journey! With special guests: Dr. Kayla E. Ruch, PhD, MPH, CPH, HACP, CIC, Clinical Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control, Becton Dickenson (BD) and Dr. Mayar Al Mohajer, MD, MBA, CIC, AL-CIP, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
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  #60 Rethinking Central Line Access: A Path to Safer Care 02.07.2026 21min

  How often do we compromise patient safety for convenience? In this episode, Nicki and Jess dive into the unsettling reality of central line access, discussing a scoping review that shows each unnecessary access increases the risk of bloodstream infections. Joined by experts Dr. Karen Brust and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, they explore effective strategies to reduce these risks and emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare practices. Tune in to discover how even small changes can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes! With special guests: Karen Brust, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist, The University of Iowa Health Care and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, PhD, RN, VA-BC, Pediatric Nurse Scholar, The University of Iowa Health Care
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  #59 AI in Infection Prevention: Revolutionizing SSI Surveillance 04.06.2026 23min

  Can artificial intelligence transform the way healthcare systems detect surgical site infections? Join us for a special episode of AJIC: Science Into Practice featuring our first international guest, Dr. Salma Abbas from the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Pakistan, as we explore innovative research comparing five large language models with traditional SSI surveillance methods. Learn how AI-driven tools demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and showed promise in supporting infection prevention efforts by reducing the burden of manual chart review while improving the efficiency and scalability of surveillance. From the future of AI in infection prevention to the importance of global innovation in healthcare epidemiology, tune in for a conversation on how this work from Pakistan could help shape the next generation of SSI surveillance worldwide. With special guest: Salma Abbas, MD, MPH, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Physician, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre
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  #58 The Hand Hygiene Illusion: Are We Really Washing Our Hands? 07.05.2026 29min

  What if our perceptions of hand hygiene are far from reality? In this engaging episode, hosts Nicki and Jess explore the surprising gap between self-reported and observed hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals. Joined by infectious diseases experts Dr. Prathit Kulkarni and Dr. Barbara Trautner, they delve into psychological biases, workflow challenges, and how these factors contribute to adherence discrepancies. Tune in to uncover how improving awareness and behavior can enhance infection prevention in healthcare settings! With special guests: Prathit Kulkarni, MD, FACP, Assistant Chief of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Barbara W. Trautner, MD, PhD, Co-Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University
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  #57 Beyond Discharge: The Skilled Nursing Facility's Role in C. diff Management 02.04.2026 38min

  Join Nicki and Jess as they dive into the journey of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections as patients move between hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). They're joined by special guests Kelly, Glenn, and Cory, who help unpack insights from a massive U.S. study of over 86,000 hospitalizations. Together, they explore why so many patients are discharged to SNFs after a C. diff infection, why those coming from SNFs face higher mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs, and what this all means for care coordination. Additionally, they break down the stats, discuss the real-world implications, and explain how hospitals and SNFs can work together to improve outcomes for older adults. Tune in for a lively, informative conversation about the challenges and opportunities of navigating care transitions after C. diff. With special guests: Kelly R Reveles, PharmD, PhD, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Glenn S Tillotson, PhD, Partner, GST Micro, and Cory Evans, OTR/L, CEO, Clinware Solutions, Inc.
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  #56 Measles is Back: Inside a Children's Hospital Outbreak Response 05.03.2026 40min

  Measles is back, and when a community outbreak hit in early 2025, one children's hospital had to move fast. In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess are joined by Chris, Christie, and Lacey to break down how their multidisciplinary team rapidly designed and implemented infection prevention strategies to protect pediatric patients, families, and staff. From emergency department screening sheds and temporary negative pressure rooms to staff education, fit testing, and coordination with public health, our guests walk through what worked, what was challenging, and the real-world lessons learned from managing a highly contagious virus in a healthcare setting. This conversation offers practical insights for infection preventionists and healthcare leaders preparing for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. With special guests: Lacey Kovar, MPH, CIC, Senior Infection Preventionist, Covenant Children's Hospital Chris Gould, MBA, Senior Director of Environment of Care, Facilities Engineering for the Texas-New Mexico Region, Covenant Health Christie Vandygriff, MSIPE, BSN, RN, Senior Manager of Infection Prevention, Covenant Health
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  #55 Building CIC Confidence: Why Infection Prevention Training Consistency Matters 05.02.2026 32min

  Have you ever tackled a complex job without a manual? In this episode, we dive into the reality of infection prevention training and explore how variability in orientation impacts CIC preparedness among infection preventionists in Texas. The conversation highlights a heavy reliance on on-the-job training, limited use of standardized onboarding tools, and significant disparities in certification, particularly among rural and non-acute care professionals. Join hosts Nicki and Jess as they unpack why structured resources like the APIC Novice Roadmap and APIC Text matter. We also hear key insights from Dr. Kayla Ruch, who shares firsthand experiences and actionable solutions to strengthen training pathways, improve CIC readiness, and support a more resilient infection prevention workforce. With special guest: Kayla Ruch, PhD, MPH, CPH, HACP, CIC, Senior Instructional Developer for Infection Prevention and Control, Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI)
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  #54 Stopping MRSA at the Nose: Inside a Breakthrough ICU Intervention 01.01.2026 35min

  Can a simple nasal antiseptic protect ICU patients from deadly MRSA infections? This episode dives into how a Michigan hospital team reduced bloodstream infections with a twice-daily antiseptic, why it worked, and what it takes to implement this approach. With expert insights and real-world challenges, this is prevention in action, right under your nose. With special guests: Sarah Prascius, MPH, CIC, Infection Prevention Specialist, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan Alex Wells, MPH, CIC, CPHQ, Manager of Safety and Reliability, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan Tricia Stein, MD, FIDSA, FACP, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship and Chief of the Infectious Disease Section, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan
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  #53 Antibiotic Intelligence: Reshaping Outpatient Stewardship With Smart Guidelines and Data Benchmarking 04.12.2025 43min

  Can benchmarking data actually improve antibiotic prescribing for kids? In this episode of AJIC: Science into Practice, hosts Nicki and Jess talk with Dr. Rana El Feghaly and Dr. Matthew Kronman about how collaborative reporting, smart guidelines, and EMR nudges help reduce unnecessary prescriptions. Hear how 22 institutions are reshaping outpatient stewardship with one smarter antibiotic choice at a time. With special guests: Rana El Feghaly, MD, MSCI, CPHQ, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician, Infectious Diseases Clinical Director, Pediatric Department Director of Quality and Safety, Children's Mercy Kansas City Matthew P. Kronman, MD, MSCE, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Associate Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington
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  #52 Strongyloides in Plain Sight: What Happened in a New York Care Facility? 06.11.2025 24min

  How did a soil-dwelling parasite infiltrate a New York care facility? Hosts Jess and Nicki dig into a real-life outbreak of Strongyloides stercoralis with experts Kelly Barrett and Dr. Geetika Sood. What began as an unexpected lab finding spiraled into 17 confirmed infections across residents and staff. Tune in for sharp insights, big data talk, and infection prevention lessons you won't want to miss. With special guests: Kelly Ann Barrett, MPH, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, New York State Department of Health and Geetika Sood, M.D., ScM, Medical Director, New York State Division of Epidemiology
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  #51 Retention vs. Attrition: The Push and Pull of Infection Prevention Careers 09.10.2025 23min

  Why do infection preventionists stay or walk away? In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess sit down with guests Dr. Sara Reese and Albert Shackelford to unpack new data on retention and attrition in the field of Infection Prevention (IP). From burnout and workload pressures to flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, they explore the factors shaping career decisions for infection preventionists today. Plus, get a sneak peek at even more analyzed data coming soon. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation filled with data, lived experiences, and practical strategies that every healthcare leader can use to support and sustain the IP workforce. With special guests: Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Director of Research for the Center of Research, Practice, and Innovation, APIC and Albert Shackelford, MPH, Public Health Professional and Active-Duty Sailor
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  #50 Strengthening the Pipeline: Alabama's Model for Infection Prevention Training 04.09.2025 36min

  What happens when infection prevention meets Southern charm? In this episode of AIC Science Into Practice, experts from UAB spotlight Alabama's Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Discover how they tackled misinformation, trained 70,000+ participants statewide, and built a powerful network of infection preventionists, all while having a little fun along the way. With special guests: Matthew Fifolt, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Organization, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health and Lisa McCormick, DrPH, MPH, Senior Associate Dean for Academics and Practice, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health
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  #49 Airing Out the Dirty Truth: Reducing Viral Aerosol Risk After Toilet Flushing 07.08.2025 25min

  What really happens when you flush the toilet? In this episode, environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba reveals the science behind aerosolized germs, viral cross-contamination, and the surprising role toilet flushing plays in spreading pathogens like norovirus. Discover how air sanitizer sprays can reduce airborne and surface contamination and what that means for infection prevention. If you've ever used a public restroom, this is one episode you don't want to miss. With special guest: Charles Gerba, PhD, University of Arizona
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  #48 Inside the Scope: Fixing the Gaps in Endoscope Reprocessing 03.07.2025 25min

  Confused by endoscope reprocessing gaps? Join hosts Nikki, Jess, and guest Frankie Catalfumo as they dig into brush types, drying myths, storage debates, and why IFUs can't be trusted blindly. Packed with humor, hard truths, and baking analogies, this episode arms you with practical advice and a few laughs to stop biofilm from crashing your sterile party. Tune in! With special guest: Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRST, Director of Practice Guidance and Health Equity, APIC
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  #47 The APIC 2025 MegaSurvey and the Future of Infection Prevention 05.06.2025 29min

  Are you curious how infection preventionists are shaping the future of their field? Tune into this episode on the APIC 2025 MegaSurvey. Learn about the MegaSurvey, why it matters, and how it's evolved. Explore how the findings may influence staffing models, compensation trends, emerging technologies, and more. Most importantly, discover how your voice can shape the tools, standards, and career pathways supporting your work. Join the conversation and claim your seat at the table! With special guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Executive Director of the Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation and Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Director of Research
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  #46 Burnout, Beds, and Budgets: The Hidden Reality of IP Staffing 01.05.2025 37min

  In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, "Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists." This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today's complex healthcare environment. Tune in as Jess and Brenna reveal eye-opening insights from their national survey, including why infection preventionists consistently work over 40 hours a week, how staffing levels vary by region and facility size, and the hidden toll of cross-departmental demands. They also explore the future of infection prevention staffing and how AI-driven tools might finally offer the scalable solutions IPs have been waiting for. Whether you're an IP, a healthcare leader, or just passionate about health system resilience, this episode offers critical lessons, personal reflection, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolving demands on infection preventionists across the U.S. Don't miss it! With special guests: Jessica Swain, MBA, MLT, CIC, Dartmouth Health System Director of Infection Prevention and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, Founder and CEO of Innovative Partners Institute
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  #45 Enhanced Barrier Precautions: Strengthening Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes 03.04.2025 44min

  How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection control with resident quality of life. Don't miss this insightful discussion on protecting both patients and healthcare workers! With special guests: Stephaie Mayoryk, BSN, President and Infection Prevention Consultant, Mayoryk Consulting Services LLC and Mary-Claire Roghmann, MD, MS, Professor, Infectious Disease Physician, and Hospital Epidemiologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine
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  #44 Infection Control in Action: Mount Sinai's Screening Strategies for Candida Auris 06.03.2025 37min

  How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone battling superbugs in healthcare! With special guests: Aaron Cheng, MPH, CIC, Infection Surveillance Officer, Mount Sinai Brooklyn Karen Brody, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CIC, Associate Director of Infection Prevention, Mount Sinai Manhattan Waleed Javaid, MD, MBA, MS, Hospital Epidemiologist and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Mount Sinai
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  #43 Revolutionizing Infection Prevention: Empowering Healthcare Through Training Strategies That Work 06.02.2025 27min

  How can we revolutionize infection prevention training in healthcare? Dive into this insightful episode as Dr. Terri Rebmann and Dr. Ashley Hughes explore game-changing techniques like simulation-based learning, just-in-time training, and empowering mentorship. Discover free, expert-developed tools from CDC's Project Firstline and learn practical tips to improve patient safety and frontline worker readiness. Tune in for laughs, learning, and lifesaving insights! With special guests: Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Divisional Dean, Director of the George Mason University School of Nursing and Ashley Hughes, Ph.D., M.S.,Associate Professor and Research Informaticist at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine at MetroHealth