Transmission Control

Breaking into infection prevention can feel impossible without prior experience. But how do you get that experience if no one will hire you first? In this episode of the Transmission Control Podcast, Garrett and Jill are joined by Infection Preventionist, Paul Gentile, to tackle one of the biggest gaps in the IP workforce: meaningful, hands-on internships. Paul shares his own unconventional path into infection prevention and explains how early shadowing shaped his career. He walks us through a practical internship model built around the APIC competency framework, designed to move beyond observation and into real clinical application. From surveillance and environment of care rounds to working alongside EVS, Sterile Processing, and emergency preparedness, Paul explains how this program teaches interns to think like IPs. If you're interested in building the next generation of IPs in your department, or trying to become one, this is the episode for you! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #APIC #NextGenIPs #Internships #CareerDevelopment

This week on the Transmission Control podcast, Garrett and Jill sit down with Aaron Woodall, newly elected APIC Board Member and longtime federal IP leader, for an honest conversation about where the IP field is headed—and what it will take to move it forward. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across the Army, DoD, and VA, Aaron shares why he chose to step into national leadership and what gaps still exist in how infection prevention is supported, resourced, and understood. Along the way, Aaron offers a clear look at the collective responsibility of the IP community—and what meaningful progress will require to strengthen the profession. If you've ever wondered how infection prevention can evolve into a fully recognized, well-resourced specialty, this episode brings that vision into focus. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #APIC #Leadership #FutureOfIP #IPCommunity

In this episode of the Transmission Control podcast, Garrett and Jill sit down with Emily Barnard, Infection Prevention Manager at Mountains Community Hospital, for a candid look at what it really takes to rebuild an infection prevention (IP) program in a rural, resource-limited setting. Emily shares what it was like stepping into a hospital with no dedicated IP for more than two years—and how she didn't waste a minute getting to work. From Gemba walks and real-time observation to relationship-building on the front lines, she breaks down the practical moves that helped uncover gaps and kick-start meaningful improvement. Listeners get an inside look at the realities of critical access hospitals, where aging infrastructure, limited resources, and unexpected environmental challenges demand creativity, adaptability, and grit. Through humor, honesty, and hard-earned insight, Emily reminds us that real progress doesn't come from perfection—it comes from consistent, strategic wins. If you've ever felt like you're facing "mountains beyond mountains," this episode is proof that the climb is possible. Tune in today! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #CriticalAccessHospital #IPProgram #RuralHealthcare

What does it look like to become an IP with a terminal degree? In this episode of Transmission Control's Victory Lap series, Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Dr. Lerenza Howard, Manager of Infection Prevention, Employee Health, and Quality Improvement at La Rabida Children's Hospital. Dr. Lerenza guides us through her journey to earning her doctorate in Health Science while working full-time in IP, raising a family, and staying active in professional organizations. She shares how doctoral training sharpened her research skills, transformed how she approaches evidence-based practice, and led to her dissertation on IP experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation digs into qualitative vs. quantitative research, realistic expectations about what a terminal degree will and won't do for your career, and how to align advanced education with a clear "why." If you're an IP who is curious about a doctorate, this episode offers a candid, encouraging look at what a true professional victory lap can look like. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #HealthScience #Doctorate #CareerDevelopment #Education

If Candida auris can spread silently through your facility, how do you stop it before it spreads too far? In this episode of Transmission Control, Blake Thomas, MPH, joins hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth to break down how point prevalence surveys (PPS) are a critical tool in identifying hidden transmission and containing risk. From setting clear screening criteria—like LTC/SNF exposure or missed isolation—to coordinating with lab, nursing, ID, and EVS teams, Blake shares how his team built a repeatable process for outbreak prevention. You'll hear how they overcame PPE fatigue, earned nursing buy-in, and empowered their "Swab Mob" to protect both patients and staff. Tune in to find out how this proactive approach helped turn a public health challenge into a system-wide win! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #CandidaAuris #PPS #OutbreakPrevention

What does it actually take for EVS to finish on the podium—clean rooms, clean data, and a clean survey? On this Season 3 premiere of Transmission Control, we welcome Allen Cooper and Kyle Piccirello to break down how a frontline culture and the right technology turned chronic pain points into measurable wins at a major medical center. From daily huddles and color-coded bins to real-time documentation and transparent dashboards, they share how standardizing processes improved isolation signage compliance, terminal clean checks, and UVC use—while fueling antimicrobial stewardship meetings and strengthening C-suite accountability. Along the way, they reveal how AI helped prioritize Environment of Care findings and how building staff buy-in created a system so solid it supported launching a new patient tower without starting from scratch. Tune in today to discover how moving from "do the task" to "prove the outcome" can drive faster room turns, infection reductions, and survey success. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season3 #TheVictoryLap #EVS #Compliance #Technology

We're closing out Season 2 of the Transmission Control podcast with Joi A. McMillon, whose bold, visual posts on survey readiness have taken IP social media by storm. In this episode, Joi breaks down her "everyday readiness" playbook—showing how IPs can move from reactive prep to proactive excellence long before surveyors arrive. She shares how just-in-time training, focused micro-audits, and night/weekend coverage can become lasting habits that drive safer outcomes year-round. You'll hear real tactics for engaging reluctant staff (including turning low performers into "secret shoppers"), building a just culture that encourages reporting, and keeping patient safety front and center. If you're ready to trade survey stress for steady success, this episode is your roadmap to survey excellence! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #Audit #SurveyReadiness #PatientSafety

What's the real difference between a requirement and a recommendation—and why does it matter so much during a survey? In this episode of Transmission Control, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, former Director of Infection Prevention and Control at The Joint Commission, to decode one of the most misunderstood parts of accreditation. Sylvia breaks down how to tell a law from a guideline, what happens when IFUs cite AAMI standards, and the risk of writing "should" or "shall" into your policies without realizing what it means. She shares practical tips for staying credible under pressure, avoiding self-inflicted citations, and knowing when to stand your ground. If you've ever wondered where best practice ends and requirement begins, this episode is your survival guide for survey season. Tune in today! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #Requirements #Recommendations #Accreditation #Standards

The OR can feel intimidating for IPs, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves to demystify survey readiness where it matters most: behind the red line. They unpack the most common citation magnets like surgical attire, hand hygiene, medication safety, and point-of-use treatment to show how you can replace "we've always done it this way" with data, relationships, and practical fixes. You'll learn how to build comfort in the OR, recruit champions, use tracer methodology, and turn small, consistent actions into safer patients and stronger survey outcomes. If you're ready to trade clipboard anxiety for continuous readiness, this one's your playbook. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #Accreditation #Standards #Data #PatientSafety

In this special release episode of Transmission Control, we're breaking down the new Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP™) from CBIC and why it matters for Infection Prevention leaders! Joining us for this conversation are Jessica Dangles, Gail Fraine, Erin (Beck) Wilder, Lisa Hannah, and Kornelija Delibasic, who share what motivated them to pursue this milestone, the challenges they faced, and how the credential has already shaped their careers. Whether you're preparing to apply this year or simply mapping out your future career goals, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the next big step in IP leadership. If you're ready to elevate your career and influence as an IP, this episode is a must-listen. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #CBIC #ALCIP #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Certification

What if the real measure of a "perfect survey" wasn't zero citations, but lasting improvements to patient safety? On this episode of Transmission Control, we welcome Ericka Kalp—an infection preventionist and epidemiologist with more than 20 years of experience—to explore how even the most challenging survey moments can drive meaningful change. From hallway shortcuts that raise red flags to the culture shifts that transform compliance into continuous improvement, Ericka shares practical strategies for reframing survey outcomes. Whether your team is recent survey wins or recovering from a tough citation, this conversation will help you see surveys not as a minefield, but as an opportunity to strengthen your infection prevention program. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #Survey #Compliance #PatientSafety

Preparing for a regulatory survey isn't just about binders and policies—it's about building staff confidence. On this episode of Transmission Control, we welcome Stephen Rusbarsky, who breaks down what really happens when surveyors throw frontline staff those curveball questions— and how the pressure can rattle even experienced teams. From practical strategies to answer with confidence to training tips that replace panic with poise, Stephen shares how IPs can turn high-stakes interviews into opportunities to showcase readiness. If survey interviews have your staff on edge, this conversation will give you the tools to step up with confidence and turn curveballs into wins. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #CurveballQuestions #Surveyor #Confidence #AuditReady

Does your team face accreditation surveys with confidence—or with dread? On this week's episode of 'Citation Nation,' we welcome Katie Belski, an Infection Preventionist with a unique blend of experience in Sterile Processing, patient safety coordination, and IP, who shares hard-won lessons from both sides of the survey table. From the do's and don'ts of answering surveyors' questions (hint: less is more) to the everyday red flags that trip up even seasoned teams, Katie breaks down practical strategies for staying survey ready year-round. She also explains why competencies, policies, and practice drills are critical to avoiding the "gotcha" moments that challenge teams under pressure. Tune in today to discover how preparation, perspective, and poise can turn survey survival into survey success—and why infection stops where information starts. Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #CitationNation #SurveyReady #PatientSafety #AccreditationReadiness #SurveySuccess

How can infection preventionists turn tracer activities from a box-checking exercise into a tool for real culture change? On this Season 2 premiere of Transmission Control, we welcome Euriel Brown, Accreditation Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown, to explore how tracers can strengthen survey readiness and empower frontline teams. From spotting expired supplies to training staff on the "why" behind compliance, Euriel shares practical strategies to make tracers effective, sustainable, and engaging. Along the way, she reveals how to avoid the dreaded "clipboard warrior" vibe and build buy-in that lasts beyond survey day. Tune in today to discover how sharpening your tracer process can protect patients, prepare your teams, and prove why infection stops where information starts! Make sure to follow Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #Season2 #Tracers #SurveyReadiness #Compliance

How do you navigate rapidly changing and competing guidance from industry, national and various state organizations?  Laws regarding outbreak reporting also varies greatly from state-to-state and how do you develop a consistent protocol when your health organization spans multiple states?  Catherine Kroll joins Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella to share her experiences and insights related to leadership, organizational communication and staffing during the pandemic.  Catherine also shares her story of how she combined several of her childhood interests in becoming either a detective, FBI agent or a doctor into a career as an epidemiologist.  It wasn't until Catherine's niece contracted C. diff that she became aware of the hospital environment and infection prevention.  Even though the pandemic has raised awareness and interest in infection prevention as a career path, one key to Catherine's success as a leader is continuous recruiting and championing the profession.  Today's episode is inspiring and informative! #Leadership #Communication #Staffing #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare

Should medical device manufacturers employ a reprocessing specialist during the development process?  Should recalls and updates impact the entire family of devices connected to the predicate device?  Does laboratory testing fall short of real-world practicality?  Jason Minutillo joins Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella to discuss a number of topics related to medical device design that creates challenges for healthcare providers and reprocessors.  Jason outlines his concerns with vague instructions for use, improving pre-market control to limit recalls, and exploring the responsibility for MAUDE reports that are classified as "End User Error".  This episode is packed with important details on the topics covered and you don't want to miss it!   #MAUDE # MDR #MedicalDevices #FDA #AdverseEvents #SurgicalServices #SterileProcessing #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare

Surgical Services can be an intimidating area for Infection Prevention team members who don't have experience working in the PeriOperative environment.  How can a background in Public Health and Epidemiology make you a resource to your sterile processing department?  We find out today, as Garrett Hollembeak shares his experiences as a Manager of Sterile Processing with a unique background in Public Health and how he has taken an epidemiological approach to leading the department.  Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella speak with Garrett about the importance of needs assessments, root cause analysis, and identifying leading and lagging factors to establish key performance indicators and continuous improvement processes.  Already know you're an #InfectionControl nerd? Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts: https://zcu.io/URFW Amazon Podcasts: https://zcu.io/p4aZ Google Podcasts: https://zcu.io/xdB0 #Epidemiology #SurgicalServices #SterileProcessing #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare  

Do you dread visits from surveyors and auditors?  Let's be honest, most of us do.  However, regulatory agencies perform a necessary purpose and so do your regulatory and accreditation partners within your healthcare facility.  Infection Prevention collaboration and participation in mock surveys can be critical to making improvements proactively.  Amy Asleson joins Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella to share a positive perspective on regulatory compliance, her experience with infection prevention, and details trends that surround #sterileprocessing relative to regulatory agencies.  If you loved our most recent conversation with Jill Berends, then you won't want to miss this one! #Accreditation #Regulatory #CMS #DNV-GL #JointCommission #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare  

How can we make the MAUDE database more usable?  Can we create incentives to ensure that the data housed in the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting database can be used to evaluate trending and identify otherwise undetected risks with medical devices?  Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella speak with Ryan Bass gain his insight into the current problems, gaps and potential solutions for optimizing the database and making a substantial improvement in Public Health.  This is an excellent follow up to our inaugural episode and you do not want to miss it!   #MAUDE #MDR #MedicalDevice #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare

If you work in healthcare, then you are a patient advocate.  You have the experience and expertise to influence change, but so often we may not be confident in speaking up.  Today's episode is a great example of bravery and what it means to do the right thing.  Jill Berends joins Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella to share her personal advocate scenario, partnering with Infection Prevention and how social media had a great deal of influence on the situation.  Tune in this week for a fascinating story! Already know you're an #InfectionControl nerd? Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts: https://zcu.io/URFW Amazon Podcasts: https://zcu.io/p4aZ Google Podcasts: https://zcu.io/xdB0 #PatientAdvocacy #ContaminationRisk #MedicalDevice #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #ICP #PublicHealth #Healthcare