Transmission Control

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

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for chasing waves and finding rhythm in the ocean’s tide. From early-morning paddles to the rush of a perfect swell, this surfer blends patience, balance, and energy into every ride. Tune in to hear how Eric Price paddles past the daily grind and chases the thrill of the waves… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world!  #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a healthcare professional whose passion for style and connection comes to life behind the salon chair. From precision cuts to perfect color blends, this licensed cosmetologist blends artistry and care into every look she creates. Tune in to hear how Dr. Raynetta Stansil brings her signature style to helping people look and feel their best—one trim, one tone, and one transformation at a time… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world!  #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce shakes off the day and stirs up something entirely her own—one pour at a time. If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world!  #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it’s a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the right tools. Tune in to hear how Joseph Martin’s passion for woodturning brings a hands-on kind of balance to life beyond the hospital… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world!  #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

On this episode of StreetClothes, we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she’s trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her. Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and clarity of the outdoors—one step, one trail, and one hike at a time… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world! #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Join host Hank Balch for this special Episode 2 release of our "Before & After" series on Transmission Control, as we hear about the IP buzz from Phoenix with guest George Cronin from Dri-Scope Aid. Whether you visited Booth #1335 or missed the conference entirely, this episode delivers the essential takeaways from the expo floor and charts the path forward for endoscope drying implementation. Most importantly, we want to make sure you bookmark http://www.driscope.com/contact-us for your endoscope drying resource hub! In our conversation, George shares the most pressing questions infection preventionists are asking about automated drying solutions, from securing buy-in with end users to navigating the evolving landscape of guidelines and regulations. Discover why Sterile Processing departments are ahead of the curve on drying awareness, while GI departments still need compelling data to drive adoption, and learn how IPs are increasingly becoming the central coordinators for facility-wide endoscope drying strategies. We'd love to hear YOUR feedback if you visited Dri-Scope Aid and George in Phoenix or have your own advice on taking the next step toward endoscope drying protocols. Thanks again for tuning in! "Infection Stops Where Information Starts.™" #TransmissionControl #BeforeAndAfter #DriScopeAid #Conference #InfectionPrevention