1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
• I chose a career in infection prevention and control because I’ve always been passionate about protecting people’s health and making a real impact behind the scenes.
• After seeing how infections can significantly affect patient outcomes, I realized how crucial it is to have strong systems in place to prevent them.
• Infection prevention is not just about policies, it's about leadership, education, continuous improvement, and building a culture of safety.
• Over the years, I’ve found great fulfillment in helping teams reduce risks, improve compliance, and ensure safe environments for patients, visitors and healthcare workers and the overall community.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
• My advice is to start by building a strong foundation in microbiology, epidemiology, and patient safety.
• Infection prevention and control is both a science and a leadership role ,you need to understand the evidence, but also know how to influence people and systems.
• Get certified if you can (like CIC), stay updated with guidelines from WHO and CDC, and always be ready to learn from outbreaks and audits.
• Most importantly, develop strong communication skills, because your ability to educate and collaborate with others is what truly drives success in this field. It’s a career where small actions can save lives, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC® means more than just holding a credential, it’s a recognition of my commitment to excellence, safety, and lifelong learning in the field of infection prevention and control. It reflects my dedication to protecting patients, healthcare workers, and communities by applying evidence-based practices and global standards. Earning the CIC® was both a professional milestone and a personal achievement, It gave me confidence, credibility, and a deeper responsibility to lead with integrity, guide others, and continuously improve healthcare outcomes. It’s not just a certification, it’s a symbol of trust, expertise, and passion for making healthcare safer."
5. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
• The best studying method for me was using a structured study plan that combined multiple resources.
• I started by reviewing the CBIC content outline to understand the exam domains, then used the APIC text and CIC® study guides to cover each topic in depth.
• I found that active recall, quizzing myself regularly and practicing with mock exams helped me identify my weak areas and build confidence.
• I related what I studied to real-life situations from my daily work in infection prevention and control, which helped me retain the information and apply it more effectively.
6. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
• My advice is to stay committed, stay organized, and believe in your experience. CIC® certification is a valuable goal that reflects your dedication to patient safety and infection prevention.
• Start by reviewing the CBIC exam content outline and focus your study on one domain at a time.
• Use trusted resources like the APIC text, study guides, and practice questions. Set a study schedule and stick to it, consistency is key.
• Don’t be afraid to join a study group or reach out to certified colleagues for support.
• Most importantly, trust your real-world experience, it will help you apply the concepts.
• It’s a challenging exam, but with focus and preparation, you can absolutely succeed.
7. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
• I stay up-to-date by actively engaging with trusted resources and professional networks.
• I regularly review updates from global health authorities like the CDC, WHO, and Saudi CDC, as well as national guidelines.
• I’m also a member of professional organizations like MENA- FHSS (Middle East & North Africa Federation of Hospital Sterilization Siences), which provide access to webinars, journals, and conferences. Attending workshops and continuous education courses helps me stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices.
• In addition, I participate in infection control forums and collaborate with colleagues to share experiences and learn from real-world challenges.
• Staying current is essential in our field, because infection prevention is constantly evolving and our patients depend on it.
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
• Earning the CIC® has been a turning point in my professional journey, It gave me credibility and recognition, not only within my organization but also across the broader healthcare community.
• The certification deepened my knowledge, sharpened my critical thinking, and gave me the confidence to lead infection prevention programs more effectively.
• It also opened doors to new opportunities, such as leadership roles, speaking engagements, and participation in national committees.
• Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
• Being a CIC® has not only enhanced my skills, but also positioned me as a trusted resource and advocate for patient and staff safety.
