1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
I am a medical laboratory technologist who had worked in Microbiology labs in both Hamilton ON, Calgary AB and Nelson BC. I understood the transfer of microorganisms in healthcare environments. My laboratory manager, by position, was the secretary of the IP committee, my pathologist, by position, was the chair. Neither really had any interest in IP, so in 1988 I volunteered to be the secretary of the committee and started learning and doing all IP duties, while also managing the microbiology lab. I have always loved educating and had presented numerous times at lab conferences (and I also have acted in community theatre all my life). The combination of great presentation skills and understanding microorganism movement made a full time career in infection prevention a no-brainer.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Find a mentor! I was fortunate to have a mentor back in 1988 that helped me with my questions. Also, READ! Join your national organization (APIC or IPAC-Canada or IPS) and then join your local chapter and attend meetings as best you can! Ask questions at these meetings (I love round table chats…especially when I can offer an opinion from my background).
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
I refer to myself as Board Certified in Infection Control. I feel this designation indicates that next level of interest in the field, next level of showing a commitment to education, learning and patient safety. Being Emeritus makes me smile as now I am ‘the old guy’ that has been around forever…but has so much to share.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I found the APIC text invaluable. Of course, in 1989 – 1990 while studying, it was not electronic and not quite as long as it is now but I read it cover to cover! As an MLT, I had to ask my ICU nurses what some devices looked like (Swann Ganz catheter for instance), and my doctors allowed me to watch procedures like an arterial line insertion, which helped again with risks and proper techniques required to prevent infections. CIC study groups are also invaluable but really didn’t exist in 1988.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Get a mentor, read constantly from journals and attend study groups to find out where your knowledge may be deficient.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices? I read the APIC IP Talk digest daily. I read the AJIC, ICHE and Hospital Infection journal table of content to see what is going on. MEDLINE papers and ProMed help also.
7. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
The CIC encouraged me to stay current, to constantly learn. I wanted to be seen as an expert in this field, and to me my CIC recertification showed I am up to date on all aspects of infection prevention. I spent many conversations with IP’s who were not certified, encouraging them to become certified. When I worked in industry, my sales reps knew that if they were talking to a CIC certified IP, that that IP had taken the time to show they knew their stuff!
