1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
Infectious diseases and early warning system of country needs much attention and there is extreme need for infection preventionist in community health (Public health) field who can use both component (Epidemiology and Infection Prevention) in providing society place with better response against infectious diseases. As my country has witnessed a number of outbreaks that affected lives of a huge number of people. As almost all of the outbreaks and epidemics were preventable if preventive health system is strengthen and systemic approach is practiced toward timely reporting, mitigation and response to health threats of infectious diseases. I believe that I may use my knowledge and skills in improving the infection prevention system not only in health facilities but also at community level.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Think bigger than just one health facility as your approach should be toward your community and country. Wherever you are, whatever position you have, you should try your best to mitigate risks on infectious diseases. It will serve the cause of your country and will save the global village as well. As in this world, individual health threat can become global health threat in no time and COVID-19 Pandemic has shown us the true reality of this fact. Your smaller steps toward right direction will take the whole system toward right path where there is better response toward infection threats. While preparing for CIC/Infection prevention, always look for practical aspect and ask yourself how you are going to respond as per international guidelines.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
CIC gave me a satisfaction and encouraged me to continue working in this field of Epidemiology of infectious diseases and infection prevention on community and national level. I feel proud and satisfied regarding my knowledge and skills and I am happy that all of my activities and responses toward infectious diseases are based on core IPC guidelines. I wanted it validate my knowledge and practices on daily basis so that I am up to date as per recent guidelines.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I studied one chapter and then visualized all of the guidelines and scenario in real practical field and tried to solve them as per APIC guidelines. This gave me better learning opportunities and implementation of better practices on the same time. Secondly I also studied my Microbiology book of MBBS that we studied in third year of MBBS and it also gave me an additional support toward understanding of the Microbiology of infectious agents. My last and important support was APIC study guide tests and the explanations of answers that as it helped me in having better understanding of the examination and approach of APIC toward infection control
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Learn in order to improve the practices of your health facility and implement guidelines in your work place. It will give you better understanding of guidelines and you will feel CIC examination much easier and practical one. Work for effectiveness of IPC system and not just to pass one examination. Don’t go for cramming the facts as it will be of no use, go for understanding of the facts and their implementation.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I am member of APIC, SHEA, IAPH and I am working with US-CDC so I give at-least 1 hour daily to visit official websites of above mentioned organizations to find out new guidelines and recommendations.
7. Are you part of an APIC or IPAC Canada chapter? If so, would you recommend it to others?
No, i am not part of IPAC Canada chapter. But APIC Chapter helps me a lot in routine guidelines and I have better exposure of international approaches and experiences.
8. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
It gave me a satisfaction and recognition in the field of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and respect in this field. People approach me for new guidelines and approaches toward new threats of infectious diseases. Soon after CIC I have witnessed a sudden surge of different job offers and mentorship requests that is encouraging.
9. Are there any CIC® stories that keep you up at night?
Not a story as such, but I am much worried about early warning system of the country and how to modify it to practically work as “THE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM” and improvement in overall IPC/HCAI Surveillance practices in the country.