Location: New Hyde Park, New York
Company/Organization: Northwell Health
Title: Infection Prevention Specialist
First certified: July 2010
1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
My passion has always been improving patient outcomes and keeping people safe. What drew me to infection prevention was the opportunity to make an impact beyond a single patient encounter. Every day brings a new challenge and a chance to work with frontline teams to prevent infections, improve processes, and ultimately protect patients, families, and healthcare workers.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
Be curious, stay humble, and never stop learning. Infection prevention is a field where science, data, relationship-building, and communication all come together. Some of the most important lessons I've learned have come from listening to bedside staff, understanding their challenges, and working together to find solutions.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC® is both an honor and a responsibility. It represents a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and evidence-based practice. Earning my certification gave me confidence in my knowledge and validated the hard work I invested in developing my expertise.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I found that combining multiple study methods worked best for me. I used the APIC text and practice questions, but I also focused on understanding the "why" behind infection prevention principles rather than simply memorizing information. Creating study schedules, reviewing real-world scenarios, and discussing concepts with colleagues helped solidify my understanding.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Believe in yourself and start before you feel completely ready. Certification can seem intimidating, but every hour of studying is an investment in yourself and your career. Focus on understanding concepts, practice questions regularly, and don't be discouraged by areas where you struggle.
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
Infection prevention is an ever-evolving field, so staying current is essential. I regularly review guidance from organizations such as APIC and CBIC, attend educational sessions and webinars, and learn from colleagues across the profession. Some of my greatest learning experiences come through collaboration and the sharing of best practices with other infection prevention professionals.
7. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
The CIC® has strengthened my credibility and has enabled me to contribute more effectively to quality improvement initiatives, patient safety efforts, staff education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond professional growth, the certification has provided a strong foundation for participating in community health events, educating the public on infection prevention strategies, and promoting preventive health practices. One of the things I love most about infection prevention is that its impact extends far beyond the hospital. Being a CIC® has reinforced my belief that prevention is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare. At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: helping people stay healthy, safe, and informed. That is both my greatest motivation and my greatest reward.
