Billexter Bonifacio, MHA, MAN, RN, CIC

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Company/Organization: St. Luke's Medical Center

Title: Department Manager, Infection Control Service

First Certified: March 2019

1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?

Infection prevention and control is a very exciting field in healthcare management. It deals with various scientific methods in solving public health issues and it also deals with great amount of communication especially with other healthcare professionals.

2. How did you first hear about the CIC®?

My former head of the department introduced me to the CIC certification.

3. As an international candidate, what types of hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome to take the CIC® exam?

One challege that I experienced is the lack of mentor with an experience in taking the CIC examination. If I can remember well, one of the advices in preparing for the CIC exam is look for a study group or a mentor that can help you prepare for the examination. I wasn’t able to prepare myself that way, instead the book that I bought online helped me a lot in preparing myself for the exam.

4. If you have recertified, why do you stay certified? N/A

5. What advice would you give someone like you interested in taking the CIC®?

I recommend that healthcare professionals involved in infection prevention and control should take the CIC certification. CIC certification leads you to a greater advancement in knowledge and understanding in helping you and your institution in building a culture of patient safety.

6. What resources did you find useful?

APIC Certification Study Guide, LinkedIn retired questions.

7. How do you stay informed with the latest industry news?

I frequently get them from WHO, CDC, APSIC (Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control) and CBIC updates in LinkedIn.

8. Finally, what does it mean to you to be a CIC®?

CIC for me means desiring for competence, commitment, and excellence in promoting infection prevention and control in the healthcare setting.

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