What happens when infection prevention meets Southern charm? In this episode of AIC Science Into Practice, experts from UAB spotlight Alabama’s Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Discover how they tackled misinformation, trained 70,000+ participants statewide, and built a powerful network of infection preventionists, all while having a little fun along the way.

With special guests:

Matthew Fifolt, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Organization, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health and Lisa McCormick, DrPH, MPH, Senior Associate Dean for Academics and Practice, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health

What really happens when you flush the toilet? In this episode, environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba reveals the science behind aerosolized germs, viral cross-contamination, and the surprising role toilet flushing plays in spreading pathogens like norovirus. Discover how air sanitizer sprays can reduce airborne and surface contamination and what that means for infection prevention. If you’ve ever used a public restroom, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

With special guest:

Charles Gerba, PhD, University of Arizona

Confused by endoscope reprocessing gaps? Join hosts Nikki, Jess, and guest Frankie Catalfumo as they dig into brush types, drying myths, storage debates, and why IFUs can’t be trusted blindly. Packed with humor, hard truths, and baking analogies, this episode arms you with practical advice and a few laughs to stop biofilm from crashing your sterile party. Tune in!

With special guest:

Frankie Catalfumo, MPH, CIC, CRST, Director of Practice Guidance and Health Equity, APIC

Are you curious how infection preventionists are shaping the future of their field? Tune into this episode on the APIC 2025 MegaSurvey. Learn about the MegaSurvey, why it matters, and how it’s evolved. Explore how the findings may influence staffing models, compensation trends, emerging technologies, and more. Most importantly, discover how your voice can shape the tools, standards, and career pathways supporting your work. Join the conversation and claim your seat at the table!

With special guests:

Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Executive Director of the Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation and Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, APIC, Director of Research

In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Brenna Doran to unpack their newly published study, “Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists.” This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today’s complex healthcare environment.

Tune in as Jess and Brenna reveal eye-opening insights from their national survey, including why infection preventionists consistently work over 40 hours a week, how staffing levels vary by region and facility size, and the hidden toll of cross-departmental demands. They also explore the future of infection prevention staffing and how AI-driven tools might finally offer the scalable solutions IPs have been waiting for.

Whether you're an IP, a healthcare leader, or just passionate about health system resilience, this episode offers critical lessons, personal reflection, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolving demands on infection preventionists across the U.S. Don’t miss it!

With special guests:

Jessica Swain, MBA, MLT, CIC, Dartmouth Health System Director of Infection Prevention and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, Founder and CEO of Innovative Partners Institute

How can nursing homes stop the spread of deadly infections without isolating residents? In this episode, the hosts, Jess and Nicki, dive into Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) with experts Dr. Mary-Claire Roghmann and Stephanie Mayoryk. They explore real-world strategies for implementing EBP, overcoming staff challenges, and balancing infection control with resident quality of life. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on protecting both patients and healthcare workers!

With special guests:

Stephaie Mayoryk, BSN, President and Infection Prevention Consultant, Mayoryk Consulting Services LLC and Mary-Claire Roghmann, MD, MS, Professor, Infectious Disease Physician, and Hospital Epidemiologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine

How can hospitals stop the spread of Candida auris before it starts? In this episode, infection prevention experts from Mount Sinai share how an expanded screening protocol helped detect cases early and prevent outbreaks. Learn about the challenges of screening, patient isolation, and facility-wide collaboration. With real-world insights and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone battling superbugs in healthcare!

With special guests:

• Aaron Cheng, MPH, CIC, Infection Surveillance Officer, Mount Sinai Brooklyn
• Karen Brody, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CIC, Associate Director of Infection Prevention, Mount Sinai Manhattan
• Waleed Javaid, MD, MBA, MS, Hospital Epidemiologist and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Mount Sinai

How can we revolutionize infection prevention training in healthcare? Dive into this insightful episode as Dr. Terri Rebmann and Dr. Ashley Hughes explore game-changing techniques like simulation-based learning, just-in-time training, and empowering mentorship. Discover free, expert-developed tools from CDC’s Project Firstline and learn practical tips to improve patient safety and frontline worker readiness. Tune in for laughs, learning, and lifesaving insights!

With special guests:

Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Divisional Dean, Director of the George Mason University School of Nursing and Ashley Hughes, Ph.D., M.S.,Associate Professor and Research Informaticist at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine at MetroHealth