American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

Can benchmarking data actually improve antibiotic prescribing for kids? In this episode of AJIC: Science into Practice, hosts Nicki and Jess talk with Dr. Rana El Feghaly and Dr. Matthew Kronman about how collaborative reporting, smart guidelines, and EMR nudges help reduce unnecessary prescriptions. Hear how 22 institutions are reshaping outpatient stewardship with one smarter antibiotic choice at a time.

With special guests:

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How did a soil-dwelling parasite infiltrate a New York care facility? Hosts Jess and Nicki dig into a real-life outbreak of Strongyloides stercoralis with experts Kelly Barrett and Dr. Geetika Sood. What began as an unexpected lab finding spiraled into 17 confirmed infections across residents and staff. Tune in for sharp insights, big data talk, and infection prevention lessons you won't want to miss.

With special guests:

Kelly Ann...

Why do infection preventionists stay or walk away? In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess sit down with guests Dr. Sara Reese and Albert Shackelford to unpack new data on retention and attrition in the field of Infection Prevention (IP). From burnout and workload pressures to flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, they explore the factors shaping career decisions for infection preventionists today. Plus, get a sneak peek a...

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 ...

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, t...

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 P...

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 th...

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 nationa...

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 protect...

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...

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, lea...

Can a staffing calculator really revolutionize Infection Prevention and Control? Join us for podcast number 42, where we dive into the world of infection prevention staffing and debunk myths with our expert guests, Dr. Becca Bartles and Dr. Sara Reese. Discover how this innovative calculator changes staffing dynamics and significantly reduces infection rates in hospitals. Listen in and find out how this invention challenges the old...

In this episode, the guests delve into the outstanding work of the Washington State Department of Health in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring healthcare experts like Melissa Feskin, Sarah Podczervinski, and Lisa Hannah, the discussion revolves around connecting healthcare systems to necessary resources, implementing robust education strategies, and sharing best practices amidst the chaos of th...

Are you interested in infection control and prevention? This episode of the American Journal of Infection Control: Science into Practice podcast, features insightful discussions with experts Kelly Holmes, Jennifer McCarty, and Sandy Steinfeld. The panel examines different aspects of the field with a focus on certification, mentorship, and the power of structured training for infection preventionists. Holmes shares the significance ...

In this fascinating AJIC Science Into Practice episode, hosts Nikki and Jessica explore the crucial topic of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with guest Dr. Carolyn Chu, Chief Clinical Officer of the National Clinician Consultation Center. They discuss the PEP line, a teleconsultation service supporting healthcare providers who manage exposures to bloodborne pathogens. The trio delves into the intricacies of PEP, the delay in its in...

In this podcast, hosts delve right into an enlightening discussion with Dr. Michael Charness, Dr. Kalpana Gupta, and Dr. Katherine Linsenmeyer about transmission dynamics in infection control. They particularly zero in on an investigation into the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 hours after hospital room changeovers, touching on key findings such as the significance of reversion mutations. They underline the key takeaways from t...

In the podcast, guests Dr. Cynthia Lakon and Dr. John Hipp discuss their research on the socio-spatial health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic in US skilled nursing facilities. They discuss the factors that influence the pervasiveness of the pandemic within these facilities, such as the social and economic condition of the surrounding area, the funding allocated to the nursing home, and the size of the nursing home itself. ...

In this engaging podcast episode our guests, Heather Dixon, Mathea Schafer, and Dr. Mohamed Yassin, discuss their article about the automated traffic monitoring of the Neurosurgical Operating Room. Listen to get insights on their research, professional journeys, and innovative techniques used in the study.

With special guests:

Mohamed Yassin, MD, PhD, Infectious Disease Physician, and Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh M...

Want to stay updated on the latest in infection prevention and control? Join hosts Nicki Shore and Jessica Swain in the "Science into Practice" podcast brought to you by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. In their most recent episode, they welcomed Dr. Jose Cadena and Ms. Delvina (Mimi) Ford to talk about their recent research on Hospital-Acquired Candida Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Inf...