Ask the Educator

In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with sterile processing legend Natalie Lind to reflect on her April 2025 webinar about improving communication and collaboration between the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD). They discuss key takeaways from the session, explore why OR–SPD relationships often break down, and share practical strategies to bridge the gap, strengthen...

The role of the Sterile Processing Educator has become increasingly common in the last 5-10 years, as more facilities recognize that managers can't effectively run their departments while also prioritizing staff education. In this episode, we chat with Jhmeid Billingslea about the significance of the educator role, why it's essential for the success of a department, and share specific strategies e...

Industry conferences can feel overwhelming, especially for professionals who are introverted or nervous about attending events with large crowds. In this episode, Healthmark's Michael Matthews (a fellow introvert) shares insight on what to expect, how to manage your time and energy effectively, and offers valuable tips for not just surviving, but thriving, at these events. Tune in for advice on ho...

With complex IFUs and limited time between procedures in endoscopy, gaps in education and processes can lead to mistakes. In this episode, IP Consultant Emily Barnard (MPH, CIC, HACP-CMS) of Epidemiology Loves Solutions identifies these gaps and offers practical solutions.

Mark recaps his insightful Healthmark webinar on biofilms and fomites. He dives into the science behind biofilms - what they are, how quickly they can form, and why they pose a significant threat to sterile processing. Tune in as Mark explains the dangers biofilms present in maintaining sterility and the importance of managing it in a healthcare setting.

Ever wondered what’s inside some of the most complex surgical instruments and devices? Healthmark’s Rebecca Peplau has...and she didn’t just wonder, she took them apart! In this episode, we revisit Rebecca’s Healthmark Academy webinar, “ New Year, New Perspective: Examination of Instrument Cross Sections” and dive into her process. Find out what instruments surprised her the most and her advice to...

The relationship between SPD and the OR is crucial for ensuring positive patient outcomes - but why does it sometimes unravel into a tangled mess of shame, blame, and mistrust? In this episode, we saddle up with Clinical Education Specialist Ronald Hunsucker (AKA the Cowboy of Clean) to explore the challenges and share insights on strengthening this vital partnership.

In Part 2 of our career retrospective with the legendary Stephen Kovach, we explore his transition to Healthmark, the company's evolution over the years, and memorable moments with Ray Taurasi and the Basile brothers. Stephen’s unparalleled contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, making this episode a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable legacy. Thank you, Stephen Kovach! 

As the legendary Stephen Kovach prepares for his January 2025 retirement, he joins us for a final, reflective interview. Stephen shares his journey - from his early life and entry into the healthcare industry to discovering his passion for reprocessing and his impactful career at Healthmark. Along the way, we explore thought-provoking topics such as overcoming learning disabilities, the symbolism...

In this essential episode, Dr. Tiffany Wiksten from The Joint Commission joins us to discuss reprocessing and department surveys. Learn what surveyors are looking for, key areas for department leaders to focus on, and how to best prepare for the survey process. 

In this season of giving, we’re dedicating an episode to the people who truly deserve recognition: YOU, the sterile processing professional! Join us as Kevin & Adam chat with Rebecca Peplau, our newest Healthmark Clinical Education Specialist, about showing appreciation for sterile processing professionals and ways we can better support and recognize the vital role they play in the healthcare...

On a dark and stormy night, possibly at a hospital in your hometown, there are terrible dangers waiting inside the basement. Improper cleaning, poor storage practices, and unsealed packages are just some of the nightmares that await inside a sterile processing department near you. The Packaging Princess, Malinda Elammari, has seen some of these bad practices and lived to tell the tale. Join us (if...

For years, sterile processing has been seen as an 'entry-level' position. But have we moved beyond that? In this episode, Kevin and Adam dive into the complex science and technology now driving the modern sterile processing department. They discuss why it’s time for the industry to recognize and re-evaluate the expertise of our sterile processing professionals. This episode is a call to action for...

Sterile Processing Technicians work tirelessly in a demanding role with minimal pay, benefits, and often without recognition, despite their crucial contributions to patient safety. In this episode, we sit down with HSPA President-Elect Arlene Bush to discuss how we can better celebrate, appreciate, and support these essential healthcare professionals. Happy Sterile Processing Week! 

The healthcare environment is already a stressful one with a fast pace, constantly shifting priorities and emergent needs, and demands of consistent excellence.  But this environment gets even more challenging when there is one or more workplace bullies in our midst.  In this episode, we speak to Katie Belski, a long-time professional of the healthcare field working in positions like Quality, IP,...

With infections linked to flexible endoscope reprocessing making headlines, many departments are turning to disposable scopes to reduce the risk. In this episode, we talk with Jill Berends (Ambu) about the latest studies on disposable scopes, their impact on patient outcomes, and the steps Ambu is taking to address environmental concerns. Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe for more ep...

2024 saw the release of AAMI TIR99 for the reprocessing of probes & dilators.  But many facilities are not aware of this new document and the recommendations that can help your department make informed decisions on these complex devices.  As the co-chair for the AAMI working group that wrote this document, Garland-Rhea Grisby is uniquely qualified to introduce us to the wonderful world of TIR9...

Every reprocessing professional that has worked with flexible endoscopes knows one irrefutable fact...Flexible endoscopes are complex devices that are difficult to clean. In this episode, we speak with Harry Oussoren to discuss the importance of tools like borescopes to enhance visual inspection, the benefits of cleaning verification testing and microbial surveillance, and how Artificial Intellige...

In the busy world of instrument reprocessing, we may overlook important details, such as keeping instruments in the open position for cleaning and sterilization. In this episode, Clinical Educator Emeritus, Stephen Kovach explains the importance of this practice, shares ways to improve it, and provides useful tools and resources.  Don’t forget to watch Stephen’s past Healthmark CE webinar, “Open W...

Learning a second language is challenging enough on its own but imagine doing that while also mastering the jargon and science of sterile processing. This is the reality for thousands of sterile processing technicians across the industry! In this episode, we speak with Angie Holland, a bilingual Spanish speaker who is dedicated to creating more resources and educational translations for this often...

Do you want to be a traveling sterile processing leader or even a permanent manager of your own department?  Then this episode is for you!  Leadership in sterile processing is an increasingly difficult job, but now imagine that you only have 3 months to fix a department.  Where do you start?  In this episode, we speak with Tiffany Dailey, a traveling sterile processing leader to discuss the challe...

Starting a new HSPA chapter in your area can seem daunting. How do you create a non-profit, open a bank account, or write bylaws? Leslie Kronstedt from the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals chapter has the answers! In this episode of the Ask the Educator podcast, Leslie shares her journey in the industry, how she became a leader of her local chapter, and the valuable resources she...

In this episode, we dive into the essential training of sterile processing technicians, focusing on the vital skill of documentation and record-keeping. Join us as we speak with Andy Mikos, from Getinge, to better understand sterilization systems thoroughly. Discover why mastering these systems is key to ensuring accurate and reliable documentation and learn the importance of knowing exactly what...

Adam Okada speaks with Charlie Webb about the Sterile Aware Awards for sterile processing and device packaging. Do you know a superstar tech, supervisor, or manager that deserves recognition? Tune in to learn how you can nominate a deserving industry professional for a Sterile Aware Award! Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe for more episodes.

In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, we delve into the transformative advancements in sterile processing technology over the past two decades, with a particular focus on borescopes. These remarkable tools allow us to inspect inaccessible areas within medical devices. Yet, despite their availability, their usage remains limited. Join us as we sit down with Cheron Rojo to recap his insig...