Transmission Control

This week on the Transmission Control podcast, Garrett and Jill sit down with Aaron Woodall, newly elected APIC Board Member and longtime federal IP leader, for an honest conversation about where the IP field is headed—and what it will take to move it forward. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across the Army, DoD, and VA, Aaron shares why he chose to step into national leadership and wh...

In this episode of the Transmission Control podcast, Garrett and Jill sit down with Emily Barnard, Infection Prevention Manager at Mountains Community Hospital, for a candid look at what it really takes to rebuild an infection prevention (IP) program in a rural, resource-limited setting. Emily shares what it was like stepping into a hospital with no dedicated IP for more than two years—and how she...

What does it look like to become an IP with a terminal degree? In this episode of Transmission Control's Victory Lap series, Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Dr. Lerenza Howard, Manager of Infection Prevention, Employee Health, and Quality Improvement at La Rabida Children's Hospital. Dr. Lerenza guides us through her journey to earning her doctorate in Health Science while wor...

If Candida auris can spread silently through your facility, how do you stop it before it spreads too far? In this episode of Transmission Control, Blake Thomas, MPH, joins hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth to break down how point prevalence surveys (PPS) are a critical tool in identifying hidden transmission and containing risk. From setting clear screening criteria—like LTC/SNF exposur...

What does it actually take for EVS to finish on the podium—clean rooms, clean data, and a clean survey? On this Season 3 premiere of Transmission Control, we welcome Allen Cooper and Kyle Piccirello to break down how a frontline culture and the right technology turned chronic pain points into measurable wins at a major medical center. From daily huddles and color-coded bins to real-time documentat...

We're closing out Season 2 of the Transmission Control podcast with Joi A. McMillon, whose bold, visual posts on survey readiness have taken IP social media by storm. In this episode, Joi breaks down her "everyday readiness" playbook—showing how IPs can move from reactive prep to proactive excellence long before surveyors arrive. She shares how just-in-time training, focused micro-audits, and nigh...

What's the real difference between a requirement and a recommendation—and why does it matter so much during a survey? In this episode of Transmission Control, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, former Director of Infection Prevention and Control at The Joint Commission, to decode one of the most misunderstood parts of accreditation. Sylvia breaks dow...

The OR can feel intimidating for IPs, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Jill Holdsworth sit down with Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves to demystify survey readiness where it matters most: behind the red line. They unpack the most common citation magnets like surgical attire, hand hygiene, medication safety, and point-of-use treatment to show how you can replace...

In this special release episode of Transmission Control, we're breaking down the new Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention (AL-CIP™)  from CBIC and why it matters for Infection Prevention leaders! Joining us for this conversation are Jessica Dangles, Gail Fraine, Erin (Beck) Wilder, Lisa Hannah, and Kornelija Delibasic, who share what motivated them to pursue this milestone, th...

What if the real measure of a "perfect survey" wasn't zero citations, but lasting improvements to patient safety? On this episode of Transmission Control, we welcome Ericka Kalp—an infection preventionist and epidemiologist with more than 20 years of experience—to explore how even the most challenging survey moments can drive meaningful change. From hallway shortcuts that raise red flags to the cu...

Preparing for a regulatory survey isn't just about binders and policies—it's about building staff confidence. On this episode of Transmission Control, we welcome Stephen Rusbarsky, who breaks down what really happens when surveyors throw frontline staff those curveball questions— and how the pressure can rattle even experienced teams. From practical strategies to answer with confidence to training...

Does your team face accreditation surveys with confidence —or with dread? On this week's episode of 'Citation Nation,' we welcome Katie Belski, an Infection Preventionist with a unique blend of experience in Sterile Processing, patient safety coordination, and IP, who shares hard-won lessons from both sides of the survey table. From the do's and don'ts of answering surveyors' questions (hint: less...

How can infection preventionists turn tracer activities from a box-checking exercise into a tool for real culture change? On this Season 2 premiere of Transmission Control, we welcome Euriel Brown, Accreditation Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown, to explore how tracers can strengthen survey readiness and empower frontline teams. From spotting expired supplies to training staff on the "w...

On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for chasing waves and finding rhythm in the ocean's tide. From early-morning paddles to the rush of a perfect swell, this surfer blends patience, balance, and energy into every ride. Tune in to hear how Eric Price paddles past the daily grind and chases the thrill of the waves… If you like this series OR have an interesting...

On this episode of StreetClothes , we speak with a healthcare professional whose passion for style and connection comes to life behind the salon chair. From precision cuts to perfect color blends, this licensed cosmetologist blends artistry and care into every look she creates. Tune in to hear how Dr. Raynetta Stansil brings her signature style to helping people look and feel their best—one trim,...

On this episode of StreetClothes , we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce shakes off the day and stirs up something entirely...

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it's a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the right tools. Tune in to hear how Joseph Martin's...

On this episode of StreetClothes , we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she's trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her. Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and clarity of the outdoors—one step, one trail, and...

Join host Hank Balch for this special Episode 2 release of our "Before & After" series on Transmission Control, as we hear about the IP buzz from Phoenix with guest George Cronin from Dri-Scope Aid. Whether you visited Booth #1335 or missed the conference entirely, this episode delivers the essential takeaways from the expo floor and charts the path forward for endoscope drying implementation. Mos...

Hey, #CleanFreaks -- are you ready to uncover what's next in endoscope reprocessing? In this exciting series finale episode of "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes," Dr. Ivan Salgo, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President at ASP, joins us to pull back the curtain on the game-changing technologies reshaping our approach to endoscope sterility! From conquering biofilm challenges to elevating quality standards,...

On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional whose passion for two wheels brings freedom, focus, and a whole lot of fuel to life outside the hospital. From the thrill of the throttle to the quietness of the long ride, this rider has discovered that nothing clears the mind quite like a full tank and the open road. Tune in to hear how Jenni...

What do scopes & Phoenix both have in common? They are best enjoyed...dry! Join host Hank Balch for this special Episode 1 release of our "Before & After" series on Transmission Control, as we go behind the scenes with George Cronin from Dri-Scope Aid (Booth #1335) ahead of this year's infection prevention conference in Phoenix. As the 2025 Endoscope Drying Expert™ for the Transmission Control pla...

As industry standards and guidelines evolve, are your department's workflows keeping up? In this week's new episode from our "Safe and Sterile Endoscopes" series, Stacy Johnson and Melanie Marshall, Clinical Education Consultants at ASP, join us to break down the latest regulatory requirements, including AAMI ST91, and their impact on endoscope reprocessing workflows. From FDA recommendations to e...

What does it take to build a winning endoscope reprocessing program? Teamwork! In Episode 4 of our "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes" series, Julie Gorog, Clinical Education Consultant at ASP, reveals why bridging departmental gaps is essential for advancing patient safety. From crafting effective competency programs to enhancing quality assurance practices, Julie shares strategies for uniting SPD, OR, a...

On this episode of our StreetClothes podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who find comfort, creativity, and a little pinch of calm in the art of baking. Whether it's homemade bagels, a failed bundt cake, or family traditions passed down through generations, these self-taught bakers have each discovered their own flavor of joy in the kitchen. Tune in to hear how Vanessa Frank & C...