American Journal of Infection Control: Science Into Practice

Latest Episodes:

#63 Behind the Mic: Reintroducing Your Hosts! Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Ever wonder what the hosts of AJIC do in their free time? Join 5 Second Rule Podcast hosts, Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher, as they flip the script on Nikki Shore and Jessica Swain, the dynamic duo from "AJIC Science into Practice." In this episode, they explore their unique journeys into infection prevention, share memorable podcast moments, and discuss how humor and personal stories shape their discussions. Get ready for insights, laughter, and a deeper understanding of the science behind the mic! With special guests: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher

#62 Before the Breaking Point: The Future of Infection Prevention Sep 03, 2026

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What if the field of infection prevention collapsed by 2029? In this thought-provoking episode, experts Dr. Elizabeth Monsees and Dr. Stephanie Stroever explore a pre-mortem analysis that asks leaders to imagine setbacks in infection control and uncover the reasons behind them. They delve into critical themes such as workforce attrition, funding loss, and public distrust. How can understanding potential failures empower professionals today? Tune in to discover actionable insights that could reshape the future of infection prevention. With special guests:

Elizabeth Monsees, PhD, RN, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC, FSHEA, FAAN, Nurse Research Scientist at Children's Mercy Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Stephanie Stroever, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and the Director of Research for the Division of Emergency Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

#61 Leading the Charge: Transforming Infection Prevention Through Leadership Aug 06, 2026

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What does effective leadership look like for infection preventionists (IPs) in today's healthcare landscape? In this episode, we explore the insights from the groundbreaking LEED IP study, focusing on how IPs can transition from task-based roles to systemic leaders. With guests Dr. Kayla Ruch and Dr. Al Mohajer, we discuss the significance of the Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, the barriers IPs face, and the transformative impact of formal leadership training on their professional identities. Tune in to discover how to elevate your leadership journey! With special guests: Dr. Kayla E. Ruch, PhD, MPH, CPH, HACP, CIC, Clinical Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control, Becton Dickenson (BD) and Dr. Mayar Al Mohajer, MD, MBA, CIC, AL-CIP, Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine

#60 Rethinking Central Line Access: A Path to Safer Care Jul 02, 2026

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How often do we compromise patient safety for convenience? In this episode, Nicki and Jess dive into the unsettling reality of central line access, discussing a scoping review that shows each unnecessary access increases the risk of bloodstream infections. Joined by experts Dr. Karen Brust and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, they explore effective strategies to reduce these risks and emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare practices. Tune in to discover how even small changes can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes! With special guests: Karen Brust, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist, The University of Iowa Health Care and Mary Beth Hovda Davis, PhD, RN, VA-BC, Pediatric Nurse Scholar, The University of Iowa Health Care

#59 AI in Infection Prevention: Revolutionizing SSI Surveillance Jun 04, 2026

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Can artificial intelligence transform the way healthcare systems detect surgical site infections? Join us for a special episode of AJIC: Science Into Practice featuring our first international guest, Dr. Salma Abbas from the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Pakistan, as we explore innovative research comparing five large language models with traditional SSI surveillance methods. Learn how AI-driven tools demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and showed promise in supporting infection prevention efforts by reducing the burden of manual chart review while improving the efficiency and scalability of surveillance. From the future of AI in infection prevention to the importance of global innovation in healthcare epidemiology, tune in for a conversation on how this work from Pakistan could help shape the next generation of SSI surveillance worldwide.

With special guest: Salma Abbas, MD, MPH, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Physician, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre

#58 The Hand Hygiene Illusion: Are We Really Washing Our Hands? May 07, 2026

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What if our perceptions of hand hygiene are far from reality? In this engaging episode, hosts Nicki and Jess explore the surprising gap between self-reported and observed hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals. Joined by infectious diseases experts Dr. Prathit Kulkarni and Dr. Barbara Trautner, they delve into psychological biases, workflow challenges, and how these factors contribute to adherence discrepancies. Tune in to uncover how improving awareness and behavior can enhance infection prevention in healthcare settings! With special guests: Prathit Kulkarni, MD, FACP, Assistant Chief of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Barbara W. Trautner, MD, PhD, Co-Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University

#57 Beyond Discharge: The Skilled Nursing Facility's Role in C. diff Management Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Join Nicki and Jess as they dive into the journey of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections as patients move between hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). They're joined by special guests Kelly, Glenn, and Cory, who help unpack insights from a massive U.S. study of over 86,000 hospitalizations.

Together, they explore why so many patients are discharged to SNFs after a C. diff infection, why those coming from SNFs face higher mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs, and what this all means for care coordination. Additionally, they break down the stats, discuss the real-world implications, and explain how hospitals and SNFs can work together to improve outcomes for older adults. Tune in for a lively, informative conversation about the challenges and opportunities of navigating care transitions after C. diff. With special guests: Kelly R Reveles, PharmD, PhD, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Glenn S Tillotson, PhD, Partner, GST Micro, and Cory Evans, OTR/L, CEO, Clinware Solutions, Inc.

#56 Measles is Back: Inside a Children's Hospital Outbreak Response Mar 05, 2026

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Measles is back, and when a community outbreak hit in early 2025, one children's hospital had to move fast. In this episode, hosts Nicki and Jess are joined by Chris, Christie, and Lacey to break down how their multidisciplinary team rapidly designed and implemented infection prevention strategies to protect pediatric patients, families, and staff. From emergency department screening sheds and temporary negative pressure rooms to staff education, fit testing, and coordination with public health, our guests walk through what worked, what was challenging, and the real-world lessons learned from managing a highly contagious virus in a healthcare setting. This conversation offers practical insights for infection preventionists and healthcare leaders preparing for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. With special guests:

Lacey Kovar, MPH, CIC, Senior Infection Preventionist, Covenant Children's Hospital
Chris Gould, MBA, Senior Director of Environment of Care, Facilities Engineering for the Texas-New Mexico Region, Covenant Health
Christie Vandygriff, MSIPE, BSN, RN, Senior Manager of Infection Prevention, Covenant Health

#55 Building CIC Confidence: Why Infection Prevention Training Consistency Matters Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever tackled a complex job without a manual? In this episode, we dive into the reality of infection prevention training and explore how variability in orientation impacts CIC preparedness among infection preventionists in Texas. The conversation highlights a heavy reliance on on-the-job training, limited use of standardized onboarding tools, and significant disparities in certification, particularly among rural and non-acute care professionals. Join hosts Nicki and Jess as they unpack why structured resources like the APIC Novice Roadmap and APIC Text matter. We also hear key insights from Dr. Kayla Ruch, who shares firsthand experiences and actionable solutions to strengthen training pathways, improve CIC readiness, and support a more resilient infection prevention workforce.

With special guest: Kayla Ruch, PhD, MPH, CPH, HACP, CIC, Senior Instructional Developer for Infection Prevention and Control, Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI)

#54 Stopping MRSA at the Nose: Inside a Breakthrough ICU Intervention Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

Can a simple nasal antiseptic protect ICU patients from deadly MRSA infections? This episode dives into how a Michigan hospital team reduced bloodstream infections with a twice-daily antiseptic, why it worked, and what it takes to implement this approach. With expert insights and real-world challenges, this is prevention in action, right under your nose.

With special guests:

Sarah Prascius, MPH, CIC, Infection Prevention Specialist, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan
Alex Wells, MPH, CIC, CPHQ, Manager of Safety and Reliability, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan
Tricia Stein, MD, FIDSA, FACP, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship and Chief of the Infectious Disease Section, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital - Michigan

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