<![CDATA[The Safety Spectrum]]>When I left my infection preventionist role after COVID, I struggled to find work—despite 14 years of experience, CIC certification, and being a Fellow of APIC. The barrier? Not having RN credentials. Sharing my struggle showed I wasn’t alone—so I launched a show spotlighting diverse paths in patient safety & infection prevention.

✨ Real career stories

✨ Challenges & wins

✨ Inspiration for current & future IPs

This show is about amplifying voices, breaking barriers, and re‑energizing the profession. Tune in and join the conversation!

]]>www.healthcaresafetyspectrum.orgRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 17 Oct 2026 10:59:50 GMTThu, 15 Jan 2026 20:09:22 GMT60Ivan Gowe<p>When I left my infection preventionist role after COVID, I struggled to find work—despite 14 years of experience, CIC certification, and being a Fellow of APIC. The barrier? Not having RN credentials. Sharing my struggle showed I wasn’t alone—so I launched a show spotlighting diverse paths in patient safety &amp; infection prevention.</p><p>✨ Real career stories</p><p>✨ Challenges &amp; wins</p><p>✨ Inspiration for current &amp; future IPs</p><p>This show is about amplifying voices, breaking barriers, and re‑energizing the profession. Tune in and join the conversation!</p>episodicIvan Gowevanigowe@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Sometimes You Need a Really Big Trophy]]>In this episode, Dr. David Lowry shares insights from his extensive healthcare leadership experience, emphasizing the importance of safety, infection prevention, leadership, and continuous learning in healthcare. Discover practical strategies for fostering a culture of safety and the human side of healthcare that inspires and motivates professionals.

Resources & Links

Connect with Dr. Lowry

David Lowry MD,MBA | LinkedIn

]]>c48eac2c-3c4a-4580-8361-0055dd49dfddFri, 25 Sep 2026 20:52:32 GMT<p>In this episode, Dr. David Lowry shares insights from his extensive healthcare leadership experience, emphasizing the importance of safety, infection prevention, leadership, and continuous learning in healthcare. Discover practical strategies for fostering a culture of safety and the human side of healthcare that inspires and motivates professionals.</p><p><b><strong>Resources &amp; Links</strong></b></p><ul><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9551438/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Building on the Foundation of a Sustainable Hand Hygiene Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic - PMC</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Students - NCCCS</a></li></ul><p><b><strong>Connect with Dr. Lowry</strong></b></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lowry-md-mba-0a5334158/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">David Lowry MD,MBA | LinkedIn</a></p>no00:51:02214Sometimes You Need a Really Big Trophyfull<![CDATA[Passion, Curiosity, and Sticky Notes]]>In this episode, Natalie Sneed shares her inspiring journey from patient to nurse to infection preventionist, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, experience, and relationships in healthcare. She discusses how her personal health challenges shaped her career and offers insights into certification, patient autonomy, and building trust in infection prevention.

]]>3f1b1b72-16fb-433e-ba3f-1cf7cecbf948Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:28:04 GMT<p>In this episode, Natalie Sneed shares her inspiring journey from patient to nurse to infection preventionist, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, experience, and relationships in healthcare. She discusses how her personal health challenges shaped her career and offers insights into certification, patient autonomy, and building trust in infection prevention.</p>no00:51:02213Passion, Curiosity, and Sticky Notesfull<![CDATA[The Future of Infection Prevention in India]]>In this episode, pathologists Dr. Raman Arora and Dr. Ankit Gupta discuss the vital role of infection prevention and control in healthcare, emphasizing pathology and microbiology's connection to staff and patient safety and successful hospital accreditation.

Connect with Pathology Mentor

]]>0f7d9436-45c0-4c47-a418-6cdac288adaeFri, 28 Aug 2026 19:50:44 GMT<p>In this episode, pathologists Dr. Raman Arora and Dr. Ankit Gupta discuss the vital role of infection prevention and control in healthcare, emphasizing pathology and microbiology's connection to staff and patient safety and successful hospital accreditation.</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathology-mentor/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank"><b>Connect with Pathology Mentor</b></a></p>no00:31:00212The Future of Infection Prevention in Indiafull<![CDATA[Carlene’s Journey in Healthcare Safety - Keep asking why]]>In this episode, Carlene Smith, CIC, CAIP, CST, CHL, CRST, MPLC, LMT shares her unique career path and insights on healthcare certifications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the future of AI in clinical environments. Her story emphasizes lifelong learning, mentorship, and embracing diverse backgrounds to advance healthcare practices.

Resources & Links

]]>f9add3b3-f316-475e-9b65-98a67bb8f11fThu, 28 May 2026 16:34:04 GMT<p>In this episode, Carlene Smith, CIC, CAIP, CST, CHL, CRST, MPLC, LMT shares her unique career path and insights on healthcare certifications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the future of AI in clinical environments. Her story emphasizes lifelong learning, mentorship, and embracing diverse backgrounds to advance healthcare practices.</p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ahcancertification.org/certification/certifications/certified-infection-control-cic" target="_blank">CIC Certification Exam</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825395" target="_blank">Large Language Model Influence on Diagnostic Reasoning: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Clinical Decision Support | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ihi.org/library/topics/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank">Improvement Areas: Artificial Intelligence | Institute for Healthcare Improvement</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.partnerforaihealthcare.org/" target="_blank">Partnership for AI in Healthcare</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ethicsina-ic.org/" target="_blank">AI and Healthcare Ethical Frameworks</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.healthit.gov/topic/privacy/security-and-privacy/privacy" target="_blank">Principles of Medical De-identification</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20230419.144097/full/" target="_blank">Additional reading on AI in Healthcare</a></li></ul>no00:59:1519Carlene’s Journey in Healthcare Safety - Keep asking whyfull<![CDATA[From MPH to Nursing School – a longer route to IP with guest Amber Taylor]]>Amber Taylor, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC is a brilliant IP and nurse. Her long road started at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, then at University of Michigan, she got her MPH hoping to get into hospital IP. But that did not happen ☹. Interviewers told her she had no clinical experience, so she went to do great things in state and federal public health departments. She then went to Catawba Valley Community College for her associate’s nursing degree. Would that get her into IP?

]]>a0214a01-816f-41b9-92c1-c415b21f8bf8Thu, 07 May 2026 19:44:19 GMT<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-taylor-mph-bsn-rn-cic-04963b4/" target="_blank"><b>Amber Taylor, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC</b></a> is a brilliant IP and nurse. Her long road started at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-maryland-eastern-shore/" target="_self"><b>University of Maryland Eastern Shore</b></a>, then at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-michigan/" target="_self"><b>University of Michigan</b></a>, she got her MPH hoping to get into hospital IP. But that did not happen ☹. Interviewers told her she had no clinical experience, so she went to do great things in state and federal public health departments. She then went to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/catawba-valley-community-college/" target="_self"><b>Catawba Valley Community College</b></a> for her associate’s nursing degree. Would that get her into IP? </p>no01:00:1418From MPH to Nursing School – a longer route to IP with guest Amber Taylorfull<![CDATA[MPH to IP through Nursing School with Brittney Davis]]>In this episode, Ivan Gowe interviews Brittney Davis, an infection preventionist at UNC Wayne, who shares her journey into the field of infection prevention. Brittney discusses how her interest was sparked during her capstone project for her Master’s in Public Health, where she worked closely with an infection preventionist. Despite her academic background, she highlights the lack of exposure to infection prevention in her public health curriculum, which led her to explore this niche further.

Brittney recounts the challenges she faced in securing a position in infection prevention after graduation, emphasizing the frustrating catch-22 of needing experience to gain experience. She eventually enrolled in nursing school to meet the qualifications for infection prevention roles.

Throughout the conversation, Brittney reflects on the realities of being an infection preventionist, including the unexpected aspects of the job, such as dealing with insects and the importance of building rapport with healthcare staff. Her insights provide a valuable perspective on the intersection of public health and clinical practice, as well as the need for greater awareness of infection prevention in educational programs.

]]>14d56f07-04a7-49e6-9e10-a6bda2c6ab3fThu, 23 Apr 2026 19:05:16 GMT<p>In this episode, Ivan Gowe interviews Brittney Davis, an infection preventionist at UNC Wayne, who shares her journey into the field of infection prevention. Brittney discusses how her interest was sparked during her capstone project for her Master’s in Public Health, where she worked closely with an infection preventionist. Despite her academic background, she highlights the lack of exposure to infection prevention in her public health curriculum, which led her to explore this niche further.</p><p>Brittney recounts the challenges she faced in securing a position in infection prevention after graduation, emphasizing the frustrating catch-22 of needing experience to gain experience. She eventually enrolled in nursing school to meet the qualifications for infection prevention roles.</p><p>Throughout the conversation, Brittney reflects on the realities of being an infection preventionist, including the unexpected aspects of the job, such as dealing with insects and the importance of building rapport with healthcare staff. Her insights provide a valuable perspective on the intersection of public health and clinical practice, as well as the need for greater awareness of infection prevention in educational programs.</p>no00:33:5817MPH to IP through Nursing School with Brittney Davisfull<![CDATA[From Firefighter to Healthcare Leader]]>In this conversation, Ebow H-Smith shares his unique career journey from a volunteer firefighter to a leader in sterile processing and infection prevention. He discusses the importance of education, intentional collaboration across departments, and the need for lifelong learning in healthcare quality and patient safety. Ebow emphasizes the significance of mastering one's field, advocating for patient safety, and the role of diversity in enhancing healthcare outcomes. 

]]>19130d6c-787e-426b-8960-9d1683aa3c16Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:29:04 GMT<p>In this conversation, Ebow H-Smith shares his unique career journey from a volunteer firefighter to a leader in sterile processing and infection prevention. He discusses the importance of education, intentional collaboration across departments, and the need for lifelong learning in healthcare quality and patient safety. Ebow emphasizes the significance of mastering one's field, advocating for patient safety, and the role of diversity in enhancing healthcare outcomes. </p>no00:37:4616From Firefighter to Healthcare Leaderfull<![CDATA[MPH to IP Right Out of the Gate]]>In this episode, host Ivan Gowe speaks with Ashley Reyes, MPH, CIC, about her journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in infection prevention, and the challenges faced in managing infection outbreaks. They discuss the significance of work-life balance for healthcare professionals and share insights on building successful infection prevention programs. Ashley is a talented new-ish IP with an MPH from Georgia State and currently works at UNC Health Pardee.

]]>5cb912a7-2bee-4f02-9301-03148fc9ab8aThu, 26 Mar 2026 15:43:13 GMT<p>In this episode, host Ivan Gowe speaks with Ashley Reyes, MPH, CIC, about her journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in infection prevention, and the challenges faced in managing infection outbreaks. They discuss the significance of work-life balance for healthcare professionals and share insights on building successful infection prevention programs. Ashley is a talented new-ish IP with an MPH from Georgia State and currently works at UNC Health Pardee.</p>no00:37:3415MPH to IP Right Out of the Gatefull<![CDATA[Jill's Unconventional Path to IP]]>In this fun conversation, Jill Holdsworth shares her unconventional journey into the field of infection prevention, highlighting the importance of diverse backgrounds and the need for mentorship in the profession. She discusses the challenges faced by non-RNs in securing IP roles, the significance of certification, and the evolving landscape of infection prevention post-pandemic. Jill emphasizes the value of building relationships within healthcare teams and the necessity for aspiring IPs to take initiative in their career development. The discussion culminates in advice for the next generation of infection preventionists, underscoring the importance of willingness to learn and help others.

Resources

APIC Infection Prevention Pathway - https://apic.org/education/education-pathways/

CBIC Certification (AIPC) - https://www.cbic.org/certification/aipc/

APIC Conference - https://apic.org/meetings/

]]>646b62a4-72fa-4e76-9ce3-8532bcfb8cb0Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>In this fun conversation, Jill Holdsworth shares her unconventional journey into the field of infection prevention, highlighting the importance of diverse backgrounds and the need for mentorship in the profession. She discusses the challenges faced by non-RNs in securing IP roles, the significance of certification, and the evolving landscape of infection prevention post-pandemic. Jill emphasizes the value of building relationships within healthcare teams and the necessity for aspiring IPs to take initiative in their career development. The discussion culminates in advice for the next generation of infection preventionists, underscoring the importance of willingness to learn and help others.</p><p><b>Resources</b></p><p>APIC Infection Prevention Pathway - https://apic.org/education/education-pathways/</p><p>CBIC Certification (AIPC) - https://www.cbic.org/certification/aipc/</p><p>APIC Conference - https://apic.org/meetings/</p>no00:57:0314Jill's Unconventional Path to IPfull<![CDATA[From Adhesives to IP with Carmen Duke]]>Carmen is an infection prevention leader whose career path took her from aspiring dentist to adhesives chemist to IP director. Carmen shares candid stories from her time in Alaska, insights on mentorship, hiring challenges, turnover, and the future of the infection prevention workforce.

]]>b0e7d605-4ddf-4d54-8079-ca38becec16cThu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Carmen is an infection prevention leader whose career path took her from aspiring dentist to adhesives chemist to IP director. Carmen shares candid stories from her time in Alaska, insights on mentorship, hiring challenges, turnover, and the future of the infection prevention workforce.</p>no00:30:3613From Adhesives to IP with Carmen Dukefull<![CDATA[Growing IP Leaders with guest Chaz Rhone]]>The Safety Spectrum podcast, episode 2 with the ever-stylish visionary and advocate, Chaz Rhone, MPH, CIC, FAPIC

]]>52082b88-bf00-40b8-84f5-c259ab5960cdThu, 12 Feb 2026 20:09:13 GMT<p>The Safety Spectrum podcast, episode 2 with the ever-stylish visionary and advocate, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazip/" target="_blank"><b>Chaz Rhone, MPH, CIC, FAPIC</b></a></p>no00:33:1112Growing IP Leaders with guest Chaz Rhonefull<![CDATA[Journey to IP with guest MJ Joseph]]>In this conversation, MJ Joseph shares her journey from medicine to infection prevention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, certifications, and training in the field. She discusses the challenges faced in healthcare, particularly regarding staffing and environmental services, and highlights the critical role of data analysis in making informed decisions. MJ also offers insights into mentoring new infection preventionists and the importance of personal well-being in a demanding profession.

KEYWORDS: infection prevention, public health, healthcare, nursing, epidemiology, patient safety, collaboration, healthcare challenges, environmental services, training

]]>972ee441-1751-46e6-b798-2a921630a133Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:58:37 GMT<p>In this conversation, MJ Joseph shares her journey from medicine to infection prevention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, certifications, and training in the field. She discusses the challenges faced in healthcare, particularly regarding staffing and environmental services, and highlights the critical role of data analysis in making informed decisions. MJ also offers insights into mentoring new infection preventionists and the importance of personal well-being in a demanding profession. <br /><br />KEYWORDS: infection prevention, public health, healthcare, nursing, epidemiology, patient safety, collaboration, healthcare challenges, environmental services, training</p>no00:55:1011Journey to IP with guest MJ Josephfull<![CDATA[Episode 000 - Show Intro]]>This is the beginning of the Safety Spectrum Podcast. In this mini episode, the podcast host shares the story behind the show and why you should follow, subscribe, or keep watching this space.

]]>5c6e9b53-e5fe-42e6-bb93-48f224caf2b9Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:49:09 GMT<p>This is the beginning of the Safety Spectrum Podcast. In this mini episode, the podcast host shares the story behind the show and why you should follow, subscribe, or keep watching this space.</p>no00:01:441Episode 000 - Show Introtrailer