Explore the world of infection prevention and control in the long-term care sector on APIC's 5 Second Rule podcast. This episode features A.C. Burke, a veteran of the public health and healthcare sectors, who shares her passion for infection control in long-term care facilities. From issues of staffing and burnout to the ongoing need for roles dedicated to IP, Burke provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing IPs in long-term care. Tune in to understand more about the importance of infection prevention in these critical healthcare settings, where the need to balance patient safety with quality of life is paramount.

Hosted by:

Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB and Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC

About our Guest:

A.C. Burke, Vice President for Healthcare Quality for RB Health Partners, Inc.

A.C. Burke is the VP for Healthcare Quality for RB Health Partners, Inc. In this role, she consults with long-term care facilities on infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and practices, and provides training to infection preventionists and staff in nursing homes on a variety of infection prevention topics. A.C.’s prior experience includes working as the Director of Infection Prevention for Mayo Clinic Florida and the Healthcare-associated Infection Prevention Program Manager for the Florida Department of Health. She has 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and is nationally board certified in infection control (CIC).

Further Resources:

GAO Report

Press Release

APIC Support of IPC in LTC

In this engaging episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard converse with patient advocate Rosie Bartel, sharing her incredible battle with a persistent MRSA infection, which began as a complication of knee replacement surgery. As a survivor and activist, Rosie's brave story takes us through her grueling journey of surmounting multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and amputations, underscoring the importance of patient perspective in healthcare and infection control. Listen in to learn more about her crucial role in infection prevention advocacy and the essential changes that resulted from sharing her story.

Hosted by:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB

About our Guest:

Rosie Bartel, MA in Educational Leadership, Patient Partner

Rosie is a widow, mother, grandmother and an educator. In August of 2009 she underwent a total right knee replacement that developed into a MRSA staph infection. As Rosie continues to battle this MRSA infection in her body, she is driven to share her story of survival. She believes in helping others with disabilities and other health concerns find their voices. She uses her story to co-design with medical professionals, researchers and to advocate for patients and their caregivers.

Further Resource:
Rosie Bartel: Viewing Infection Data from the Patient's Perspective - YouTube

In this episode of the 5 Second Rule podcast, hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes talk with Aayushi Chheda, past president of the Midnight Sun Chapter of APIC, and Talia Lefkowitz, past president of the Greater New York Chapter of APIC, both winners of a 2023 Chapter Excellence Award. Aayushi discusses their successful strategies to revitalize the chapter during the pandemic, while Talia describes the techniques used for ongoing Chapter success. The conversation focuses on networking, implementing surveys to measure educational needs, and strengthening communication for both virtual and in-person meetings in order to build a culture of resiliency and balance.

Hosted by:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC and Lerenza Howard, MPA, CIC, LSSGB

About our Guests:

Aayushi Chheda, MS, MPH, CIC, Supervisor at Providence Alaska Medical Center

Getting connected to other professionals in the field of IP has been an integral part of Aayushi's professional and personal journey in Alaska. In 2021, she assumed leadership roles within the local APIC chapter, serving as President-Elect before becoming President.

Talia Lefkowitz, BSN, RN, CIC, Assistant Director of Infection Prevention at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

Talia is the immediate past president of APIC Greater New York Chapter 13, and has enjoyed giving back to the chapter using an innovative and collaborative approach to engage and retain members.

Further resource:
APIC Chapter Information