1. Why did you choose a career in infection prevention and control?
After finishing my Masters of Public Health in June 2023, I was looking for a career where I could combine my passion for preventing illnesses and infections with my love for learning—I was immediately inspired by the field of infection prevention and control. I feel extremely fortunate to be in a field that is always advancing and also prioritizes interdisciplinary perspectives. If you are a lifelong learner like me, then you would be a great fit for this career because there is always something new to learn. I love that I can learn from my clinical counterparts in the field while still utilizing my public health experience to complement our work.
2. What advice would you give someone who is interested in an infection prevention and control career?
I would recommend networking with Infection Preventionists in your area—You could even try to reach out to people on LinkedIn or research your local APIC chapter. These connections will be amazing resources because if there is one thing that I know, it’s that Infection Preventionists love to teach and help others. I have some amazing mentors that have helped me learn new skills and grow into the Infection Preventionist that I am today.
3. What does being a CIC® mean to you?
Being a CIC® is a major milestone for any infection control professional. This achievement underscores a person’s commitment to promoting the health and safety of others and demonstrates our knowledge in the field. Personally, I’m extremely proud to be a CIC® because it is a testament to my professional growth since starting this journey. This was an ambitious goal that I set for myself very early in my career, and I was able to accomplish it after being an Infection Preventionist for only 10 months.
4. What was the best studying method for you when preparing for the initial certification examination?
I read the entire APIC text while making flash cards on information that could show up on the exam. I ended up making hundreds of flash cards! There is a lot of information that you need to know for the exam, but if you give yourself enough time to study and if you are intentional with your time, then you’ll be in good shape.
5. What advice would you give someone pursuing certification?
Make a detailed study plan and stick to it. I created a plan that outlined the APIC chapters and other study resources that I was going to review each week. Having this plan gave me direction, held me accountable, and gave me “mini goals” to accomplish each week. However, be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day, week, or month—You will need to study hard but you should still leave time for doing other things that make you happy!
6. How do you stay up-to-date on infection prevention and control practices?
I regularly make time to attend webinars hosted by professional organizations such as APIC and CDC. There is a lot of incredible work happening in the field of infection prevention and control, and I love hearing about this work directly from the individuals who are doing it. Their passion for their work is inspiring. I also enjoy reading the American Journal of Infection Control to learn more about the latest research and studies in the field.
7. How has the CIC® helped you grow professionally and in your career?
The CIC® designation is a well-respected accomplishment. Because of my certification, I feel that I now have more credibility as an Infection Preventionist in my organization because I have demonstrated my proficiency and commitment to the field. My colleagues recognize me as a board-certified Infection Preventionist, and I feel that this will open many doors for me in my career.