How do infection prevention strategies vary across the globe? In this episode, Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard talk with infection control experts Dr. Filippo Medioli from Italy and Dr. Tatiana Izakovic from Slovakia. They explore how cultural attitudes, institutional policies, and limited resources shape infection control efforts worldwide. The conversation also compares how hospitals in different countries train and staff their infection prevention teams. Key topics include antimicrobial stewardship, the lasting impact of COVID-19 on protocols, and how innovations like AI and diagnostic stewardship are transforming the fight against healthcare-associated infections. Don’t miss this vital conversation!

Hosted by:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB

About our Guests:

Filippo Medioli, MD

Born in Milan, Dr. Filippo Medioli is an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Humanitas Research Hospital in Italy and a PhD Candidate at the same institution. His expertise extends to antimicrobial stewardship and clinical infectious diseases, reflected in his role as an ad hoc member of the ESGAP Executive Committee.

Dr. Medioli has broadened his international experience through a clinical observership at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVM) in Seville, Spain, from May to July 2024. Additionally, he serves as the Network Officer for the Trainee Association of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases or ESCMID, beginning in April 2024, fostering collaboration among early-career infectious disease specialists.

In his free time, he enjoys expressing his creativity through painting and drawing.

Tatiana Izakovic, MD, MHA, CIC

Tatiana Izakovic, MD, MHA, CIC is an experienced hospital epidemiologist and infection control specialist. She is currently a PhD candidate at Comenius University School of Medicine, where she also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Hygiene.

Dr. Izakovic has held leadership roles in infection prevention and hospital epidemiology, including serving as a hospital epidemiologist at Hospital Bory and as an infection control consultant. She is an active member of international professional organizations, including ESCMID and APIC, where she sits on the Communications Committee. Her research and presentations focus on hospital-associated infections, patient safety, and epidemiological strategies.

Dr. Izakovic holds an MD from Comenius University, an MHA from the University of Iowa, and a CIC certification from CBIC.

Tuberculosis remains a pressing public health challenge, with recent outbreaks highlighting its persistent threat. In this episode infectious disease expert Dr. Matt Shoemaker dives into the TB outbreak in Kansas. He unpacks the complexities of its transmission, the symptoms to watch for, and the obstacles faced in controlling its spread. Explore how public health officials are tackling this crisis, the crucial role of identifying latent TB cases, and the broader influence of policy on prevention. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on combating this enduring health concern.

Hosted by:

Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB

About our Guest:

Dr. Matt Shoemaker, DO, FIDSA

Dr. Matt Shoemaker, DO, FIDSA, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, graduated from the University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, MO in 2000. He subsequently completed a traditional rotating osteopathic internship at Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO. After completion of his internship, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Disease, both at the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine in Columbia, MO. He also maintains a medical practice specializing in Infectious Disease.

Dr. Shoemaker is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine. He was in private practice in southeast Missouri from 2006 until 2019. He also served as vice president and chief medical officer at SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, MO from 2014 until 2019. In 2018 he was advanced to a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In July of 2019 he joined the University of Kansas Medical Center Division of Infectious Diseases as assistant professor of clinical medicine. He is currently an associate professor of clinic medicine and serves as the Director of the Division of Infectious Disease at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

What’s the next step in your career as an IP? Join hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard as they explore APIC’s Career Development and Advancement Guide with experts Chris Zirges and Angel Mueller. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you evaluate your skills, build a standout professional portfolio, and navigate every career stage—from paraprofessional to executive. Whether you’re looking to grow your influence or take the leap into a new role, this empowering discussion will give you the tools to shape your future as an IP. Tune in and take your career to the next level!

Resources:
Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide

"A framework for defining and documenting infection preventionist competency"

Hosted by:

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

About our Guests:

Angel Mueller, MPH, CIC, FAPIC

Angel Mueller is a certified Infection Preventionist and APIC Fellow with over 16 years of progressive infection prevention and control and leadership experience. She is the System Director of Infection Prevention at UnityPoint Health where she provides leadership and strategic direction for multiple hospital, ambulatory and home care settings throughout Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Angel was a member of the APIC Professional Development Committee (PDC) for six years and served as chair of the committee for two of those years. Through her work on the PDC, Angel contributed to the updated APIC IP Competency Model, was a participating author of the article introducing the model and helped develop the Infection Preventionist Career Development and Advancement Guide.

Angel is knowledgeable in the infection prevention competency domains, enjoys developing tools and systems to make infection prevention processes more efficient and effective, and is passionate about advancing the profession and supporting the development of IPs throughout the world.

Christine (Chris) Zirges, DNP, ACNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC

Chris is currently the System Director of Infection Prevention for SSM Health. Professional endeavors include past board member of the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC), current Chair of the APIC Professional Development Committee, board member on the Board of Directors for the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), and the HAI Advisory Council through the University of Missouri (Sinclair School of Nursing).

She is certified in infection prevention (CIC), board-certified as an advanced practice nurse (ACNS-BC), and a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC). Her doctoral focus was on reducing the number of indwelling urinary catheter days. Her experience includes practicing infection prevention in many settings, which made integrating a corporate-wide program a natural next step. Chris's interests include standardization of work and sustainment of clinical interventions. The structure and processes of a high-functioning infection prevention and control program are a key driver of success. She is from Kirkwood Missouri and proud parent of two young men – so now an empty nester!