All Transmission Control Podcast Episodes
Silo-Free Surgery: Say It, Don’t Delay It: Speaking Up to Prevent Surgical Site Infections
When something doesn’t look right in the OR, do you have the confidence to speak up? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” Garrett Hollembeak sits down with certified surgical technologist, educator, and infection preventionist Julia Jackson to talk about the role surgical conscience plays in protecting patients and preventing surgical site infections. From protecting the sterile field to slowing down for a meaningful timeout and questioning something that doesn’t look right, Julia shares why doing the right thing in the moment matters, even when it isn’t always easy. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up in the OR, this episode is a powerful reminder of why your voice matters.
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#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience
Silo-Free Surgery: PATOS Without the Panic: Understanding “Present at Time of Surgery” in…
The OR sees one thing. Infection Prevention reports another. So who’s right? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Trey Morrow are joined by infection prevention expert Emily Barnard to tackle one of the trickier parts of SSI surveillance: PATOS, or “present at time of surgery.” Emily breaks down the difference between clinical and surveillance definitions, why the right documentation matters, and how seemingly small details in the operative note can make all the difference in accurate SSI reporting. From wound classification to the very specific language behind PATOS criteria, this conversation shows why OR and IP teams need a shared understanding of what they’re seeing and documenting. If PATOS has ever caused confusion in your facility, this conversation is for you!
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PATOS #SurgicalSafety #Documentation #Reporting
Silo-Free Surgery: Why Are We Talking About IFUs?
Every day, healthcare teams rely on IFUs to get the job done. But how often do we stop to think about how they actually come together? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Alpa Patel to take a closer look at why manufacturers’ instructions for use play such an important role in preventing surgical site infections. Drawing on decades of experience in reprocessing validation, Alpa explains how IFUs are developed, why they don’t always fit real clinical workflows, and what manufacturers can learn from the frontline teams using them every day. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does the IFU say that?” or “Who writes these things?” this episode has the answers!
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #IFU #SSI #Prevention #Validation #InstrumentReprocessing #Workflows
Silo-Free Surgery: Are ASC’s Really the Wild West?
The pace may be different, but the goal is exactly the same: delivering safe surgical care. In this week’s special season co-release episode, we talk with Carlene Smith about what surgical site infection prevention looks like in ambulatory surgery centers. As someone who’s worked in Sterile Processing, Infection Prevention, and the OR, Carlene shares her unique perspective on the challenges ASC teams face every day. From balancing limited resources and shared responsibilities to identifying small gaps before they become bigger problems, she discusses how ASC teams can stay proactive while keeping patient safety at the center of every workflow. No matter where surgical care happens, this conversation is a reminder that infection prevention starts with strong teamwork.
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #AmbulatorySurgeryCenter #ASC
Silo-Free Surgery: Have We Gone Nose Blind?
Could the biggest opportunities to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) be the ones you’ve stopped noticing? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Crystal Heishman for a conversation about seeing SSI prevention through a different lens. With experience spanning Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, and the Operating Room, Crystal shares how stronger collaboration can help teams identify risks before they affect patient safety. She explains why spending time in the OR, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding workflows builds trust, uncovers hidden opportunities for improvement, and helps teams focus on process deviations — not “gotcha” moments. If stronger collaboration starts with stronger conversations, this episode offers practical ideas you can take back to your next huddle.
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #Trust #ProcessImprovement #Podcast
Silo-Free Surgery: What SSI Risk Keeps You Up at Night?
What keeps you up at night when it comes to preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Jeremy Gibson-Roark returns to join hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce for a conversation about moving from reactive investigations to proactive prevention. Together, they explore why infection prevention plans should be living documents, how stronger collaboration between OR and IP teams uncovers risks before they become problems, and why some of the best ideas come from simply asking frontline teams the right questions. If preventing SSIs starts with working together, this conversation shows how stronger partnerships can lead to safer patient care!
If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, tune in here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/transmissioncontrol/TC_Ep5_1.mp3
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #Prevention #Education #Podcast
Silo-Free Surgery: Where Is the Smoking Gun?
Why is it so difficult to trace a surgical site infection (SSI) back to one clear cause? On this special season co-release episode of Transmission Control and First Case, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Jeremy Gibson-Roark for an honest conversation about what really happens when an SSI investigation begins. Together, they explore why infection investigations are rarely straightforward, how OR, IP, and SP departments each hold a piece of the puzzle, and why breaking down silos is essential to finding meaningful answers. As the first episode of this special collaborative season, this conversation lays the foundation for understanding SSI reduction as a shared responsibility, not something one department can tackle alone. Tune in today!
Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #SSIInvestigation #Podcast
On Pathogens & PPE: Taking the Lead in SPD
You’re doing the work. You’re solving the problems. Now it’s time to take the lead! On this Season 2 finale of “On Pathogens & PPE,” host Jill Holdsworth is joined by Kelly Zabriskie, Lee Smith, Dr. Kevin Bush, and David Jagrosse to take a closer look at what leadership really means in Sterile Processing. From finding your voice and building confidence to forming partnerships and stepping beyond the walls of SPD, this group shares what it takes to grow as a leader at every level. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or leading with years of experience, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about your role and your impact. You won’t want to miss this one, #CleanFreaks!
That’s a wrap on Season 2! Thank you for coming along for the ride, and a big shoutout to our incredible host and special guests for making it all possible. All episodes are now streaming—listen wherever you get your podcasts, or you can catch them on the Beyond Clean and Transmission Control websites.
#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast
*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.
On Pathogens & PPE: Assembly Without Disruptions
You’re building a tray. The phone rings. Someone needs an update. You step away… and just like that, the process breaks. On this week’s episode of “On Pathogens & PPE,” host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Katie Belski are joined by Art Babiy, Jennifer Greisen, and Ebow Holdbrook-Smith to talk through the real challenges #CleanFreaks are facing in assembly areas. From stepping away mid-tray and chasing down tools to managing constant distractions and pressure from the OR, this conversation calls out the moments where processes can break down and how your team can stay on track. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to move faster while still getting it right, this episode is for you!
Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you’re in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference!
New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible.
#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast
*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.