Youtube Series

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.

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 #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience

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

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

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

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

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

From the drawing board to the operating room, every detail in endoscope design matters! In Episode 2 of our new podcast series “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” ASP’s Khoi Pham and Tamara Beehler join us for an insider’s look at the science behind endoscope design, functionality, and innovation. From cutting-edge materials to automated systems, they reveal how modern endoscope designs are solving complex challenges while prioritizing patient care and safety. With firsthand insights and a glimpse into the prototypes shaping the future, this episode will change how you view these critical devices. Step into the next era of endoscope design – tune in now!

This dynamic 6-part series explores the critical world of endoscope innovation, design, and safety. Each episode will feature insights from industry leaders and clinical experts who are transforming the way we approach scope safety and sterility. From frontline technicians to department leaders, this series will equip your team with powerful strategies to transform your reprocessing workflows!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and quality in endoscope care has been instrumental in bringing this series to life.

#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #ASP #Endoscopes #SterileProcessing #ScopeSafety #Podcast

*This episode is not approved for CE Credit.

Buckle up, #EndoscopeEnthusiasts! We’re kicking off our exclusive new series, “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” sponsored by ASP, with an exciting look at the history and innovation of modern endoscopes. This week, Dr. Klaus Mergener, a GI physician and internationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and endoscopy, takes us back to where it all began – exploring the evolution from rigid steel tubes and simple designs to today’s high-tech medical devices that play a critical role in patient care. Tune in to discover how early innovators transformed challenges into breakthroughs – and why understanding the past is key to advancing the future of endoscope reprocessing and patient safety. Press play and join us today!

This dynamic 6-part series explores the critical world of endoscope innovation, design, and safety. Each episode will feature insights from industry leaders and clinical experts who are transforming the way we approach scope safety and sterility. From frontline technicians to department leaders, this series will equip your team with powerful strategies to transform your reprocessing workflows!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and quality in endoscope care has been instrumental in bringing this series to life.

#TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #ASP #Endoscopes #SterileProcessing #ScopeSafety #Podcast

Welcome to the second video in another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This video expands on the topic and gives insight into what the potential risks are…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to final video in another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This video is a recap on the topic that wraps everything up and gives you advice on how to handle this potential issue in the future…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome back to this three part series on Candida auris! In this episode Larry and Justin tackle the conversation on identifying potential underlying causes to try and find some ways to prevent this from spreading!

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to the final installment of this three part series about Candida auris! In the episode Justin and Larry wrap everything up by talking about corrective action that can be used to mitigate the spread of this deadly fungus!

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to the start of another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This first video is an overview on the topic that sets the scene for the rest of this series…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

In the first installment of this three part mini video series, Larry and Justin discuss gastroscopes and potential infection risks associated with them, specifically looking at how repurposing these instruments might put patients at risk for E. coli infections.

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

In this eye-opening interview, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Scott Mader, President and CEO of AseptiScope, to discuss the often-overlooked risks of contaminated stethoscopes in healthcare settings. Scott Mader, a pioneer in infection control innovation, shares invaluable insights into how AseptiScope is addressing this critical issue. The conversation delves into the hidden dangers of stethoscope contamination in hospitals and clinics, highlighting a study published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal, which used next-generation sequencing to profile bacterial populations on stethoscopes in an ICU. The study found that practitioner stethoscopes were significantly contaminated with a diverse community of bacteria, including nosocomial pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter.

The importance of infection control in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is underscored, as well as future innovations in medical device cleanliness. Scott Mader’s expertise in clinical innovation and infection control makes this a must-watch for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in medical technology advancements. Don’t miss this informative discussion on a crucial aspect of patient and clinician safety.

Stay connected with Transmission Control on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#InfectionControl #PatientSafety #MedicalInnovation #HealthcareTechnology

Transmission Control is excited to launch a new series of interviews with key thought leaders in public health. For those guided by the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” this series dives deep into the methodologies and strategies experts use to safeguard community health. When an individual goes into the hospital, there is an array of tests, scans, and exams that will clue their care team into what may be wrong. Allie Piatkowski, Senior Public Health Consultant with the Moxley Group is an expert in the diagnostic process for communities.

In this interview, Allie Piatkowski and Garrett Hollembeak shed light on the crucial practices for effectively investigating and evaluating community health data. They emphasize the importance of clear communication in driving meaningful change and preventing infections. Discover the transformative power of community health evaluations in this must-watch interview. Whether it is an Amish community in Ohio or a non-profit project in Jamaica, this discussion will provide insights to help you understand the risk factors, underlying trends, and agents of change needed to make an impact at scale.

Stay connected with Transmission Control on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #OuncesOverPounds

When we think about infection prevention, we often focus on hand hygiene, device reprocessing, and environmental cleaning. But what about healthcare linens? Enter Gregory Gicewicz , founder and CEO of Compliance Shark, a company dedicated to excellence in healthcare linen and laundry processing—with a sharp focus on infection prevention compliance. Greg’s journey into healthcare laundry was anything but typical. Before launching Compliance Shark, he founded and led Sterile Surgical Systems, an accredited healthcare laundry in Washington state, for 17 years. And before that? He spent 13 years at Microsoft—a background that brings a unique systems-driven approach to an often-overlooked aspect of patient safety.

Laundry compliance isn’t just about clean linens—it’s about ensuring hygienic integrity from processing to patient use. A breakdown in standards can lead to contamination risks that impact both patients and staff.

✅ Elevate industry standards for healthcare linen processing

✅ Strengthen infection prevention protocols

✅ Support healthcare facilities in maintaining compliance

Healthcare linen might not always be in the spotlight, but it plays a critical role in patient safety. Who else is working behind the scenes to keep healthcare environments clean and compliant? Drop a comment!

#InfectionPrevention #HealthcareLaundry #Compliance #PatientSafety

In a recent interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Carole W. Kamangu, MPH, RN, CIC, CEO and President of Dumontel Healthcare Consulting, LLC who shared how her background in nursing and epidemiology has uniquely shaped her approach to infection prevention. Carol’s experience highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in building a strong infection prevention framework.

Our conversation reinforced a core idea: each professional’s journey brings invaluable insights that help us tackle complex healthcare challenges with a fresh perspective.

Whether you come from nursing, microbiology, or any healthcare background, your insights drive innovation and resilience in infection prevention. Check out the full clip for more on how our journeys shape our mission to keep patients safe!

#TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Healthcare #Epidemiology #Nursing #PatientSafety #HealthcareInnovation #InfectionControl

In the latest episode of Ounces Over Pounds, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Brittaney Jenkins, Founder and CEO of Jenkins Public Health Consulting. Together, they explore the critical role of health literacy in driving public health outcomes, the intersection of public health and infection prevention, and the game-changing impact that health educators bring to the table.

Health Literacy at the Forefront: Brittaney shares her expert insights on why understanding and effectively communicating health information is essential for empowering communities and improving overall health outcomes.

Public Health Meets Infection Prevention: By leveraging the strengths of both fields, Garrett and Brittaney dive into how infection prevention and public health can work hand-in-hand to create healthier, safer environments.

Health Educators as Key Players: Learn about the invaluable role that health educators play in bridging gaps, raising awareness, and helping communities make informed health decisions.

Tune in to this enlightening discussion and gain insights into the evolving world of public health and infection prevention!

More exciting conversations coming your way—stay tuned!

#TransmissionControl #PublicHealth #HealthLiteracy #InfectionPrevention #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEducation #PublicHealthLeadership

Welcome to the first episode of “Hygiene Huddle,” where infection preventionists gather to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore solutions to improve hygiene and prevent infections in healthcare settings.

In this episode, our panel of experts dives into addressing non-compliance with hand hygiene and PPE, meeting new CDC isolation guidelines, and providing education that moves the needle on patient safety. On “Hygiene Huddle” we provide valuable insights and practical tips that you can implement in your own practice.

Stay tuned for more episodes of “Hygiene Huddle” as we continue to bring you the latest in infection prevention and control. Together, we can make a difference in patient care and safety.

#HygieneHuddle #InfectionPrevention #Healthcare #PatientSafety #InfectionControl #Teamwork