Podcast
5 Second Rule
Hosted by Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) · EN
Join us while we talk to infection preventionists to learn the facts about infection prevention, the truth about some common myths, and tips to keeping yourself and the people around you safe. Brought to you by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
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Episodes
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#80 Ready for the Worst: High-Consequence Infectious Diseases With Carrie Billman
1w ago00:44:37Tap to summarizeHow prepared are we for high-consequence infectious diseases? In this episode of the 5 Second Rule Podcast, hosts Jess Fargher and Kelly Holmes dive deep into infection prevention strategies and emergency preparedness with Carrie Billman, a seasoned expert. They discuss the critical need for healthcare professionals to understand high-consequence infectious diseases, the role of robust protocols, and the importance of communication and training. Tune in to discover the insights that could save lives in future outbreaks! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Carrie Billman, MHPE, RN, CIC Carrie Billman MHPE, RN, CIC is a senior Infection Preventionist who serves as the Director of Education and Training for the Biocontainment Unit (BCU) at the Johns Hopkins Special Pathogen Center where she leads the design and implementation of training curriculum to prepare clinicians at Johns Hopkins and throughout HHS Region 3 to safely care for patients requiring high-level isolation. She leads the BCU Infection Prevention team and trained observer program and serves as an adjunct faculty for the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
Transcribe →#79 A Voice on Vaccines with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis
Apr 1400:41:42Tap to summarizeWhat if the science behind vaccinations isn't as straightforward as we think? In this episode, we navigate the chaos surrounding U.S. vaccine recommendations with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a public health leader with extensive expertise. He confronts vaccine skepticism, the evolving landscape of immunization policies, and the critical role healthcare professionals play in guiding patients through confusion. Join us for a fun, honest, and enlightening discussion that aims to clarify misconceptions and emphasize the importance of vaccinations for public health. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, is an infectious disease physician and public health leader recognized for his expertise in infectious diseases and emergency response, with leadership experience at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the CDC, and in the White House National Mpox Response. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.
Transcribe →#78 Getting to Know Your 5 Second Rule Hosts!
Mar 1000:42:53Tap to summarizeIn this special episode, Kelly Holmes marks an exciting new chapter as the 5 Second Rule Podcast welcomes a new co-host, Jess Fargher! Kelly and Jess laugh and bond about the quirks and nerves that come with recording a podcast, the passion and dedication behind being an infection preventionist, and a hopeful future of honest, relatable, conversations with guests. We're so excited for what's ahead, and we can't wait for you to tune in. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, AL-CIP, FAPIC and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Jess Fargher, 5 Second Rule Podcast Co-Host Jess Fargher began her career in Infection Prevention in 2022. With a diverse background of military service, laboratory science, and public health, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to a role that does not follow a single, straight path. Early in her work as an Infection Preventionist, Jess identified gaps in infection prevention education, particularly for non-nursing departments whose roles are critical to patient safety but often underserved in formal training. She developed customized, role-specific education to ensure every team member understood their impact on preventing healthcare-associated infections. Recognizing similar opportunities within nursing education, she began incorporating themed, multimodal learning strategies to make infection prevention engaging, practical, and memorable. Her experiences in the field have deepened her understanding of system-level challenges in healthcare and inspired her to pursue graduate education to further strengthen her skills in public health and education.
Transcribe →#77 Industrial Hygienists and Infection Prevention: A Powerful Partnership
Feb 1000:47:28Tap to summarizeWhat does an industrial hygienist do, and how does it support infection prevention? In this episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, Grant Quiller and Spencer Baker break down their dynamic roles in healthcare safety. From air quality tools to construction oversight and water management, learn how their expertise elevates patient and staff protection. Packed with insights, humor and show-and-tell moments, this episode is a must-listen! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Heather Ridge About our Guests: Grant Quiller Grant is a dual certified industrial hygienist and safety professional with over 17 years of field experience. He has diverse experience across healthcare, construction, industry, and litigation. He currently works as an industrial hygienist in the Infection Prevention department at Novant Health serving the greater Charlotte, North Carolina region and beyond. Spencer Baker Spencer Baker is the first industrial hygienist at the University of Iowa Health Care. He received a bachelor's degree in public health from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in occupational health and safety: industrial hygiene from the University of Iowa. Over the past three years, Spencer has partnered with clinical and facilities teams to reduce infection risks by advancing initiatives focused on hospital infrastructure and environmental safety. When he's not working, Spencer enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his wife and two kids, and binge-watching Survivor with a bowl of his favorite dark chocolate brownie ice cream.
Transcribe →#76 From Bedside to Boardroom: A Conversation With Kathy Ward, APIC's 2026 President
Jan 1300:22:31Tap to summarizeWhat inspires an RN to lead national infection prevention efforts? In this episode, Kelly Holmes welcomes 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward to share her journey from bedside support to infection prevention powerhouse. Hear how mentors shaped her career, what she envisions for the future of IPC, her advice for rising leaders, and her vision for APIC in 2026! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes About our Guest: Kathy Ward, 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward has been an Infection Preventionist for more than 20 years. She is currently an Infection Preventionist, Team Lead, at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC. As a member of APIC-Palmetto Chapter, she has served as President, President-Elect, Program Chair and Co-chair as well as member and Chair of Governmental Affairs. Currently, she is a member of the SC Healthcare Infections Disclosure Advisory Council and has served as Chair of the APIC Palmetto LASIC. Kathy has also served at the National level as Member/Chair of Nominating and Awards Committee, Board of Directors in addition to Member and Chair of Practice Guidance Committee.
Transcribe →#75 Cross-Border Lessons: How Canada Is Advancing Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care
Dec 900:19:23Tap to summarizeHow does strong infection prevention leadership reshape long-term care? In this episode, host Lerenza Howard sits down with Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, to explore how certification, regulation, and national standards are elevating care for older adults. Hear how Canada's approach is informing global best practices—and what long-term care teams around the world can learn from it. Hosted by: Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP Tiberius Stanescu is a globally educated Registered Nurse with diverse clinical background spanning multiple medical specialties. He began his nursing career in 2000, specializing in operating room procedures and plastic and reconstructive surgery, before discovering a deep passion for long-term care. His leadership in this field led him to serve as Assistant Director of Care and director of nursing role, where he furthered his expertise in infection prevention and wound management. In 2015, Tiberius joined the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team at Scarborough Health Network and earned his Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in the IPAC hub, reaffirming his commitment to long-term care. Tiberius has contributed significantly to the field through his involvement with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), helping to develop the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) exam. He serves as Chair of IPAC Canada's Long-Term Care Interest Group, underscoring his dedication to advancing infection prevention standards and enhancing care quality in long-term care settings.
Transcribe →#74 A Conversation With APIC's CEO Devin Jopp: Navigating Infection Prevention Through Misinformation and Policy Shifts With Future-Focused Solutions
Nov 1100:27:42Tap to summarizeWhat are the biggest infection prevention challenges we face today? In this special episode of the Five Second Rule, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes sit down with APIC's CEO Devin Jopp to discuss misinformation, federal policy shifts, IFU reform, global partnerships, and the vital role IPs play in public health. Hear why your voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of infection prevention. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Devin Jopp, EdD, MS Dr. Jopp joined APIC as CEO on December 7, 2020. He brings to APIC more than two decades of association leadership with a wide array of experience and accomplishments from across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential healthcare leaders by Healthcare Management International Magazine and one of the top 50 healthcare IT experts by Health Data Management Magazine. Prior to APIC, he served as CEO for the American College Health Association, the principal leadership organization for advancing the health and well-being of the nation's 20 million college students and their campus communities through advocacy, education, and research. He has also previously served as president and CEO for the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), a national nonprofit advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services focused on enhancing the exchange of healthcare information. Before joining WEDI, he served as chief operating officer for the Service Corp of Retired Executives, a national nonprofit organization that provides business mentoring and training to American entrepreneurs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jopp held leadership positions at URAC, an independent, nonprofit healthcare accreditation organization, and at the Health Insurance Association of America. Dr. Jopp received a Bachelor of Arts in computer information systems from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, a Master of Science in computer and information sciences from Hood College, and a Doctor of Education in human and organizational learning (EdD) from the George Washington University.
Transcribe →#73 Inside APIC's Research Network
Oct 1400:32:20Tap to summarizeCurious how you can shape the future of IPC research? The APIC Research Network (ARN) makes it easy — with free membership, mentorship, and resources to help you learn, publish, and collaborate. Hear from Becca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Sara Reese as they share how ARN is shaping global research, amplifying IP voices, and creating new opportunities for growth. Learn more about the ARN as well as how to join: https://apic.org/apic-research-network Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC is the Executive Director of APIC's Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI). She received both her BS in Public Health, Health Education and her MPH in Epidemiology from East TN State University. She completed her Doctorate in Public Health in 2021. She has been CIC certified since 2008 and is an APIC fellow. Most notably, though, Becca is the mother of six amazing daughters, ages 11-28. Sara Reese, PhD, MPH, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC Sara Reese is the Director of Research at APIC's Center for Research, Practice and Innovation (CRPI) with extensive experience in infection prevention leadership across major healthcare systems including Intermountain Health, Swedish Medical Center, and Denver Health. She has led pandemic response efforts, driven healthcare-associated infection reduction initiatives, and contributed to the field through mentorship, publications, and national conference presentations. She received her Bachelor's of Science and PhD in Microbiology at Colorado State University and her MPH at Colorado School of Public Health. In her spare time, she tries to keep up with her 14- and 10-year-old boys!
Transcribe →#72 IIPW 2025: Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention
Sep 900:22:32Tap to summarizeHow are infection preventionists gearing up for IIPW 2025? In this episode, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome guests from APIC's Communications Committee Michelle Swetky and Tammy Cunningham who share creative tools, engaging activities, and superhero-inspired themes to unite and empower IPs. Join us and Stand UPPP — Unite, Prevent, Protect, Prevail — for infection prevention! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC, is the Infection Prevention Manager at AdventHealth Kansas City Region, overseeing the Infection Prevention programs at three acute care hospitals and two free standing Emergency Departments. She worked as an Intensive Care nurse and Neonatal Intensive Care nurse until 2019 when she began her career in infection prevention, just in time for the worldwide pandemic. Tammy is active in the Greater Kansas City APIC chapter, having served two terms as the chapter Treasurer, and is currently a member of the APIC Communications Committee. Tammy is board certified in infection control, and is passionate about preventing infections in patients, especially CAUTIs, CLABSIs, and C. difficile infections. Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC Michelle Swetky, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, is an Infection Preventionist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Michelle has a decade of infection prevention experience in acute and ambulatory care, with extensive experience in an oncology setting. She is passionate about expanding the field of infection prevention into the ambulatory setting and across the continuum of care. Michelle has served as the Chairman of Comprehensive Cancer Center's Infection Prevention & Control group (C3IC) from 2021-2023 and is a current member on the APIC Communications Committee. Michelle received her Master's in Public Health from the University of Michigan. She has been certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) since 2016 and became an APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2023.
Transcribe →#71 APIC25 Spotlight: Improving HLD Reprocessing Reliability and Reimagining Hand Hygiene
Aug 1200:42:21Tap to summarizeWhat do therapy dogs and data-driven strategies have in common? They're both helping to move the needle on patient safety. In this APIC 2025 Annual Conference recap, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard spotlight two infection prevention pros. Maria Vacca shares how her hospital centralized high-level disinfection to boost safety and efficiency. Later in the episode, Rachel Hyatt unveils a heartwarming initiative that taps into the charm of therapy dogs to revolutionize hand hygiene compliance. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Maria Vacca Maria earned her BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, graduating Summa cum Laude for both degrees. She began her nursing career in Critical Care and transitioned to the Infection Control Department in 2004 when Infection Prevention and Control quickly became her passion. Over the course of her career, she's had the opportunity to provide oversight and obtain experience in numerous Infection Control roles including High Level Disinfection and Sterilization, Infection Prevention oversight of Ambulatory Practices and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator. Maria's Lean Six Sigma training helped her lead numerous successful performance improvement projects for which her teams have won several awards, presentations and publications. She was the principle investigator for a Covid-19 research study that was published in the June 2022 issue of AJIC. Maria received recognition as a APIC Fellow (FAPIC) in 2022. Maria and colleagues successfully submitted a poster presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled "From Decentralized to Centralized: Successfully Transforming High-Level Disinfection Practices in the Operating Room of a Large Academic Hospital." Rachel Hyatt Rachel Hyatt is a Community Health Specialist with a Masters in Business Administration. She driven by a passion for innovation and process improvement. As an Administrative Assistant with Infection Prevention for over two years, Rachel coordinated large-scale initiatives, from accreditation surveys to system-wide health campaigns. Her diverse experience in customer service, animal control, and zookeeping has given her a unique lens on behavior, shaping her approach to public education and engagement. Her ability to merge strategic planning with creativity fuels her mission to develop engaging, effective solutions in healthcare and community wellness. She is passionate about leveraging innovative ideas and interactive outreach to inspire lasting, positive change. Rachel successfully submitted an oral abstract presentation to APIC's 2025 Annual conference titled "Wash Your Paws: Using Creative Canine Marketing and Therapy Dogs to Promote Hand Hygiene Compliance."
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