Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, is a certified coach and CEO of Innovative Partnership Institute, LLC.

JONNIE JACOBS is the executive recruiter for clutchrecruitment.com.

This 6-part series will chronicle the essential strategies and professional insights needed to empower infection preventionists (IPs) in their job search. In partnership with Jonnie Jacobs, an executive recruiter at Clutch Recruitment, this series will offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the current health care job market. From understanding real-time trends to mastering the interview process, this series will equip you with the essential tools and strategies needed to secure new opportunities. We’ll go beyond basic advice, focusing on how to stand out and identify roles that align with your unique skills and career aspirations, featuring anonymized success stories of IPs successfully placed by Jacobs.

This third article in the series will focus on connecting with specialized recruiters and navigating the hiring process.

As an IP, you know your role is more vital than ever, safeguarding patient safety and quality. But let's be honest: That profound influence—and your significant financial contribution to the bottom line—is still often overlooked and undervalued. This undervaluation is particularly jarring as hospitals across the nation implement significant cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and hiring freezes.

Despite these immediate cutbacks and a general slowdown in the overall job market, the IP job market remains surprisingly active. IPs are consistently seeking new opportunities, transitioning into retirement, or pursuing other employment. This creates a mixed and frankly confusing picture: some colleagues are facing layoffs while others are being actively recruited. Understanding this complex reality is the first step to navigating your next professional chapter.

In this environment, understanding how to navigate the hiring process is crucial. This article will explain the vital role of specialized recruiters in health care and infection prevention. You'll get guidance on how to find, connect with, and maximize their support, along with an inside look at internal hiring processes and how to best present your experience during interviews. Recruiters are an invaluable resource, especially for those new to the job market. We'll demystify their process from a candidate's perspective and advise you on building strong, trust-based relationships, along with providing insights into common IP interview questions and how to prepare effectively.

Not all recruiters are created equal, especially in infection prevention. While general health care staffing firms recruit broadly, IP is a niche field that demands depth. The combination of epidemiology, regulatory adherence, data analytics, and leadership required is unparalleled.

A specialized recruiter understands these nuances intimately. They know the difference between an IP overseeing a single community hospital and a multihospital system. They recognize expertise in NHSN surveillance rather than construction risk assessment and understand how a CIC credential affects marketability. This specialization ensures candidates are understood and enables hospitals to make informed, confident hiring decisions.

An infection preventionist walking into a hospital

The IP Hiring Landscape: Strategy for Candidates

Today’s IP job market presents a complex picture. Hospitals are tightening budgets, yet the need for infection control expertise remains constant and is often increasing. Vacancies arise not just from turnover but also as hospitals expand surveillance or prepare for upcoming CMS and accreditation surveys. This steady need creates a "quiet churn" where positions open frequently but are often filled quickly or confidentially. Many of the best roles never appear on public job boards.

For IPs, visibility matters. Partnering with a specialized recruiter can significantly streamline your job search by matching you with roles that truly fit your background and preferences.

Strategic Job Search: Direct vs. Recruiter

A successful job search requires strategy and knowing the landscape. As an insider, you need to know that relying only on a recruiter can mean you miss the roles that never leave a hospital’s internal system. It is helpful to know when a direct application is your best move:

 Your fastest path often lies within. If you're seeking a move within your current hospital or system, working directly with your hiring manager or HR department is typically the most efficient approach.

 Not all open positions will be assigned to a recruiter. Many organizations handle the full hiring process internally to manage costs. These roles are only accessible through direct application on the hospital's career website or a general job board.

 Jobs secured through a direct relationship, such as a referral from a trusted colleague, may not require a third-party recruiter.

The takeaway: Specialized recruiters are a powerful tool for 

 your reach, but a direct approach remains essential for 

 roles that never leave the internal orbit of your network or target facility.

For IPs: How Specialized Recruiters Support You

Specialized recruiters spend their days speaking directly with hiring managers, learning not only what qualifications they need, but also which professionals will succeed in their culture. They can help you:

Refine your resume to emphasize measurable results, such as reductions in health care-associated infections (HAIs) or accreditation successes.

Provides access to roles that are not publicly advertised, utilizing their comprehensive market network.

Serve as a third-party advocate during salary negotiations, leveraging real-time market data to ensure your final offer aligns with your experience and current compensation benchmarks.

Even if you’re not actively searching, maintaining a relationship with an exclusive IP recruiter is a strategic approach that keeps you informed about compensation trends and certification preferences.

Optimizing the Search: Shared Value for Candidates and Leaders

In the highly specialized IP field, where the talent pool is often limited and the regulatory risk is high, partnering with an IP-focused recruiter is a strategic decision for both job seekers and hiring managers. This relationship acts as a vital bridge, designed to generate mutual benefit and trust, moving beyond a simple transactional service.

The process begins with creating a synergistic relationship. The recruiter works to understand the culture and priorities of the health care organizations they work with while simultaneously assessing the candidate's unique skills and career goals. This dual focus ensures a true cultural and professional match, which is the foundation of long-term success for both parties.

For IP directors and hiring managers, this strategic partnership translates directly into efficiency and risk mitigation. Rather than wasting time sifting through generalized applications, leaders receive only targeted, prevetted candidates already screened for essential credentials and NHSN proficiency. The recruiter acts as a knowledgeable extension of the department, assessing a candidate's readiness for surveys and their ability to integrate into a multidisciplinary quality team. This precision saves significant time, and experience shows organizations that leverage this approach often report faster filling of openings and stronger retention due to the focus on intentional matching.

For the job-seeking IP professional (staff and leaders), the value is access and protection. Specialized recruiters ensure every submission is intentional, safeguarding the candidate's professional reputation by preventing unnecessary circulation of their information. This process grants IPs access to the "quiet churn" of unlisted positions—roles that would otherwise be invisible. Furthermore, through detailed candidate alignment and preparation, the recruiter ensures the IP is positioned to discuss their achievements (like HAI reductions) effectively, increasing their chances of a successful, well-compensated placement in an organization where they can truly thrive. Ultimately, this specialized approach ensures a streamlined, transparent hiring journey for both sides, replacing a frustrating application cycle with strategic placement.

Interim Solutions and Postplacement Support

This partnership also extends to interim IP solutions, offering a crucial safety net for the hospital and a flexible opportunity for the professional. When a key IP or IP leader goes on sudden leave, the hospital gains immediate operational stability and regulatory readiness (eg, during Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS] visits). Concurrently, experienced IPs gain valuable, flexible assignments (often 8 to 26 weeks) that expose them to diverse systems and complex challenges. The interim professional stabilizes the program quickly, keeping the department on track while the hospital conducts a thoughtful permanent search, turning a crisis into a manageable transition.

The support doesn't end with the offer. A specialized recruiter often performs postplacement check-ins with both the new hire and the hiring manager during the first few months. This final layer of service helps to proactively address any initial cultural or operational hurdles, which ultimately aids in successful long-term integration and retention—justifying the specialized investment.

Behind the Scenes: The Recruiter’s Process

From the outside, it can be hard to understand what a recruiter actually does, especially one working in such a niche field. The process ensures both sides experience a streamlined, transparent hiring journey.

 Recruiters meet with hiring managers to learn the hospital’s culture, priorities, and must-have qualifications.

 Instead of posting broadly, they reach out directly to IPs whose skills and certifications match the role.

 Recruiters discuss details honestly—salary range, reporting structure, expectations—to ensure mutual interest.

 Only qualified, aligned candidates are submitted, with context that helps hiring leaders understand how each person fits.

 Candidates receive interview coaching, insight into hospital priorities, and follow-up after each step.

Unlike general health care recruiters, specialized IP recruiters focus on precision; every submission is intentional. For hiring managers, this means time spent reviewing candidates is never wasted, as each person presented has the right credentials and communication style to thrive. For candidates, this precision ensures their profile is submitted only for roles that are a strong mutual fit, respecting their time and maintaining the confidentiality of their search. This intentional matching leads to higher success rates.

Interview Preparation and Quantifying Value

IP professionals often have a deep technical understanding but may struggle to translate that expertise into measurable outcomes during interviews. Specialized recruiters help bridge that gap. They share what matters most to decision-makers and help candidates prepare using methods like the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework, ensuring achievements are presented in clear, measurable terms. This means candidates arrive ready to discuss tangible results like:

 Since 2023, reduced CLABSI rates by 40% in all ICUs through infection prevention, led central line insertion training to all new medical residents and advanced practicing providers, and an annual refresher.

Example for construction, renovations, and design:

 In 2025, successfully spearheaded the organization from ICRA 1.0 to updated ICRA 2.0

, reducing the turnaround time from submitted to approved ICRA from 5 business days to 3, and reducing the time to review and approve by 25%.

This results in a faster, more productive interview process and highlights both infection prevention wins, the role infection prevention played in the initiative, and a tangible example of what was improved.

While infection prevention is central to patient safety, it’s also a major driver of financial stability. Preventing just a few HAIs each year can save a hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars and help it avoid a reduction in incentive payments from the CMS Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program.

 Reducing the turnaround time and value of infection control risk assessments (ICRAs) not only supports the facility department but also costs for architects and design staff the facility may be working with.

However, these outcomes are often underrepresented in hiring and budget discussions. A specialized recruiter helps a candidate highlight their financial value by translating an IP’s measurable achievements into financial language that resonates with leadership. By framing infection prevention as both a compliance necessity and a cost-saving strategy, recruiters help ensure that professionals are properly valued.

When you sum it all up, a specialized recruiter can be a key winning asset, helping you get considered for roles and organizations you may not otherwise know are hiring or realize you’d be a great fit for. Think of the specialized recruiter as your strategic partner, providing you with real-time market intelligence and strategic coaching.

They help bridge the critical gap between your unique skills and the specific, often unstated, needs of a health care organization. By leveraging their deep market insights, from salary benchmarks to understanding the cultural fit of a potential employer, you can strategically target the roles where you can truly thrive.

Stop sending your resume into the black hole of online portals, wondering if you’ll be “ghosted” before you even hit submit. This partnership transforms that frustrating application cycle into a powerful, targeted process where you know your application was successfully received and you’ll actually get a callback. That's the difference between applying for roles and successfully landing the role you deserve.

American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE).

 “ASHE ICRA 2.0 Toolkit.” The Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) 2.0 was released in 2022 and provides a new framework for managing infection risks during construction, renovation, and maintenance projects in health care settings. Retrieved October 18, 2025. https://www.ashe.org/icra2.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

 “Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program.” The CMS Hospital VBP Program includes Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) as one of the key measures used to determine a hospital's Total Performance Score, rewarding high performance with incentive payments. Retrieved on October 18, 2025 from https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/value-based-programs/hospital-purchasing.

: You can reach Jonnie directly at jjacobs@clutchrecruitment.com or (423) 269-2939

Articles

This 6-part series will chronicle the essential strategies and professional insights needed to empower infection preventionists (IPs) in their job search. In partnership with Jonnie Jacobs, an executive recruiter at Clutch Recruitment, this series will offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the current health care job market. This third article in the series focuses on connecting with specialized recruiters and navigating the hiring process.

IP LifeLine: Connecting With Specialized Recruiters and Navigating the Hiring Process

Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, is the lead editor of 

.  She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Eric; son, Drake; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones. 

Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.

A hantavirus outbreak is a zoonotic RNA virus transmitted by infected rodents that causes severe disease.

The recent reports of hantavirus cases have renewed attention on how infectious diseases can emerge in unexpected environments, including travel settings.

a cluster of severe respiratory illness was reported

 on a cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). By May 4, 7 cases had been identified, including 2 confirmed hantavirus infections, 3 deaths, 1 critical case, and 3 mild cases. Illness began between April 6 and 28, progressing from fever and gastrointestinal symptoms to pneumonia and respiratory distress. Hantavirus is usually spread through contact with rodent excreta and, while rare, can be severe. Only a few cases of human-to-human transmission of the Andes virus have been reported. WHO currently assesses the global risk as low while investigations and response efforts continue.

To get an infection prevention and control perspective on the situation, 

 reached out to its editorial advisory board (EAB) members. Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, a consultant and coach for Innovation Partners Institute, LLC, in San Francisco, California, explained the overarching issue.

“Infection prevention professionals understand that emerging threats like hantavirus are not isolated incidents; they are urgent reminders that preparedness is the foundation of global health security. In highly concentrated environments such as cruise ships, where international travel, confined spaces, and constant human interaction accelerate the potential for disease transmission, infection prevention cannot be passive. 

It must be strategic, relentless, and driven by unwavering vigilance. The increasing concern surrounding hantavirus in maritime settings powerfully reinforces the critical role infection preventionists play in safeguarding public health through rapid risk identification, aggressive surveillance, environmental protection, and decisive outbreak management.

Effective infection prevention programs extend far beyond routine adherence measures. They require a culture of continuous readiness built on rigorous environmental hygiene, comprehensive rodent control, early respiratory illness detection, workforce training, and resilient emergency preparedness systems. Every proactive intervention implemented before an outbreak emerges represents lives protected, health care systems preserved, and public confidence strengthened.

This is a defining reminder that infection prevention is not merely the response to known pathogens; it is the anticipation of emerging biological threats before they escalate into global crises. In an era shaped by unprecedented mobility and interconnectedness, infection prevention professionals remain among the most vital defenders of public health, leading with science, expertise, resilience, and an uncompromising commitment to protecting travelers, health care systems, and communities across the world.”

“Global travel is more than a destination; it includes every stop made and every pathogen encountered along the way. Regardless of the setting, hygiene is the universal practice that protects the journey, whether on land or at sea.”

While hantavirus is not typically associated with cruise ships, the broader discussion highlights a critical issue: maintaining rigorous hygiene and infection prevention practices in high-density, global travel environments.

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In the US, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is rare but severe, with a mortality rate of approximately 30% to 40%. According to the CDC, most infections occur in rural or semirural areas where individuals are exposed to rodent habitats, such as cabins, sheds, or poorly ventilated spaces.

"The recent Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship highlights how different viruses, even within the same family (in this case, Hantaviridae) can behave quite differently and may require different infection prevention approaches,” explained Matthew Pullen, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases and international medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “The Hantavirus family member we primarily see in North America (Sin Nombre virus) is not known to transmit human-to-human, while the family member seen in the Andes region (Andes virus) has been shown to occasionally transmit between individuals. Given the ship's recent travel to the Andes region, the WHO is appropriately recommending handling this outbreak with possible human-to-human transmission in mind until proven otherwise."

Although cruise ships are not typical settings for hantavirus transmission, the global movement of passengers, supplies, and waste introduces potential vulnerabilities. Ships dock at multiple ports, sometimes in regions where rodent-borne diseases are more prevalent. This underscores the importance of strict environmental controls, including pest management programs and sanitation protocols.

More commonly, cruise ships experience outbreaks of gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, including norovirus, influenza, and COVID-19. These outbreaks spread rapidly due to close quarters, shared dining spaces, and high-touch surfaces. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) has long emphasized that hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention in these environments.

“This hantavirus outbreak is a reminder that infection risks don’t always start where we think,” Maureen Spencer, MEd, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, infection prevention consultant and owner of Surgical Infection Consultants, said. “Exposure may have come from rodent-contaminated environments during travel, or even been brought onboard by an infected passenger. In infection prevention, we have to think beyond people and look closely at the environments we enter.”

Hand hygiene adherence on cruise ships can be challenging. Passengers may underestimate risks while on vacation, leading to lapses in behavior. Studies have shown that visible cues, such as hand sanitizer stations, staff reminders, and signage, significantly improve adherence rates.

 However, as infection preventionists increasingly recognize, adherence alone is not enough; effectiveness matters. Proper technique, adequate sanitizer volume, and access to soap and water are essential for reducing transmission.

Environmental hygiene also plays a critical role. Cruise ships must adhere to strict cleaning and disinfection standards, particularly for high-touch surfaces like handrails, elevator buttons, and dining areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine cleaning with appropriate disinfectants and rapid response protocols when cases are identified.

“I love cruising and have been on several cruises,” began Donald Sipp, MBA, RESE, CHESP, CHTI-2, CMIP, PMP, senior director for Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc. “Outbreaks like hantavirus are concerning, especially when you’re in a confined space for days on end. The real issue isn’t standards, it’s system reliability. When cleaning, waste handling, and pest control are executed consistently as 1 system, risk is reduced and managed. Passengers can help by practicing good hand hygiene and following onboard sanitation practices, creating a safer cruise, and helping break the chain of infection.”

Ventilation and water systems are additional areas of concern. Poorly maintained systems can contribute to the spread of pathogens such as Legionella. Cruise operators are required to implement water management programs and conduct regular monitoring to ensure safety.

“As a frequent cruiser, a cruise ship hantavirus outbreak never crossed my mind until recently,” said Peter Graves, BSN, RN, CNOR, independent surgical infection prevention consultant and CEO of Clinical Solution, LLC, in Texas. “As an operating room nurse, I am relentless with managing environmental hygiene and our sterile fields. We do not get a second chance to get it right. Cruise ships must be just as diligent in preventing outbreaks. Whenever there are breaches in pest control, waste handling, hand hygiene, and a plethora of other infection prevention practices, you are looking at a potential disaster in the making.”

The hantavirus discussion adds another layer to this conversation by highlighting the importance of integrated pest management. While rare, the presence of rodents on ships or in port facilities could pose a risk if not properly controlled. Preventive measures include secure food storage, waste management, and regular inspections.

Ultimately, the lessons from both hantavirus and cruise ship outbreaks converge on a central principle: infection prevention requires a systems-based approach. This includes environmental design, behavioral interventions, and ongoing surveillance.

For infection prevention professionals, cruise ships serve as a microcosm of broader public health challenges. They demonstrate how quickly pathogens can spread when hygiene practices falter—and how effective interventions can mitigate risk. Another consideration is the education of the health care workers onboard.

“Although most cruise ships have public health officers onboard to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers, many of these professionals are not equipped with the level of training and expertise in infection prevention found among dedicated infection preventionists (IPs),” said Shahbaz Salehi, MD, MPH, MSHIA, director of infection prevention and control and employee health at Foothill Regional Medical Center in Tustin, California. “Postpandemic, IPs have demonstrated the ability to manage and control outbreaks more effectively than any other discipline, and this is a capability that is often lacking in the cruise ship industry. The cruise ship industry should consider adopting and emulating hospital-based infection control practices for their public health staff.”

As global travel continues to rebound, maintaining vigilance in hygiene practices is essential. Whether addressing rare threats like hantavirus or more common cruise-related outbreaks, the goal remains the same: reducing transmission and protecting public health through consistent, evidence-based infection prevention strategies.

About Hantavirus. CDC. Updated May 13, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2026. 

Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). CDC. Updated 2025. 

Mouchtouri VA, Rudge JW. Legionnaires’ disease in hotels and passenger ships: a systematic review of evidence. 

Guide to Ship Sanitation. 3rd ed. WHO. April 1, 2011. Accessed May 6, 2026. 

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241546690

Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever). CDC. Updated 2024. Accessed May 6, 2026. 

Why should infection preventionists pay attention to a rare hantavirus cruise outbreak? Because it underscores a critical reality: pathogens do not follow expected patterns. This case highlights the need for system-wide vigilance, environmental hygiene, and preparedness in high-density travel settings. For IPs, it’s a powerful reminder that effective infection prevention extends beyond health care facilities and must anticipate emerging risks before they escalate.

Hantavirus Concerns and Cruise Ship Hygiene: What Infection Preventionists Need to Know

Sterile processing leaders Rebecca Lauber, FHSPA, and Vanessa Frank share insights from their HSPA 2026 presentation on career growth, professional identity, and active learning. Their message is clear: Empowering technicians, strengthening education, and building confidence are key to advancing patient safety and the future of sterile processing.

Empowering Careers and Confidence in Sterile Processing: Voices from HSPA 2026

At the 2026 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association Conference in Baltimore, held from April 25 to 28, conversations around workforce development, professional identity, and education took center stage. For Rebecca Lauber, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, FHSPA, NREMT, LSSBB, and Vanessa Frank, CRCST, CHL, CER, CIS, those conversations are not theoretical. They are personal, practical, and deeply rooted in experience.

At HSPA 2026, Rebecca Lauber, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, FHSPA, NREMT, LSSBB, marked a major professional milestone, earning her Fellowship in the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (FHSPA). Her work reflects not only dedication to the field but a forward-thinking vision for how sterile processing education must evolve.

Lauber’s fellowship centered on a 29-page research paper focused on transforming technician education through active learning. Rather than relying on traditional methods such as lectures and test-based assessments, she advocates for a more engaging, hands-on approach.

“I wanted to shift education away from just reading materials and taking tests,” Lauber explained. “We need to create workshops, create moments where technicians are actively engaged, learning by doing, and truly understanding the work.”

Her research introduced scenario-based learning, often referred to as vignettes, which mirror real-world challenges technicians face. These exercises allow teams to work through problems collaboratively, reinforcing both knowledge and confidence. Lauber also incorporated hands-on workstations to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Working in New York City, Lauber emphasized the importance of adapting education to diverse learning styles. “Not everybody learns the same way,” she said. “We have to build education around our technicians.”

For Lauber, earning her fellowship represents more than personal achievement. “Being a fellow means contributing ideas to the industry,” she said. “If we don’t share those ideas, we’re holding back progress in health care.”

Frank, president of Keystone Alliance of Sterile Processing Professionals (KASPP) HSPA Chapter and the clinical resource manager for Advantage Support Services, Inc, a clinical resource manager with more than 13 years in the field, and Lauber, a robotics and operations manager at Mount Sinai Hospital, presented on career development and education in sterile processing, then they spoke with 

). Both leaders emphasized that one of the greatest challenges in the profession is the lack of a clearly defined path forward.

“My presentation today was actually about career development in sterile processing, because it’s something that there really isn’t a path that is spelled out for people,” Frank said. “You get into the industry, and then you have to just wing it and figure out what you want to do.”

For many professionals, that lack of structure can feel limiting. During her presentation titled “Beyond the Sinks: Sterile Processing Career Development,” and her discussion with 

, Frank explained that her career progression came from stepping outside traditional roles and embracing new opportunities through networking and conference engagement. “Through networking and making friends at these conferences, I managed to find another avenue, and then another avenue, and I have just exponentially grown,” she said.

Lauber echoed that sentiment, adding that mindset is often the biggest barrier as she talked about in her presentation, “Good Morning, Baltimore: Empowering the Stars of Survey Readiness.” “The only limiting factor is the belief that we can’t do it,” she said. “Apply for that job, even if you feel like you don’t qualify for it. You are your own limiting factor.”

Beyond career mobility, both speakers highlighted the importance of continuous learning and engagement. Growth in sterile processing does not happen solely within the confines of a standard work shift. “If you really want to grow in this industry, it does mean putting in work outside of your 8-hour shift,” Frank said. “You have to be involved with the industry. You have to know your [manufacturer’s instructions for use]. Ask questions. Connect with people.”

Education, however, must evolve alongside expectations. Lauber’s session on survey readiness focused on empowering technicians through active learning rather than passive instruction. “We need to empower our group. We need to involve them in active learning to ensure that they are survey-ready,” she said. “Not just hide them in the locker room. Not just say you’re not ready yet.”

Her approach includes scenario-based learning and hands-on workshops that reflect real-world challenges. “We create scenarios that technicians would deal with in real life and have them work through [them] together,” Lauber explained. “Not everybody learns the same way, so it’s very important that we form education around our technicians.”

This emphasis on empowerment ties directly to one of the profession’s most persistent challenges: recognition. Despite their critical role in patient safety, sterile processing professionals often struggle with visibility and professional identity.

“The biggest challenge is guiding our technicians to take themselves seriously as professionals,” Frank said. “We are done a disservice when people think we just show up and clean things.”

Lauber added that this perception can become internalized. “One thing I’ve seen a lot recently is people calling themselves dishwashers,” she said. “You’re not a dishwasher. You’re a professional. You have a certification and technical knowledge that keep patients safe every day.”

Leadership and culture play a critical role in addressing these issues. Without clear guidance and support, technicians may feel undervalued or disconnected from the broader health care system. “When we don’t have guidance for our leaders to give to their technicians, we create a culture where they don’t feel supported,” Lauber said.

Compensation and incentives remain additional concerns, but both speakers emphasized that motivation must extend beyond financial reward. “People ask what the incentive is,” Lauber said. “It’s not just about money. It’s about becoming a subject matter expert, taking what you’ve learned and applying it, and finding opportunities to make an impact.”

For both Frank and Lauber, the path forward is rooted in connection, education, and confidence. Professional growth begins with engagement, whether through conferences, chapter involvement, or platforms like LinkedIn.

“You have to force your way out of that mindset,” Lauber said. “Somebody out there needs your voice and your ideas.”

At HSPA 2026, that message resonated clearly. Sterile processing is not just a technical function. It is a profession driven by knowledge, collaboration, and a shared commitment to patient safety.

Videos

Empowering Careers and Confidence in Sterile Processing: Voices From HSPA 2026

Seth Lederman, MD, cofounder, CEO, and chairman at TONIX Pharmaceuticals

As attention returns to the ongoing challenges surrounding Lyme disease prevention, a new approach may offer a faster, more flexible alternative to traditional vaccines. 

At the World Vaccine Congress Washington 2026, Tonix Pharmaceuticals

 presented phase 1 data on TNX-4800, a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to provide rapid, single-dose protection against Lyme disease.

Unlike vaccines currently in development, which can take months and require multiple doses to achieve immunity, TNX-4800 is engineered to deliver passive immunity within days—potentially reaching protective levels in as little as 48 hours and lasting through peak tick season. With approximately 87 million Americans living in Lyme-endemic areas and no approved prophylactic currently available, this innovation could represent a meaningful shift in prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations such as outdoor workers and travelers.

) asked Seth Lederman, MD, cofounder, CEO, and chairman at TONIX Pharmaceuticals, about TNX-4800 and monoclonal antibodies.

: From an infection prevention perspective, how significant is the potential for a single-dose monoclonal antibody to provide rapid protection against Lyme disease compared with traditional vaccine approaches?

 TNX-4800 has the potential to make a meaningful difference for the prevention of Lyme disease and offers significant advantages over vaccines in development. TNX-4800 is a human monoclonal antibody against OspA that targets 

, the serotype that causes 99.9% of Lyme disease in the US. This is the OspA that matters most for the US, which is why Tonix is targeting it. TNX-4800 is expected to be delivered in one subcutaneous dose.

A phase 1 study of TNX-4800 demonstrated potentially protective blood levels at 2 days, with these levels sustained for at least 4 months due to its extended half-life design. The results support our adaptive phase 2 field study plans for the first half of 2027, pending US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. The primary end point will be the prevention of Lyme disease at 4 months, and a key secondary end point will be the prevention of Lyme disease at 6 months

However, Lyme disease vaccines that elicit antibodies to OspA currently in development take more than 6 months to offer protection and require complex immunization schedules, which can be a major burden for people. Another difference is that while TNX-4800 offers passive immunity, meaning protection is not dependent on the patient’s immune system mounting a response, vaccines rely on active immunization, meaning you’re asking the body to generate its own immune response over time, often requiring multiple doses spread over months. That inherently introduces delays, complexity, and adherence challenges.

: How could a 2-day onset of protection change real-world prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations such as outdoor workers or travelers entering endemic areas?

 Lyme disease is a daunting issue for the approximately 87 million Americans who live, work, or travel in endemic areas.

With TNX-4800, we are providing a potential solution in which one subcutaneous shot could confer immunity within 2 days and provide protection for at least 4 months. However, vaccines take more than 6 months to provide protection and require complex immunization schedules, often leading to adherence issues.

Therefore, if approved, TNX-4800 could offer a noticeable shift in how people can prevent infection with Lyme disease-causing bacteria. TNX-4800 has the potential to be a more practical, convenient, and adaptable prevention measure because people can plan less far in advance and have coverage with fewer steps. They could also plan to receive it with greater flexibility, such as in advance of short-term trips to endemic areas.

: What are the advantages and potential limitations of passive immunity using monoclonal antibodies vs active immunization for seasonal infectious diseases?

 Monoclonal antibodies, such as TNX-4800, may be delivered subcutaneously, including in patients with partially functional immune systems. TNX-4800 provides passive immunity by directly supplying neutralizing antibodies, bypassing the need for a patient’s immune system to generate its own antibodies. This is important, as it potentially expands the population of people who can receive the drug, such as the elderly and immunocompromised people. We are pleased to see growing clinical and market acceptance of monoclonal antibody preventive treatments, including for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

However, for Lyme disease vaccines under development, people must generate antibodies with their own immune systems. These vaccines typically take more than 6 months to be protective, depend on high-titer antibodies, require annual boosters, and have complex immunization schedules that could lead to poor uptake.

: Given the estimated 87 million Americans at risk, how might TNX-4800 fit into broader public health and IPC strategies for vector-borne disease prevention?

 Lyme disease is a serious public health issue in the US that Tonix is committed to addressing. TNX-4800 could be an important preventative option for the approximately 87 million people who live, work, or travel in endemic areas as other systemic mitigation efforts continue. Given that TNX-4800 is expected to be protective within 2 days and provide coverage for at least 4 months, it could be a practical tool as part of a broader effort to prevent Lyme disease that includes education and practical techniques to limit risk.

: What key factors should infection prevention professionals watch for as TNX-4800 moves into phase 2, particularly regarding durability, uptake, and real-world effectiveness?

 We are focused on preparations for initiating an adaptive field study in the first half of 2027, pending FDA clearance. This year, in 2026, we are making the GMP investigational product for clinical testing in early 2027.

In the adaptive phase 2 field study, participants will include adolescents and adults aged 16 to 65 years in Lyme-endemic areas of the US. The primary end point will be the prevention of Lyme disease at 4 months (comparison between the TNX-4800 and placebo groups). A key secondary end point will be the prevention of Lyme disease at 6 months (TNX-4800 vs placebo). If necessary and pending FDA clearance, we plan to initiate a controlled human infection model (CHIM) study in 2028.

We look forward to making progress and keeping the field posted about our developments.

A potential shift in Lyme disease prevention: TNX-4800, a single-dose monoclonal antibody, demonstrated rapid protection within 2 days and up to 4 months of coverage in phase 1 data. Could this redefine prevention strategies for millions in Lyme-endemic regions? 

Lyme Disease Prevention Breakthrough? TNX-4800 Monoclonal Antibody Shows Rapid Protection in Phase 1 Data at World Vaccine Congress 2026

Kersten Kurt Koelsch, MD, director of Medical & Scientific Affairs, Immunology and Infectious Diseases for ICON.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a chronic condition. Yet, this success has revealed a new problem: As people with HIV live longer, they face rising rates of comorbid health concerns. These are challenges that ART, alone, cannot solve.

ART’s mechanism of action prevents progression of HIV infection to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by suppressing HIV replication and viral transmission. However, it does not restore dysregulated immune function or reintroduce healthy immune cells, which are depleted over the course of infection. As a consequence, many individuals living with managed HIV infections also live with damaged immune systems and chronic inflammation, making them more vulnerable to infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurocognitive disorders, and inflammation-driven disorders. Long-term use of ART itself may also increase the risk of comorbidities

While the focus of HIV therapeutic development remains on advancing ART-based medicines, developers are increasingly called to design therapies and care models that account for multimorbidity and the unique physiological needs of older adults with HIV. This article examines the shifting clinical profile of aging with HIV, the research gaps affecting this population, and the implications for drug development.

Patients Aging With HIV Face High Comorbidity Risk

Comorbidities, including many age-related conditions, are widespread among aging people with HIV. In one study, approximately 71% of patients with HIV developed at least one comorbidity after age 50, with a median of 3 comorbidities for patients older than 75.

Another study comparing people with HIV to the general population found HIV-positive individuals were twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

A recent review of medical records in Malawi revealed that the dementia rate among HIV-positive individuals was 22%, compared with 10% among HIV-negative individuals.



However, among HIV-positive populations, levels of immune dysfunction are highly heterogeneous, depending on a confluence of factors that are difficult to disentangle and understand. These include the stage of an individual’s disease at which ART was initiated, and whether that person maintained an effective ART regimen over time. Other factors include whether ART-based HIV treatment fully protects the immune system from dysregulation, and whether long-term treatment with ART itself increases the risk of comorbidities.

Researchers previously theorized that starting ART soon after HIV infection would be protective against permanent immune system damage. However, growing evidence now suggests that even with immediate treatment, ART may not fully prevent long-term immune dysfunction in some populations.

 Even suppressed HIV infections can promote chronic, systemic inflammation, increasing susceptibility to age-related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

Furthermore, some research suggests the long-term use of some formulations of ART may increase the risk of comorbidities. Specifically, protease inhibitors and antiretroviral drugs commonly used in the early 2000s negatively impact renal function. Newer formulations have been developed to address this toxicity, but older formulations continue to be used in some cases.

 This is a significant concern since, as people with HIV age, they are often prescribed multiple drugs to address comorbidities, increasing the risk of drug interactions that can damage the kidneys.

Together, these factors mean that the risk of comorbidity in people living with HIV is high, particularly as the population continues to age. However, most comorbidity care models were not designed with HIV patients in mind, leaving a great unmet need for drug developers to fill.

Many clinical trials explicitly exclude people with HIV from participation, even in well-controlled cases. This likely stems from expectations of poor outcomes in people with HIV, assumptions formed before the development of effective HIV treatments. While there may be some cases in which such criteria are scientifically justified, de facto exclusion does not reflect the current reality of HIV as a manageable chronic condition and leads to a deficiency of critical safety and efficacy information.

For example, early COVID-19 vaccine research excluded people with HIV. A meta-analysis later suggested that the vaccine was safe, but the initial dose elicited lower immunogenicity and antigenicity in HIV-positive recipients than in HIV-negative individuals, while a booster dose was comparatively more protective.

 This highlights the importance of including people with HIV in clinical trials to inform treatment decisions.

The lack of research specifically evaluating people with HIV during clinical development is especially egregious in the study of chronic conditions and comorbidities for which this population makes up a significant demographic. And, because of the possibility for HIV-specific responses to therapies or drug-drug interactions, there is a stark need to establish treatments and care models for patients who have both HIV and comorbidities. This might mean increased screening, differences in the type of treatment or its administration.

An excellent illustration of the potential value of comorbidity research that includes people with HIV is in the use of statin therapies, which are typically used to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as stroke or heart attack, by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Although HIV-positive populations are at higher risk for MACE, one study found that statins reduced MACE in this group even more than would be expected from cholesterol lowering alone.

 These results led to exploring the interaction of statin therapy with collagen pathways to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, a novel pathway with the potential to inform treatment and targeted therapies to protect cardiovascular health in people aging with HIV.

Less progress has been made in finding adjunctive therapies for ART that restore immune function. Such solutions would be very welcome, not only to address comorbidities for aging populations with HIV, but also to prevent them. For instance, researchers are beginning to explore therapeutic strategies to prevent chronic inflammation in HIV-positive populations. One promising avenue is GLP-1 therapies, such as semaglutide, which studies suggest may have a positive effect on inflammation markers in people with HIV. These drugs have already been proven to reduce inflammation among other populations, in part by modulation of inflammatory pathways and metabolic processes, and new evidence shows similar effects in individuals with HIV.

Including people with HIV in clinical research

Gaps in research and care for people with HIV are pronounced, but they also present an opportunity for drug developers to make a meaningful impact. Inclusion in clinical trials will aid in establishing standards of care for the health conditions faced by an aging population with HIV and contribute to the generalizability of studies.

To achieve this, clinical trials should prioritize the enrolment of patients with HIV. An important first step would be to create HIV-specific eligibility criteria relevant to the study in question. These criteria might include thresholds for CD4+ T cell count, reflecting the relative health of a patient’s immune system; a minimal or undetectable viral load, reflective of effective viral suppression; and overall clinical stability on ART, confirming that the patient has consistent access to a therapeutic regimen that will not have unexpected effects. Considering such factors would ensure that therapies are evaluated objectively for their potential response in people with HIV rather than relying on outdated assumptions, while also establishing clear guidelines for participation.

Trial designs should also account for how ART will interact with the investigational therapy and establish procedures accordingly. While concurrent treatment with ART is often recommended in non-HIV trials, it may sometimes be necessary to temporarily interrupt treatment under certain circumstances. For example, continuing ART could compromise the full intended dose of an oncology therapy or complicate toxicity management.

 In these cases, participants may switch to an alternative ART regimen while receiving investigational treatment, if one is available that minimizes negative interactions.

Continuing to improve HIV care for aging populations

As ART has transformed the outlook for people aging with HIV, it must also transform our approach to health care as this population develops comorbidities. Achieving this will require rethinking long-standing approaches to clinical trials and delivering highly interdisciplinary care that, as in the management of other chronic conditions, moves beyond siloed medicine.

Meaningful progress in HIV care will require addressing not just the virus itself, but also its impact on every aspect of health. This integrated approach is essential for developing the next generation of therapies and care models that meet the needs of aging people with HIV.

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Lee H, et al. Dementia prevalence and risk factors in people with and without HIV in Malawi: a medical record review. 

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Vlaming KE, et al. Treatment in acute HIV infection only temporarily preserves monocyte function: a comparative cohort study in adult males. 

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Kong K, et al. AIDS patients suffer higher risk of advanced knee osteoarthritis progression due to lopinavir-induced Zmpste24 inhibition. 

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Livesay C, et al. Clinical considerations on the use of antiretrovirals and renal impairment. 

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Zhao T, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines among people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 

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Kolossváry M, et al. Pitavastatin, procollagen pathways, and plaque stabilization in patients with HIV: a secondary analysis of the REPRIEVE randomized clinical trial. 

As people with HIV live longer due to ART, new challenges are emerging. Aging with HIV is linked to higher risks of comorbidities, chronic inflammation, and drug interactions, while gaps in clinical trial inclusion and care models highlight the need for more integrated, patient-centered treatment strategies.

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Aging with HIV: What the Next Major Challenge Is for Drug Development