Live Events

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 12/04/2025 at 11:00 AM (EST)

    Live Webinar: Thursday, December 4th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) As the field of robotic surgery accelerates, hospitals face the challenge of scaling their Sterile Processing Departments (SPD) to support increasingly complex and high-demand surgical programs. This comprehensive session will provide Sterile Processing Managers and Leaders with innovative strategies, forward-thinking planning frameworks, and collaboration models—empowering them to drive hospital growth through excellence in robotic surgery. Objectives: 1.Optimization of Sterile Processing Workflows: Discuss innovative strategies and technologies that Sterile Processing Managers are implementing to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in supporting robotic surgery demands. 2.Strategic Planning for Growth in Robotic Surgery: Discuss how Sterile Processing Leaders can develop and implement strategic plans to accommodate and support the anticipated growth in robotic surgery, including resource allocation, capacity building, and infrastructure expansion. 3.Fostering Interdepartmental Collaboration: Explore methods for enhancing communication and collaboration between the Sterile Processing Department and surgical teams to effectively support the expansion and success of robotic surgery programs. Speakers: Moderator: Marcy Duffy, CSFA, CST, CRCST, Genesis Reprocessing Product Marketing Manager, Intuitive •With over 8 years at Intuitive, I specialize in driving innovative solutions that enhance surgical and reprocessing workflows. Before that, I spent over 18 years working in OR and SPD environments across New York, gaining firsthand experience in frontline clinical operations. My work emphasizes Intuitive's commitment to streamlining programs, reprocessing, and enhancing communication to support our care teams Barry Bryant ST, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, Sterile Processing Manager, Northeast Georgia Medical Center •Barry L. Bryant brings over three decades of deep expertise in surgical services and sterile processing. His career spans 16 years as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), followed by roles as OR Materials Coordinator and a decade of honorable service in the U.S. Military. Barry has also contributed five years to the medical device industry, enriching his perspective on product safety and innovation. For the past 15 years, Barry has served as a Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Manager, demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing patient safety and operational excellence. He holds multiple industry certifications and currently serves as Treasurer of the Georgia Sterile Processing Association (GSPA), a chapter of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Barry’s dedication to the profession and commitment to continued learning make him a valued mentor and voice in the field. Jim Tyrell, CRST, Manager, Sterile Processing, Silver Cross •Jim Tyrell has continued to use process improvement strategies to constantly look for the best practices in his healthcare / Sterile Processing career spanning over three decades. The past 15 years Jim has served as the Sterile Processing Manager for Silver Cross hospital. In 2015, Silver Cross's Sterile Processing Department, led by Jim, was chosen as Healthcare Purchasing Magazine's SPD Department of the year. This honor was given to Silver Cross as one of over 3000 Sterile Processing Department's nationwide. Jim continues to look for innovative ways to create efficiencies within the Surgical/SPD environment often visiting other facilities in search of new/better processes with the end goal of creating a better staff working environment and thus better results for the patients he serves. Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/20/2025 at 11:00 AM (EST)

    Live Webinar: Thursday, November 20th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) face mounting challenges—rising surgical volumes, limited space, and the constant need to control costs while ensuring quality patient care. This webinar brings together SPD and supply chain leaders to share proven innovations that streamline workflows, improve storage and labeling, reduce waste, and strengthen collaboration with clinical teams. Through case studies and discussion, attendees will discover practical strategies such as standardization, on-boarding education, technology integration, and container alternatives—all designed to ease stress, boost efficiency, and deliver measurable operational and financial benefits. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to: 1. Identify common SPD challenges 2. Evaluate innovations in storage and organization 3. Examine the role of technology 4. Discuss strategies for cost efficiency and staff engagement Speaker: Timothy Brooks, Associate Director of Central Sterile Processing Department (CSPD), Banner University Medical Center Tucson, has 37 years of management experience in hospital SPD and OR materials management. He holds a BS in Business Management and CBSPD Manager Certification. Tim is a member of HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM) and has served as a Systems Director for Banner Health CSPD from 2019 to 2023, CSPD Working Group, and Leadership teams as well as a member of the Banner PeriOp Systems Leadership committee. Tim has served on the STERIS 2015-2017 Sterile Processing Advisory Committee. Tim has published articles in ICT and HPN and completed public speaking on topics related to the management of surgical instrumentation, OR through-put, and extensive CSPD department design and workflows Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 1 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 11/18/2025 at 12:00 PM (EST)

    On Demand Webinar: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 Tune in monthly and join HSPA’s Certification Department to hear program updates, ask questions regarding your application requirements, and chat with department leadership. This month, we'll focus on the critical next steps after your exam applications are processed and review exactly what to expect on exam day. Learning Objectives: -Determine the necessary actions following your exam application -Know the schedule, rules, and procedures to eliminate exam day surprises -Arrive at the testing center with confidence No CE is offered for this webinar

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/13/2025 at 11:00 AM (EST)

    Live Webinar: Thursday, November 13th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Sterile processing professionals face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain the highest standards of patient safety. This webinar explores how wrap-free sterilization containers are designed to transform reprocessing workflows by addressing the limitations of traditional blue wrap. Attendees will learn how reusable rigid containers may enhance sterility assurance, streamline operations, and contribute to long-term cost savings and environmental sustainability. The session will also include an overview of container design, maintenance, and care aligned with AAMI ST79 standards to support safe and effective use in healthcare facilities. Learning Objectives: -Identify the challenges and environmental impact of traditional blue wrap sterilization. -Describe the design and functional advantages of reusable sterilization containers. -Explain how wrap-free containers are designed improve efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. -Recognize the clinical and operational benefits for patients and healthcare facilities. -Apply best practices for cleaning and handling containers per ANSI/AAMI ST79 guidelines. Speaker: Carrie Armellino is a Marketing Manager at KARL STORZ North America, where she oversees marketing initiatives for cleaning and reprocessing products. With more than 15 years of experience in medical device marketing, Carrie brings a strong background in communicating complex topics with clarity and purpose. She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Art and is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Central Service Vendor Partner (CCSVP) through HSPA. Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: Thursday, October 9th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Effective communication between sterile processing departments (SPD) and other healthcare teams is essential for ensuring patient safety, surgical efficiency, and overall quality of care. This session explores the critical role of interdepartmental collaboration, highlighting common communication challenges and practical strategies to overcome them. Participants will gain insights into the workflows of SPD and clinical teams and learn tools for improving information exchange. Whether you're in SPD, nursing, surgery, or administration, this session will equip you with actionable techniques to strengthen teamwork and enhance outcomes across your organization. Learning objectives 1. Identify common communication barriers between sterile processing departments (SPD) and other healthcare teams, and describe their impact on patient safety and workflow efficiency. 2. Explain the roles and responsibilities of sterile processing professionals and how they intersect with surgical, nursing, and clinical teams. 3. Demonstrate effective communication strategies that foster collaboration and mutual understanding across interdisciplinary teams. 4. Apply tools and techniques (e.g., standardized handoff protocols, checklists, and digital communication platforms) to improve information exchange and reduce errors. Guest: Torres Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: Thursday, September 25th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Staff education is critical to department success! This program will address challenges in delivering in-service education to all SP staff. We will address common questions like how do we reach both experienced and newer employees, what information and experiences will leave a lasting impression on staff and more. Join us as we discuss some fresh options for staff in-services. Bring your ideas and suggestions to share. Let’s all learn from each other! Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the challenges to planning an effective in-service program 2. Discuss options and alternatives to present information to the SP staff 3. Review ideas to enhance staff in-services Natalie Lind is the Education Director for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA). Natalie has extensive experience in the sterile processing profession, having served as a technician, department manager and director, professional educator, consultant, and author. Along with her experience in healthcare facilities, Natalie served as Program Director for the Minnesota State College and University Health Systems’ Processing program for 11 years. She holds a Fellowship in Sterile Processing and has served as education editor for two national magazines. Natalie has published over 200 articles on a wide variety of sterile processing topics and participated in the development of several HSPA (IAHCSMM) publications. Natalie has presented several programs on sterile processing techniques throughout the United States and has partnered with facilities in Russia, China, Japan, Latin America, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to provide sterile processing education. She is the recipient of several awards including two International SP Educator of the Year Awards, the Minnesota Excellence in Technical Education Award, and three IAHCSMM’s President’s awards. In 2022, Natalie was awarded the HSPA Award of Honor. Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: Thursday, July 24th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Description: This interactive Zoom session, led by educator and brain tumor survivor Shari Bookstaff, explores the vital role Sterile Processing professionals play in patient care—even without direct patient contact. Through personal storytelling, real-world examples, and guided reflection, participants will gain a renewed sense of purpose and understand the ripple effect of their work on patient safety, surgical outcomes, and the overall care experience. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand how empathy applies to behind-the-scenes roles and contributes to a culture of compassionate care. 2. Reflect on the impact of their work from a patient’s perspective. 3. Identify practical ways to stay connected to purpose and mission, even without direct patient interaction. Speaker and Speaker's Bio: Shari Bookstaff is an educator, speaker, author, and founder of Impact of Empathy, an organization dedicated to helping healthcare professionals recognize the vital role empathy plays in every aspect of patient care—including behind the scenes in departments like Sterile Processing. In 2006, Shari survived a life-threatening brain tumor that left her temporarily unable to speak, eat, or walk. Her long journey through recovery gave her a deep appreciation for the often-unseen healthcare professionals who contribute to patient healing. She understands firsthand how the dedication and precision of Sterile Processing teams directly impact safety, outcomes, and quality of care. Shari is also the author of When Life Throws You Lemons...Make Cranberry Juice!, a memoir that chronicles her powerful story of resilience, humor, and the life-changing impact of compassionate care. With over 30 years of experience as a biology professor, she combines science, storytelling, and insight to deliver engaging presentations that reconnect healthcare teams with purpose and pride. Her message to SPD professionals is simple but powerful: your work saves lives—and empathy can be practiced in every role, even without direct patient contact. With Moderator: Natalie Lind Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: May 21st, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Objectives: 1. Share best practices on workflow for robotic instruments to enhance efficiency and productivity 2. Discuss how to maximize your investment when encountering a broken instrument 3. Explain how to scale operations for new and incremental systems to support your hospital’s growth strategy Guest Speaker: Antonio Espinoza Manager, Sterile Processing HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge With Moderator: Natalie Lind

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 - 10:00-11:00(CST) Learning Objective: Understand the critical role steam quality plays in the sterilization process. Program Description: This program explores why steam quality is essential to effective sterilization, the challenges of monitoring it, and the surprising impact that even slight differences—such as 90% vs. 97% dryness can have on performance. Learn how to identify and reduce the risk of thermal barriers in your system and improve outcomes across your facility. Speaker and Speaker’s Bio:: Carl is the Global Sector Manager: Hospitals for Spirax Sarco based in Great Britain. He has 40 years experience in Global Sales, Project Management, Product Management and has extensive experience the use of steam and thermal energy in hospitals. With Moderator: Natalie Lind Eligible for 1 CE

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Live Webinar: August 22nd, 2024- 10:00-11:00(CST) Have you ever considered pursuing HSPA Fellowship? Are you curious about the process—and the benefits? Are you wondering how to get started or concerned it will be too difficult to attain? Our panelists will answer these questions and provide valuable insights about the Fellowship process! Panelists: HSPA Fellows: Delores O’Connell and Tony Thurmond HSPA Fellowship Committee Liaison and Editor-in-Chief: Julie Williamson