Learning Center

A History of Sterilization The history of sterilization science is fascinating, and is tied inextricably with germ theory and infection prevention. Without the pioneers of sterilization, at times working against great odds, the processes that we use every day to keep billions of patients safe would not have come to pass. In episode 145, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Kim Schober, who is the Accredited Provider Program Director for Health.edu about the history of sterilization. Schober discusses the early physicians and scientists who saw that the world could be a safer place, and how key sterilization advances in the past, helped shape out modern machines. [Guest Speaker] Kim Schober Accredited Provider Program Director Health.edu Kim Schober began her nursing career after earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from South Plains College in 1988, becoming a Registered Nurse shortly thereafter. She continued her education at West Texas A&M University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to professional growth and leadership, Kim later earned her Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Education from Lubbock Christian University in 2016. Throughout her career, Kim has gained diverse clinical experience in Labor and Delivery, Infertility, Home Healthcare, and Rehabilitation. Her dedication to excellence in patient care and team development has led her to serve in a variety of roles, including floor nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator, and nurse manager. Currently, Kim serves at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, as the Accredited Provider Program Director for Health.edu. In this leadership role, she educates and recruits instructors across numerous healthcare disciplines, including Nursing, EMS, Nurse Aide, Radiation Technology, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, and Central Sterile. Through her work, Kim continues to advance healthcare education and support the development of future healthcare professionals. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Just like the work of sterile processing, HSPA certifications are robust, relevant, and constantly evolving. The process of keeping certification exams and requirements up to date involves years of work, the expertise of subject matter experts (SMEs), and the input of thousands of current certification holders. HSPA’s rigorous test development process ensures that each certification holder is ready to meet the modern demands of their job and the increasing complexity of the healthcare field. In episode 144, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Siri Sorensen, Director of Certification and Membership with HSPA, about updating HSPA certifications. Siri reviews each step in the process—job analysis, desk study, task force meeting, validation survey, and SME meetings—as well as the role of the Certification Council. She also explains a new eligibility requirement of the Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) certification, which requires CHL holders to meet one of three flexible pathways, each designed to recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences of SP professionals. Listen to learn about the collaborative nature of the HSPA certifications accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Guest Speaker: Siri Sorensen Director of Certification and Membership HSPA Siri Sorensen, MA, CAE, ICE-CCP, PMP, CMP, has served HSPA for more than twelve years. In her current role, she oversees the development, maintenance and administration of the Association's four accredited certification programs, serving more than 60,000 individuals, as well as the CCSVP certification for vendors and suppliers. Her accomplishments include being awarded the Deborah Sexton Education Scholarship (PCMA, 2019) and recognition as a Forty Under 40 honoree (Association Forum, 2018). Her career has focused on effective and meaningful work with associations and nonprofits. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Biofilm is “comprised of living cells and a structure to protect them . . . that has potentially infectious material within it.” The structure creates a physical barrier between the microorganisms and their environment, providing protection from cleaning chemistries, disinfectants, antibiotics and the body’s immune system. In episode 143, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Jon Burdach of Nanosonics. They discuss all things biofilm: what it is, how it develops and why it is so persistent. Dr. Burdach explains the difference between preventing biofilm and removing it, and he makes a compelling case for why removal is more important. He references recent studies, including those revealing that commonly used chemicals can act as fixatives and exacerbate biofilm growth. Dr. Burdach also reviews what can happen when biofilm is introduced into the body and its role in hospital-acquired infection (HAI) outbreaks over time. Lastly, the conversation turns to the particular challenge of cleaning flexible endoscope channels. Dr. Burdach introduces the cyclic-buildup biofilm (CBB) research model and shares developments in emerging lumen cleaning technologies. This episode of Process This! addresses the far-reaching implications of biofilm and what SP professionals can do to help. “If we are better armed with the right knowledge, we can do better by our patients,” said Dr. Burdach. “Processing instruments is hard . . . but the people that do it are really what makes all the difference.” ABOUT OUR GUEST Jon Burdach, PhD Vice President of Medical Affairs Nanosonics, Inc. Jon Burdach is a medical affairs executive with extensive experience in clinical research. At Nanosonics, he is responsible for developing and executing the company’s medical strategy, including healthcare professional engagement, scientific communications and medical education initiatives. He also oversees clinical research and R&D activities. He has worked in medical microbiology, genetics of anti-microbial resistance, molecular biology, and medical research within infection prevention. Dr. Burdach is an international speaker, author of numerous scientific publications, and committee member for AusMedTech NSW and AAMI. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of New South Wales. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Leading in a volunteer organization, motivated by passion and not pay, poses a new set of challenges compared to a paid leadership position. The work can be taxing, and done on personal hours after an already busy day. Volunteer leaders require a special set of mental health strategies. In episode 142, host Casey Czrnowski speaks with Sharyn Combs, founder of UCDI Leadership about leading a volunteer group, such as an HSPA Affiliated Chapter. Combs discusses the challenges that are unique to volunteer leadership, and good things that leaders can do to fill their cups and stay motivated. About our guest: Sharyn Combs Founder UCDI Leadership Training and Development Sharyn Combs is a keynote Speaker, an Independent Certified Coach and Trainer with The John Maxwell Team and Personality Insights and the Founder of UCDI Leadership Training and Development. She specializes in vision casting, team engagement, and fostering ownership among employees. Her Progressive Leadership Mentoring Program was developed specifically for Professionals looking to ascend the career ladder and improve marketability. She is the mind behind Knowledge or Nonsense and the author of 'THINK. On Purpose' and 'Hold Your Form.' If you are interested in her services or booking her as a speaker, please connect at SharynCombs.com This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Through the development of guidelines and education, AORN helps advance the science of sterile processing and promote it as an integral part of the surgical continuum. One way AORN works toward meeting that goal is through the activities of the Sterile Processing & Supply Chain Specialty Assembly. In episode 141, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Julie Gorog, a long-time member of the Specialty Assembly who also serves as a Clinical Education Consultant with ASP. She discusses how AORN intersects with Sterile Processing (SP), explains the type of work in which the Specialty Assembly is involved throughout the year, and shares how SP professionals can get involved. ABOUT OUR GUEST Julie Gorog Clinical Education Consultant ASP Julie Gorog, RN, BSN, CNOR, has 28 years of combined clinical and supply chain experience, beginning as a perioperative nurse in 1997. In 2016, she joined Advanced Sterilization Products as a clinical education consultant, providing clinical expertise in sterilization and high-level disinfection. She provides education on best practices at AORN, APIC and HSPA conferences, as well as to staff in Operating Room, Sterile Processing and Endoscopy departments. She has held the following positions within AORN of San Diego County: Chapter President, Board Member, and Chair of the Ways and Means and Research Committees. She currently serves as Council Chair of AORN's Sterilization and Supply Chain Specialty Assembly. Gorog earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is a Registered Nurse in California. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Sterilization wrap is “not just a big blue plastic sheet.” According to Dr. Sade Brown, “It may look simple, but it is actually high-tech. Behind the scenes, there is a huge amount of science and engineering and testing that goes into it.” All of this work makes blue wrap an essential part of the sterilization system. In episode 140, host Jon Wood speaks with four members of the Kilmer Innovations in Packaging (KiiP) group: Amanda Benedict, Dr. Brown, Tanya Magaña and Tiffany Reece. Representing standards, manufacturing and healthcare end users, the panelists engage in a lively conversation about the engineering, development and proper use of sterilization wrap. They discuss ANSI/AAMI ST79, provide diverse perspectives on event-related sterility, and review educational opportunities for end users. Listen to learn more and gain strategies for how to collaborate with those outside the Sterile Processing department to protect sterility. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Kilmer Innovations in Packaging (KiiP) Inspired by a Kilmer Conference in 2019, the KiiP group works at “solving wicked problems in healthcare packaging.” Bringing together industry leaders, subject matter experts and end users, KiiP fosters collaboration with the goal of improving patient outcomes through innovations and education in healthcare packaging. Process This! episode 140 welcomes KiiP members Amanda Benedict, MA, SES-CSP, FSES, Vice President for Sterilization, AAMI; Sade Brown, PhD, R&D Engineer for Sterilization Products, O&M Halyard; Tanya Magaña, Supplier Excellence Engineering – Packaging, Solventum; and Tiffany Reece, CRCST, CIS, CHL, Clinical Assessment Specialist, Advantage Support Services, Inc. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

HSPA is a vigorous advocate for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals and patients in state legislatures across the country. This initiative is spearheaded by the HSPA Advocacy Team, working hand-in-hand with HSPA Chapters. The team formulates legislative and regulatory strategies for educating state-elected officials on the critical role of SP professionals, and our hard work is paying off! In episode 139, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Josephine Colacci, HSPA’s Director of Government Affairs, along with Lori Ferrer and Matt Thell of the Minnesota Sterile Processing Association (MNSPA) about the successful legislative effort in Minnesota. The guests discuss the experience of working with HSPA on passing certification legislation, reasons and strategies for pursuing this legislation, and upcoming initiatives nationwide. To learn more, listen in and visit the HSPA Advocacy page. Link: https://myhspa.org/about/advocacy Our Guests: Lori Ferrer Lori Ferrer, BS, CST, CRCST, is retired after a healthcare career spanning over 46 years. Ferrer was Director of the System Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) at M Health Fairview in Minneapolis, which was honored by Healthcare Purchasing News as the 2020 SPD of the Year. Ferrer is the founder and past president of the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals (WWSPP) and a past president of MNSPA. She served as 3M/IAHCSMM Sister Educational Ambassador to Taiwan and an instructor in Surgical Technology and Central Service Technician programs. Matthew Thell Matthew Thell, BSB, CRCST, CHL, is the System Program Manager for High-Level Disinfection and Sterilization Practice at M Health Fairview. He brings 13 years of experience in high-level disinfection, sterilization and lean process facilitation to his role. Throughout his career, Thell has overseen multiple renovation projects, implemented competency training programs, led process improvement initiatives, and demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing departmental performance. He was the president of MNSPA from 2024 to 2025 and chaired the Minnesota High-Level Disinfection Task Force through APIC from 2023 to 2024. Josephine Colacci Josephine Colacci, Esq., has been the Director of Government Affairs for HSPA since 2010. She has 20 years of experience in healthcare public policy at the state and federal levels. In 11 states, she has drafted legislation that has resulted in 15 laws. Colacci holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Colorado State University and a law degree from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. She is a licensed attorney in Colorado, Wyoming and Washington, D.C. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

For more than 50 years, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has helped healthcare professionals define best practices for employees, equipment and patients. AAMI standards are written through careful debate and consensus. They inform the way we work and are our guideposts for protecting patient safety. Staying up to date on AAMI documents is critical for all Sterile Processing professionals. In episode 138, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Horlando Cintron and Damien Berg about AAMI’s latest standards and innovations. They discuss new AAMI working groups, important standards updates, upcoming technical information reports (TIRs), and the impact of these publications on our work. Cintron and Berg also explain the AAMI process, share opportunities for participation and encourage you to get involved. Guest Speakers: Horlando Cintron Manager of Peri-Operative Support Services and Central Processing Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Horlando Cintron, BS, CRCST, CHL, is the Manager of Peri-Operative Support Services and Central Processing at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has 27 years of healthcare experience advancing patient safety through infection prevention, education and standards development. He co-chairs AAMI Working Group 40, leading the revision of ANSI/AAMI ST79, and received the AAMI Technical Award for co-chairing the ST58 standard recognized by the FDA. His leadership roles include Director, HSPA Foundation Board (2024–2027) and President, New Jersey Healthcare Central Service Association (2025–2026). Damien Berg Vice President of Strategic Initiatives HSPA Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Berg serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation For Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS). This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

Since 1978, the Mercy Ships organization has served patients in parts of the world where medical resources are difficult to access. In that time, Mercy Ships doctors, nurses and technicians, all volunteers, have performed more than 100,000 surgeries with their fleet of state-of-the-art floating hospitals. In this meaningful episode, host Jon Wood speaks with Katie Vaughn-Bates, Sterile Processing Educator at the University of Rochester and recipient of the HSPA Foundation’s Mercy Ships Scholarship. Vaughn-Bates shares her account of living and working as a mission volunteer. She provides insight into the application process and discusses the similarities and differences of sterile processing activities on a vessel. (Spoiler alert: The technical work is much the same; the interactions with surgeons and patients are not.) Listen to hear about life aboard the Africa Mercy and learn how you can help bring hope and healing to those in need. ABOUT OUR GUEST Katie Vaughn-Bates, Sterile Processing Educator, URMC Ortho Surgical Center Katie Vaughn-Bates, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, has more than 12 years of experience in sterile processing and currently serves as the SP Educator at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Orthopaedic Surgery Center. She focuses on instrument care, reprocessing and compliance, helping to ensure best practices are followed to support patient safety and positive surgical outcomes. This podcast offers: 0.50 CE

HSPA Chapter Resource Roundup With more than 50 chapters across the country and around the world, HSPA’s affiliated chapter system is available as a local resource to support our Sterile Processing (SP) professionals, wherever they may be. Active participation in a regional chapter offers relationship building and networking, professional development, vendor interaction and inspiration. But where can our chapters and those who run them find support? In episode 136, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Arlene Bush, HSPA President and SPD Educator for Lee Health, and Damien Berg, HSPA’s VP of Strategic Initiatives, about the resources available to support our chapters. Our guests give a chapter status update and discuss the value of the Chapter Resource Guide and HSPA Network. Their conversation includes tips for collaborating with industry partners and promoting chapter events as well as the importance of promptly applying for continuing education (CE) approval. Bush shares advice on how to identify relevant topics for educational events, and Berg provides a chapter status update. If you aren’t yet connected with your local chapter, visit the HSPA Chapters page to find one near you. Our host, guests and the HSPA staff wish you a happy Sterile Processing Week! Thank you for all you do to protect patient safety and move our profession forward. Arlene Bush SPD Educator Lee Health Arlene Bush, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, DSMD, CRMST, serves as HSPA President as well as the SPD Educator for Lee Health and Communications Director for the Florida Intercoastal Reprocessing Educators (FIRE) chapter. As a seasoned SP leader and subject matter expert, she shares her extensive knowledge through published articles, speeches and the training of future SP professionals. Damien Berg VP of Strategic Initiatives HSPA Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, serves as HSPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and is an HSPA Past-President (2018–2019). Additionally, he works closely with regulatory bodies and standards-making groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Berg serves on the Executive Committee for the World Federation For Hospital Sterilisation Sciences (WFHSS). This podcast offers: 0.50 CE