In this special episode, our very own host, Jess, swaps the mic for the guest seat, joining co-author Breanna Doran to unpack their newly published study, “Quantifying the Progressing Landscape of Infection Preventionists.” This episode dives deep into what it really takes to keep infection prevention programs running in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Tune in as Jess and Breanna reveal eye-opening insights from their national survey, including why infection preventionists consistently work over 40 hours a week, how staffing levels vary by region and facility size, and the hidden toll of cross-departmental demands. They also explore the future of infection prevention staffing and how AI-driven tools might finally offer the scalable solutions IPs have been waiting for.
Whether you’re an IP, a healthcare leader, or just passionate about health system resilience, this episode offers critical lessons, personal reflection, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolving demands on infection preventionists across the U.S. Don’t miss it!
Guests:
- Jessica Swain, MBA, MLT, CIC, Dartmouth Health System Director of Infection Prevention
- Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, Founder and CEO of Innovative Partners Institute
Article Link: https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(25)00104-X/fulltext
Jessica Swain
Jessica Swain, MBA, MLT, CIC, IHI Fellow has a Master’s degree in Business Administration, her certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a Medical Laboratory Technician, and Certification in Infection Control from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. She is also a Fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. She began her career in the Dartmouth Hitchcock laboratories in 2007 where she developed expertise in anatomic pathology, microbiology, and transfusion medicine research before joining the Infection Prevention program in 2015.
Jessica was promoted to Senior Infection Preventionist in July 2020 as a resource to the D-HH System, and was promoted to Dartmouth Health System Director of Infection Prevention and Control in May 2022. Jessica is active in both national and local infection prevention groups. She has held both the Awards and Nominating Director and Program Director positions on the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) New England Chapter Board of Directors, and is the President for 2025. She is also a member of the editorial panel for APIC National’s “Prevention Strategist” publication, hosts the Dartmouth Health podcast “The Cure”, and is a current co-host for APIC’s American Journal of Infection Control podcast “Science into Practice”.
Brenna Doran
Brenna Doran PhD, MA, ACC, CIC is an accomplished infectious disease epidemiologist with a uniquely diverse background spanning over two decades as a biological sciences professor. Her extensive experience includes 12 years in infection prevention, 8 years as a clinical microbiologist, and a valuable specialization as a certified career and wellness coach, allowing her to bring a holistic perspective to the challenges within healthcare. As the founder and CEO of Innovative Partners Institute, Dr. Doran leverages this multifaceted expertise to provide specialized coaching for infection preventionists, focusing on leadership and well-being, and delivers strategic consulting services in infection prevention and biodefense, informed by her deep understanding of microbiology and epidemiology. Actively engaged in her professional community, she volunteers with the National APIC Professional Development Committee and serves on the Editorial Panel for “Infection Control Today.”
Dr. Doran is also a recognized writer, co-authoring the monthly “IP Lifeline” column in Infection Control Today and contributing insightful articles on critical topics such as COVID-19, infection prevention staffing strategies, and addressing burnout among infection prevention professionals.