In this episode we discuss integrating Antibiotic Stewardship and Infection Prevention and Control Programs.

Our interviews are based on the following AJIC articles: 

Shedding of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli during outpatient appointments and procedures outside hospital rooms. Heba Alhmidi, Jennifer L. Cadnum, Sreelatha Koganti, Annette L. Jencson, Brigid M. Wilson, Curtis J. Donskey.

Integrating antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control programs using a team science approach. Mary Jo Knobloch PhD, MPH, Linda McKinley MPH, CIC, Julie Keating PhD, Nasia Safdar MD, PhD.

Guests

Curtis Donskey, MD

Curtis Donskey is an Infectious Diseases physician and Hospital Epidemiologist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and a Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.  His research focuses primarily on epidemiology and control of healthcare-associated pathogens.  Specific areas of interest include understanding the impact of antibiotics on pathogen colonization, identifying routes of transmission, and evaluation of strategies to reduce skin and environmental contamination. 

Linda McKinley, RN, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC

Linda McKinley is currently a research health scientist at the VA Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Linda has practiced nursing for over 35 years including service in the Army Nurse Corps where she received an Army Commendation Medal for her leadership in developing disinfection and sterilization guidance. She has three decades of experience working as an Infection Preventionist (IP) and held numerous APIC chapter leadership positions in two states including chapter president in Wisconsin. Linda has previously served the national APIC Board of Directors and as APIC Secretary.  She served on the AJIC editorial board, Associate Section Editor of APIC Text, and a scientific reviewer for the University of Wisconsin – Madison IRB and several journals including AJIC. Linda leads infection control research and has served as Principal Investigator on VA funded research studies. Linda has a demonstrated record of experience and productive contributions to the field of infection control to enhance patient outcomes.