Heather Stoltzfus is an experienced and motivated registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health and a certification in infection control. Striving for excellence in the prevention and control of infectious disease, Heather believes in using innovative and strategic leadership methods to achieve program goals.
Heather first discovered her love for infection control (and chai tea) during a short-term assignment in Nairobi, Kenya, where she worked to improve maternal and child health through the prevention of infectious diseases. After spending the first 6 years of her nursing career in busy emergency departments, Heather transitioned away from the bedside to join the work at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as an infection control epidemiologist. Following the completion of her master's degree in public health, Heather became the infection prevention and control nurse consultant for the State of Maryland, assisting healthcare facilities in their response to health care-associated infections. Currently, Heather is employed with Johns Hopkins University Division of Infectious Diseases as a research nurse program manager, using her expertise to guide research in the prevention and control of infections in health care settings. Additionally, Heather is the owner of Broad Street Prevention, where she serves as an infection prevention consultant.
During her off hours, Heather enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. She is the proud author of the blog, All the Lessons We Learn, where she gives a lyrical accounting of all the beautiful, painful, and transcendent lessons that we learn on this journey we call life.
You can follow Heather on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thelessonswelearn/ and wordpress at thelessonswelearn.com.
Website for Broadstreet Prevention: www.Broadstreetprevention.com
CDC Firings: Wake up, America, Public Health Needs You
August 28th 2025Dr. Demetre Daskalakis wrote in his resignation letter: "Having worked in local and national public health for years, I have never experienced such radical non-transparency, nor have I seen such unskilled manipulation of data to achieve a political end rather than the good of the American people. Enough is enough.”
IP LifeLine: You're a Mover and a Shaker
August 15th 2025In a world full of corrections and checklists, don’t underestimate the quiet power of encouragement. One sentence—spoken with sincerity—can spark confidence, courage, and change. Infection preventionists do more than monitor safety; they shape culture. So today, go beyond reminders. Speak life. Name the good. Someone’s future may depend on it.
Obituary: In Memory of SMART4TB and Project ACCELERATE
March 14th 2025In this remembrance of SMART4TB and Project ACCLERATE, 2 global health initiatives, Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC, explains what they are and why they serve as a warning of what has been lost and what more could be lost in the future.
Standing Up for Science: A Rally Participant’s Perspective
March 11th 2025Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board member and contributing editor, Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC, recently joined the Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, DC. She gives a first-person perspective on the rally and the rally-goers' strong message.
Universities and States Sue NIH Over Funding Cuts, Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Policy
February 13th 2025Twelve universities and 3 education groups filed a lawsuit against the NIH and HHS, challenging a 15% cap on research grant funding. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the cuts while litigation proceeds. A hearing is set for February 21, 2025, and states and institutions are pushing for permanent relief.
Reflecting on the US Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
January 21st 2025An infection preventionist reels from the US exit from WHO, writing that it disrupts global health efforts, weakens infection control, and lacks research funding and support for low-income nations dependent on WHO for health care resources.
Managerial Challenges: Setting Boundaries and Priorities in the Workplace
May 3rd 2024Maintaining boundaries can be challenging in a culture of overwork. In this installment of Dear Helpdesk, learn how to communicate effectively with your boss, prioritize your values, and safeguard your work-life balance.
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.