Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, is the lead editor of Infection Control Today. She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Eric; son, Drake; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones.
Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
Rising to Lead: Arlene Bush Steps Into HSPA Presidency With Vision and Heart
May 23rd 2025In this interview, completed shortly before the HSPA 2025 conference, as she prepared to take the helm as HSPA’s next president, Arlene Bush discussed humility, determination, and a bold vision to elevate sterile processing professionals and broaden the association’s impact.
Bridging the Education Gap: Improving Complex Instrument Reprocessing in Sterile Processing
May 20th 2025At the 2025 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Annual Conference & Expo, Cheron Rojo, BS, FCS, CHL, CIS, CER, CFER, CRCST, spotlighted real-world gaps in sterile processing education, stressing the urgent need for better tools, training, and collaboration when handling intricate medical devices like shaver handpieces.
Precision Matters: Why Proper Detergent Use Is Critical for Cleaning Complex Medical Devices
May 19th 2025At the 2025 HSPA conference, experts emphasized the vital role of detergents and enzymatic cleaners in reprocessing medical devices—highlighting how temperature, concentration, and technique directly impact cleaning performance in today’s increasingly complex surgical instrumentation.
When More Isn’t Better: Examining the Complex Role of ID Consults in Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use
May 6th 2025A new study presented at the 2025 SHEA Spring Conference reveals that while infectious disease consults do influence hospitalists’ use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the relationship is anything but straightforward—challenging assumptions in antimicrobial stewardship and offering new insights into prescribing behavior.
Empowering SPD Through Quality Management: A Look Inside an HSPA’s Preconference Workshop
May 1st 2025Hannah Schroeder, BSHA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, presented a workshop at HSPA Annual Conference on how sterile processing leaders are turning to quality management systems like AAMI ST90 to drive data-informed decisions, justify resources, and improve department-wide outcomes through advocacy.
Sterile Processing's Champion, Anthony Bondon, Reflects on Leadership, Legacy, and What Is Next
April 30th 2025With his term as HSPA president concluded at the end of the HSPA Annual Conference, Anthony Bondon CRCST, CHL, BSM, AAS, SME, LSSYB, reflects on the power of connection, service, and why sterile processing professionals are the true champions of health care.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Building Beyond the Walls: How UF Health Designed an Offsite SPD for Long-Term Success
April 26th 2025UF Health’s offsite reprocessing center offers a model for scalability, efficiency, and staff support as hospitals face space limitations and growing surgical volumes. Sara Vinson, MBA, CRCST, director of sterile processing will discuss it at the 2025 HSPA Annual Conference.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
Catching Up With Damien Berg, BA, BS, CRCST, AAMIF, HSPA Vice President of Strategic Intiatives
April 18th 2025ICT interviews Damien Berg, VP of strategic initiatives, who promises HSPA education, outreach, and growth. It will empower sterile processing professionals through standards updates, networking, and renewed purpose in patient safety.
Improving Preoperative Bathing Compliance Through Standardized Protocols and Team Collaboration
April 15th 2025A multidisciplinary team tackled low compliance in preoperative bathing, showing that standardization—not product choice—drives surgical site infection prevention and patient safety outcomes.
Roundtable 4: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Advancing Infection Control in Veterinary Medicine
April 14th 2025Veterinary professionals emphasize proactive vaccination, infection control education, and collaboration, highlighting the need for resources and recognition of veterinary IPC’s vital role in One Health.
HHS Layoffs: ICT Chats With APIC 2025 President Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA
April 14th 2025Mass federal layoffs threaten infection prevention nationwide, with APIC president Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, warning of disrupted public health infrastructure, rising HAIs, and a diminished infection control workforce.
Uncovering a Hidden Risk: Alcohol Use Disorder Significantly Increases C difficile Infection Rates
April 10th 2025A groundbreaking study reveals a strong connection between alcohol use disorder and increased risk for Clostridioides difficile infection, challenging traditional assumptions and calling for enhanced infection prevention protocols.