2008 Infection Prevention Heroes Recognized by APIC

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), together with Covidien, formerly known as Tyco Healthcare/Kendall, has named 14 infection prevention and control professionals and epidemiologists (ICPs) as their 2008 Third Annual Heroes of Infection Prevention Award winners. Each hero has been recognized by their peers for the significant strides theyve made against life-threatening healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and for their achievements in the area of patient safety worldwide. This year, APICs 11,000 members selected heroes from throughout the United States, Argentina and Canada. The criteria for selection involved major contributions in the areas of education, patient safety, advocacy and influence, process and systems improvement, program development, and cost savings. Winners were selected based on sustainability of a program, quantitative proof of success of a program, and diversity of award winners; the goal being to include winners from a broad spectrum. APIC will now include those selected within its annual Heroes of Infection Prevention calendar, comprised of biographies and photos of each of the nominees, as well as a description of their achievements.

Were proud of our 2008 heroes who have shown outstanding dedication to their profession in their quest to achieve the highest level of patient safety possible, said 2007 APIC president Denise Murphy, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC. Each year our Heroes

Award helps to bring attention to the innovative work being done to advance our profession.

In addition to being featured in the 2008 calendar, each winner receives free registration to APICs 35th Annual Educational Conference and International Meeting, which will be held June 15-19, 2008 in Denver.

These 14 infection prevention professionals symbolize the best of what this profession offers to millions of patients throughout the world each year, said APIC CEO Kathy L. Warye. It is an honor to salute them and thousands of their peers who save lives every day. You are all heroes to us.

APIC was able to produce the calendar thanks to a grant from Covidien, formerly known as Tyco Healthcare/Kendall, makers of Dover urological and AMD wound care products.

We are always proud to be a part of this exciting endeavor to showcase the work of an exclusive group of outstanding infection prevention and control professionals, said Kristin Simoens, Covidiens director of marketing for Advance Wound Care.

APIC 2008 winners are as follows: Silvia Acosta-Gnass of Entre Rios, Argentina; Bertha Gonzalez of Alice, Texas; Nancy Haberstich of Lincoln, Neb.; JoEllen Harris of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Linda Kircher and Bruce Short of Overland Park and Louisburg, Kan.; Wanda Lamm of Rocky Mount, N.C.; Patricia Metcalf of Dallas; Esther Munoz, of Phoenix; Harriet Pitt of Long Beach, Calif.; Denise Sorel of St. Camrose, AB, Canada; Sandra Vyhlidal of Omaha, Neb.; Shawn Mueller of Lincoln, Neb.; and Kelly

Walkinshaw of Marshall, Mich.

Source: APIC