C. diff Researcher Dale Gerding Receives VA's Highest Research Honor
Dale N. Gerding, MD, a world-renowned researcher of C. difficile and other infectious diseases, has received the Veterans Health Administrations highest research honor, the 2013 William S. Middleton Award.
Gerding is a research physician at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and a professor in the Department of Medicine of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
The William S. Middleton Award for outstanding achievement in biomedical or behavioral research is the highest honor for scientific achievement awarded by the VAs Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service.
The award recognizes Gerdings exemplary record of involvement in, and service to, the VA and the biomedical profession. It also recognizes Gerdings seminal contributions to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of hospital infections, with a primary focus on C. difficile. His work has had a broad impact on the clinical care of veterans and of the general population. Gerding will receive $50,000 per year for three years in research support.
Gerdings research interests include the epidemiology and prevention of C. difficile, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial distribution. He is the author of more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reviews. He holds patents for the use of non-toxigenic C. difficile for the prevention and treatment of this disease. This was shown in 2013 to significantly reduce relapse of C. difficile infection in a phase II patient clinical trial.
Source: Loyola University Medical Center
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
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.
