Meet Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board: Fibi Attia, MD, MPH, CIC

Introducing the Infection Control Today's (ICT's) Editorial Board members—a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices. This series highlights each member's unique expertise and contributions to the field.

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols.

In this installment, Fibi Attia, MD, MPH, CIC, is the infection control coordinator at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Infection Control Today Editorial Advisory Board: Fibi Attia, MD, MPH, CIC.

Fibi Attia, MD, MPH, CIC, an infection preventionist at Hershey Medical Center since 2013, brings a wealth of experience in patient care, infection prevention, and public health. Her journey in health care began with her MD in 2001, followed by various clinical roles where she observed the impact of infections on patient outcomes. Motivated by a desire to make a broader impact, she pursued a master’s in public health in 2010, equipping her with essential tools to analyze health trends and design public health interventions. This transition marked her move from individual patient care to population-level health concerns.

“So, as an infection preventionist, I focus on developing and implementing protocols to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infections or HAIs. I do conduct infection surveillance, analyze data to identify infection trends, and educate health care staff on best practices. Over the years, I've seen the field evolve with advancement in technology. It significantly enhanced the ability to monitor and respond to infections, and I always seek to update my knowledge and skill to be updated and stay aware of emerging threats [and] new prevention strategies.”

Several current trends in infection prevention capture Attia's attention. One key area is antimicrobial stewardship, emphasizing the responsible use of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. This requires collaboration among physicians, pharmacists, and infection preventionists to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary. Additionally, advanced surveillance technologies enable real-time monitoring of infection patterns, providing insights that help prevent disease spread.

Attia also highlights the importance of robust infection control practices in outpatient and long-term care settings, particularly given the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, using technologies like UV light and hydrogen peroxide vapor, are increasingly standard to ensure safe health care environments.

Finally, she underscores the need for hand hygiene adherence, advocating for electronic monitoring systems to provide real-time feedback and encourage adherence. Attia's commitment to infection prevention reflects her dedication to creating a safer health care environment and addressing current and emerging infection control challenges.