Sterilization Standards Committee Loses Longtime Leader
Earlier this month, medical device sterilization pioneer James Whitby, MD, died at his home in London, Ontario, Canada surrounded by family. He was 92. Whitby’s work with the gamma irradiation of medical equipment set the foundation for the ISO 11137 series of documents, which were authored by a committee he chaired. He also was a member of the AAMI Sterilization Committee and ISO/TC 190, which focuses on the sterilization of healthcare products. Whitby won the first AAMI Standards Developer Award in 2007.
“Dr. Whitby, who was a very early member of the Sterilization Standards Committee, was an amazing man. He was a great doctor, scholar, and scientist, but just as much a great human being and a great friend. I will miss him,” said Joe Lewelling, vice president of emerging technologies and health IT at AAMI.
To read further from AAMI, CLICK HERE.
Source: AAMI
Unmasking Vaccine Myths: Dr Marschall Runge on Measles, Misinformation, and Public Health Solutions
May 29th 2025As measles cases climb across the US, discredited myths continue to undercut public trust in vaccines. In an exclusive interview with Infection Control Today, Michigan Medicine’s Marschall Runge, PhD, confronts misinformation head-on and explores how clinicians can counter it with science, empathy, and community engagement.
Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free Sterilization
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
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.
