Ask the Educator Podcast
Medical device processing is critically important to the safety of patients everywhere. This podcast from Healthmark Industries is about answering questions and sharing knowledge related to sterile processing, endoscopy, infection prevention, biomedical engineering, leadership, and products. Have a question you would like answered on the show? Send it to our email address asktheeducator@hmark.com.
October
31st
2024
126. Sterile Processing Technologist? Why We Need a New (More Accurate) Job Title
For years, sterile processing has been seen as an 'entry-level' position. But have we moved beyond that? In this episode, Kevin and Adam dive into the complex science and technology now driving the modern sterile processing department. They discuss why it’s time for the industry to recognize and re-evaluate the expertise of our sterile processing professionals. This episode is a call to action for SP leaders to rethink our perception of sterile processing—and to reshape our vision for the future.
October
17th
2024
125. Honoring Sterile Processing Technicians with HSPA President-Elect Arlene Bush
Sterile Processing Technicians work tirelessly in a demanding role with minimal pay, benefits, and often without recognition, despite their crucial contributions to patient safety. In this episode, we sit down with HSPA President-Elect Arlene Bush to discuss how we can better celebrate, appreciate, and support these essential healthcare professionals. Happy Sterile Processing Week!
October
3rd
2024
124. Breaking the Cycle: Confronting Workplace Bullying in Healthcare with Katie Belski
The healthcare environment is already a stressful one with a fast pace, constantly shifting priorities and emergent needs, and demands of consistent excellence. But this environment gets even more challenging when there is one or more workplace bullies in our midst. In this episode, we speak to Katie Belski, a long-time professional of the healthcare field working in positions like Quality, IP, and Sterile Processing to hear her thoughts on why these bullies are so prevalent, the impact of them, both mental and financial, and how we can start to fix a toxic workplace culture.
September
19th
2024
123: Disposable Scopes: Reducing Infection Risks and Environmental Impact
With infections linked to flexible endoscope reprocessing making headlines, many departments are turning to disposable scopes to reduce the risk. In this episode, we talk with Jill Berends (Ambu) about the latest studies on disposable scopes, their impact on patient outcomes, and the steps Ambu is taking to address environmental concerns.
September
5th
2024
122. TIR99 for Processing Probes & Dilators
2024 saw the release of AAMI TIR99 for the reprocessing of probes & dilators. But many facilities are not aware of this new document and the recommendations that can help your department make informed decisions on these complex devices. As the co-chair for the AAMI working group that wrote this document, Garland-Rhea Grisby is uniquely qualified to introduce us to the wonderful world of TIR99!
August
22nd
2024
121. Enhancing Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing: The Role of Borescopes and AI
Every reprocessing professional that has worked with flexible endoscopes knows one irrefutable fact...Flexible endoscopes are complex devices that are difficult to clean. In this episode, we speak with Harry Oussoren to discuss the importance of tools like borescopes to enhance visual inspection, the benefits of cleaning verification testing and microbial surveillance, and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize our decision-making process.
August
8th
2024
120. Surgical Instrument Maintenance: Keeping Tools in the Open Position
In the busy world of instrument reprocessing, we may overlook important details, such as keeping instruments in the open position for cleaning and sterilization. In this episode, Clinical Educator Emeritus, Stephen Kovach explains the importance of this practice, shares ways to improve it, and provides useful tools and resources.
Don’t forget to watch Stephen’s past Healthmark CE webinar, “Open Wide: Why You Need to Keep Your Instruments Open” on our website.
July
25th
2024
119. Spanish Speakers in Sterile Processing – Interview with Angie Holland
Learning a second language is challenging enough on its own but imagine doing that while also mastering the jargon and science of sterile processing. This is the reality for thousands of sterile processing technicians across the industry! In this episode, we speak with Angie Holland, a bilingual Spanish speaker who is dedicated to creating more resources and educational translations for this often-overlooked sterile processing community.
July
11th
2024
118. Implementing Standards on the Go: Insights from a Traveling Leader
Do you want to be a traveling sterile processing leader or even a permanent manager of your own department? Then this episode is for you! Leadership in sterile processing is an increasingly difficult job, but now imagine that you only have 3 months to fix a department. Where do you start? In this episode, we speak with Tiffany Dailey, a traveling sterile processing leader to discuss the challenges and joys of being a traveling leader, and what we can do to leave a positive and lasting impact on a department.
June
27th
2024
117. Launching a New HSPA Chapter: Insights and Tips from Leslie Kronstedt
Starting a new HSPA chapter in your area can seem daunting. How do you create a non-profit, open a bank account, or write bylaws? Leslie Kronstedt from the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals chapter has the answers! In this episode of the Ask the Educator podcast, Leslie shares her journey in the industry, how she became a leader of her local chapter, and the valuable resources she offers to help new chapters get started. Tune in for expert guidance and inspiration!
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