PROCESS THIS!, a Podcast by HSPA

Are you an autocratic leader or a democratic one? Do you lead by example or inspire your team to take initiative? Are there times when a situation calls for you to change your leadership style to achieve the best outcome? In episode 161, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Tami Heacock, System Director for Sterile Processing at Lee Health, about leadership styles and how to use them effectively. Heacock delves into common styles of leadership and discusses when different situations call for different styles. She clarifies the concepts of expectations and leadership, advising that one’s leadership “approach should reflect the situation: the urgency of what’s happening and the experience of the person you’re leading.” This episode offers strategies to help SP professionals at all levels grow their leadership toolboxes. Meet Our Guest Tami Heacock System Director for Sterile Processing Lee Health Tami Heacock, MBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CST, is the System Director of Sterile Processing and Distribution at Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida. She oversees sterile processing operations across four acute-care hospitals, four ambulatory surgery centers, and a centralized off-site reprocessing center. Heacock is recognized for developing high-performing teams, advancing systemwide quality initiatives, and translating frontline challenges into executive strategy. An active HSPA leader and advocate for the profession, she is passionate about strengthening collaboration between Sterile Processing and Surgical Services to improve operational performance, employee engagement, and patient safety. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast. Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

Every Sterile Processing (SP) professional knows that some instruments are more difficult to clean than others. It sounds obvious, but it’s true. Whether due to design features or cosmetic choices, some instrument IFU can be followed easily, while others take extra time and effort. In episode 160, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Cheri Ackert-Burr, staff nurse and clinical consultant, about difficult-to-clean instruments. Ackert-Burr and Czarnowski review how a device’s design, components, and use can all create cleaning challenges and discuss ways to strengthen perioperative teamwork for the benefit of the patient. Ackert-Burr emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan. She poses questions to help evaluate the addition of a single-use device or the purchase of new cleaning equipment. From watching for soil dried in box locks and screw threads to the dangers of using the wrong cleaning brush, this episode is packed with practical advice. Listen to increase your knowledge of device complexity and what is required to get your instruments clean. About Our Guest Cheri Ackert-Burr, Clinical Consultant Torvan Medical Cheri Ackert-Burr is a perioperative nurse with more than 40 years of experience in clinical, leadership, military, and specialist roles. A CNOR since 1979, she is a voting member of AAMI working groups on endoscopy reprocessing and sterilization and has presented nationally and internationally on infection prevention and patient safety in endoscopy. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University.   Sponsored by Torvan Medical designs and manufactures forward-looking equipment and innovative solutions for medical and scientific workspaces. Its portfolio includes ergonomic decontamination equipment, height-adjustable reprocessing sinks and workstations, HEPA-ventilated endoscope storage and drying cabinets, automated reprocessing technologies, flushing systems, pathology solutions, and related consumables. The company recently introduced two distinctive new products designed to address current gaps in device reprocessing: AutoSink and AquaBrush. Every Torvan Medical product is designed and built with exceptional craftsmanship and care, helping create a safe, comfortable, and visually appealing workplace while improving processes from start to finish. That’s the ART OF INNOVATION and the SCIENCE OF CARE. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast. Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

Change defines the world of the Sterile Processing department (SPD). Day-to-day changes in the surgical schedule—shifting procedures, add-ons, emergency cases, and Operating Room (OR) requests—can stress the department by having not enough inventory one day and far too much the next. In episode 159, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Tory Teakell and Jake Byerly of Medline about nuances and opportunities in managing instrument inventory. Teakell and Byerly share strategies to align instrument inventory with case demand and discuss how to use case volume and sterilization requirements to predict pressure points and resolve bottlenecks. The conversation leans into the importance of SPD/OR collaboration and highlights aspects of our daily work that frequently go unnoticed but can have a surprisingly big effect on capacity and efficiency. About our Guests Torres Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager, Medline Tory Teakell has more than 15 years of experience, both in healthcare and vendor settings, and currently serves as a Clinical Solutions Manager for Clinical Consulting Services with Medline. Teakell’s extensive perioperative clinical experience includes roles as a Surgical Technologist, OR Nurse Manager, OR Charge Nurse, and Sterile Processing Supervisor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health information management and is a Six Sigma Lean Certified Green Belt. Jake Byerly, Clinical Solutions Manager, Medline Jake Byerly has been working in Sterile Processing since 2009. His career includes more than 15 years in leadership and management roles, supporting teams, and helping drive operational improvements within SPDs. Byerly has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and currently serves as a Clinical Solutions Manager with Medline, where he works with healthcare facilities nationwide on product related challenges, workflow optimization, and education. The role allows Byerly to partner directly with SP professionals, OR teams, and healthcare leaders to identify opportunities for improvement and share best practices that support patient safety and efficiency. About our Sponsor Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, resilient supply chain, and leading clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes. Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, the company employs more than 45,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how Medline makes healthcare run better, visit www.medline.com. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast. Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

With rigid container systems, it is important to differentiate between durable and indestructible. Rigid container systems are FDA-regulated medical devices and need to be properly cared for to ensure a long and useful life. In episode 158, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Alexander Miseirvitch of Aesculap about rigid container use and maintenance. Miseirvitch emphasizes the container’s role in the sterile barrier system. He reviews the advantages of rigid containers and times when they might not be the right choice. Miseirvitch poses questions for those considering rigid container integration and dives into container inspection, repair, tracking, and lifecycle management. He even explains how rigid containers might show up in an accreditation survey. Miseirvitch ends by highlighting the AAMI, AORN, and ISO standards that relate to containers. Listen in for an entirely new perspective on rigid containers and to learn how they are so much more than “just a box.” ABOUT OUR GUEST Alexander Miseirvitch Senior Product Manager, Healthcare Solutions Aesculap Alexander Miseirvitch, BS, CCSVP, is Senior Product Manager, Healthcare Solutions, at Aesculap, Inc., supporting the company’s sterile container portfolio. With nearly 24 years of healthcare experience, he brings a practical, field-informed perspective to Sterile Processing (SP) operations, IFU alignment, sterility assurance, workflow improvement, and sustainability. Miseirvitch is an active member of AAMI and contributes to standards-focused work aimed at supporting safe, effective, and practical SP practices. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Aesculap, Inc., a B. Braun company, is part of a 175-year-old global organization focused on meeting the needs of an ever-changing healthcare community. We understand the daily challenges a Sterile Processing department faces to meet demanding OR schedules. Our teams, backed by more than a century of industry experience, are dedicated to helping hospitals optimize their perioperative performance. In the face of increasing size and complexity of surgical inventories, our experts are equipped with the specialized tools and methodology required to identify potential areas of improvement and help health systems Operate With Greater Precision™. From containers and repairs to consulting, education and, of course, surgical instruments, we strive to deliver products and services that improve the quality of patients’ lives. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast. Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

How surgical devices are cleaned and decontaminated determines the efficacy of the sterilization process. For this to be effective, each item must be cleaned according to its instructions for use (IFU). But, how do manufacturers validate cleaning processes for their instruments? In episode 157, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Dr. William Levia of Medtronic about the manufacturer validation process. Dr. Levia describes the many detailed steps that manufacturers must go through to test cleaning protocols and the reasons behind them. He refers to the different classes of medical devices and discusses the roles of regulatory agencies, standards-setting organizations and testing laboratories. He also introduces listeners to ANSI/AAMI ST98:2022 Cleaning validation of health care products—Requirements for development and validation of a cleaning process for medical devices. Dr. Levia believes in bridging “the standards, the core science and the real-world setting.” Listen to learn more about how instrument manufacturers do their jobs, so we can do ours. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. William Levia Global Senior Program Manager for Sterile Processing Medtronic Dr. William Leiva received his PhD in Cybernetics and Statistics from Bucharest University of Economic Studies in 2024 and his MPH in Epidemiology and Health Economics from Andrés Bello National University in 2018. He has worked as a Senior Manager for Scientific Affairs at 3M Healthcare (2008–2023), sterilization and reprocessing subject matter expert at the FDA, and in a leadership role at Medtronic since 2024. He also holds a visiting professorship at Bucharest University of Economic Studies. Dr. Leiva is a recipient of AAMI’s Kilmer Grant, serves as a reviewer of peer-reviewed articles, and has presented internationally, including at AAMI eXchange and WFHSS. His research topics include reusable medical device decontamination, terminal sterilization, sterile barrier systems and reprocessing economic epidemiology.   Earn CE Now

Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the three primary types of microorganisms that Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) battle every day. But what exactly are these infectious agents, how do they spread, and what mechanisms are available to kill them? In episode 156, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Larry Talapa of Solventum about the trio of microorganisms. Talapa explains the nature and pathology of each, including the spore formation process. He shares examples of bacteria, fungi and viruses that are likely to be found in an SPD and reviews strategies to prevent their spread. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cleaning and concludes with a discussion of WHO surveillance and monitoring. Listen to increase your understanding of microbiology and peek into the invisible, microbial world that surrounds us. During the conversation, Talapa references the CDC’s Disinfection and Sterilization Guideline. For the figure referenced, see page 115. ABOUT OUR GUEST Larry Talapa Medical Liaison – Medical Surgical Business Solvetum Larry Talapa is a microbiologist with over 30 years of experience in the area of sterilization, including as a sterilization engineer. In his career, Talapa has been responsible for the development, validation and control of ethylene oxide (EO), steam, radiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization processes. Talapa has presented on the global stage on matters pertaining to the safe and effective use of low-temperature sterilization in healthcare facilities. He is co-chair of AAMI Working Group 04 Biological Indicators and Working Group 16 Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization as well as a voting member of several other AAMI working groups.   Earn CE Now

Keeping surgical instruments functioning properly and extending their useful life does not happen by accident. It requires focused effort from everyone who uses, handles and cares for the devices, including Sterile Processing (SP) teams. In episode 155, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Jake McHugh and Jeremy Barnell of Agiliti about the instrument repair process. The guests explain the advantages and limitations of the instrument repair truck, discussing what on-site repairs are possible and encouraging technicians to tour a mobile repair unit (MRU). McHugh and Barnell discuss effective preventative maintenance strategies, including the importance of inspection and the advantages of tracking instrument usage cycles. Listen for tips on strengthening the partnership with your repair vendor and ensuring your instruments are safe, functional and available when needed. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Jake McHugh Clinical Education and Training Specialist Agiliti Jake McHugh, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, conducts audits and provides educational support to Sterile Processing and Endoscopy departments nationwide. As president of the First Coast Sterile Processing Association HSPA Chapter, McHugh brings over 18 years of extensive experience in Sterile Processing. He has held various roles, including Technician, Instrument Specialist, Tracking System Coordinator, and Process Improvement Auditor. Additionally, he has taught certification classes at community colleges and served on advisory boards. McHugh’s commitment to sharing knowledge is evident in his numerous presentations at APIC chapter meetings, hospital talks and appearances on podcasts. His passion lies in making processing knowledge accessible and comprehensible to others in the field. Jeremy Barnell Director of Project Management, Surgical Equipment Repair Agiliti Jeremy Barnell has spent more than 18 years in the surgical equipment repair industry, working across operations, sales, customer strategy and education. His work focuses on helping healthcare teams better understand their repair activity, reduce avoidable damage, and make informed decisions with their equipment programs. Barnell also helps lead education efforts that support better care and handling of surgical equipment in the field. His perspective comes from years of hands-on repair experience and a strong belief that better visibility, communication and education make a real difference for healthcare professionals. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast.  Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

Facilities in many parts of the country are feeling the staffing crunch for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals. Our roles demand a high degree of technical knowledge, and some places do not have access to academic programs or training courses that prepare students for working in a Sterile Processing department (SPD). In episode 154, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with DeMango Griffin Sr. and James Johnson of BJC HealthCare in St. Louis. The guests discuss the diverse pathways to a career in the SPD. Griffin describes the challenges he has found in staffing his department and shares methods that have worked at his facility to find interested candidates. The conversation stresses the importance of advocating for the SPD with healthcare administration and supporting employees in their journeys toward certification. It’s time to stop waiting for vacancies and start recruiting proactively and building talent internally. ABOUT OUR GUESTS DeMango Griffin Sr. Senior Clinical Program Manager BJC HealthCare DeMango Griffin Sr., BS, MHA, CRCST, CHL, CER, CIS, is a healthcare leader with more than 25 years of experience in sterile processing and perioperative support services. He currently serves in a senior leadership role, overseeing multiple Central Sterile departments within BJC HealthCare with operational responsibility across high-volume acute-care facilities. Griffin earned his master’s degree while working full time and has built a reputation for driving operational improvement, regulatory compliance, staff development, and patient safety initiatives. His expertise includes SP/CS operations, Joint Commission readiness, AAMI standards implementation, workforce development, productivity management, capital planning, and multi-site leadership. Griffin is passionate about mentoring the next generation of SP professionals and strengthening local workforce pipelines through education and certification support. James Johnson Sterile Processing Supervisor BJC HealthCare James Johnson has more than 20 years of leadership experience in logistics, inventory management, transportation, and operational oversight. In his current supervisory role, Johnson focuses on patient safety, operational efficiency, and team development. He is committed to ensuring regulatory compliance, improving workflows, and maintaining the highest standards in instrument processing and infection prevention. Known for his strategic mindset and hands-on leadership style, James excels at building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. His diverse background enables him to effectively streamline processes, optimize resources, and support healthcare teams in delivering safe, high-quality patient care. The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast.  Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit. Earn CE Now

Sterile Processing (SP) at times suffers from poor packaging. Our departments are tucked away. Our work is behind the scenes. We as SP professionals may not view our duties in the same light as other work in the hospital, so we diminish our role in conversations or are reluctant to speak up in a group of our peers. In episode 153, host Casey Czarnowski talks with Jamelle Ross about enhancing our professional image in the healthcare community. Ross emphasizes the value and necessity of the Sterile Processing department. She discusses how to show up with intelligence, confidence and integrity and offers tools to present our viewpoints effectively. Listen to learn how to advocate for SP’s role as a necessary and integral component of the perioperative team. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jamelle R. Ross Regional Director of Clinical Operations for Instrument Processing Services STERIS Jamelle R. Ross, RN, BSN, MHA, CRCST, is responsible for implementation of on-site sterile processing improvement projects, including performing work as a clinical liaison, educator and quality systems evaluator. Ross has more than 30 years of progressive, hospital-based perioperative experience and is skilled in AORN, AAMI and Joint Commission regulations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Health Services Administration and certifications in Perioperative Nursing, Nursing Administration, Trauma Nursing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Forensic Nursing and Sterile Processing. Earn CE Now

Every year, the HSPA Foundation offers scholarships for Sterile Processing technicians to serve on a Mercy Ships mission, bringing their expertise and passion to those in need in Sub-Saharan Africa. In episode 152, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Kimberly Polard and Oliver Etcu about the Mercy Ships organization and life on a medical mission ship. Polard describes the application process and her experiences onboard. Etcu reviews how Mercy Ships collaborates with local governments to select ports of call and identify the inviting country’s most urgent medical and educational needs. Listen to learn about the life-changing work of Mercy Ships. Etcu also recommends watching The Mercy Ships, a reality show being filmed on board, which he says is “a very good way to experience what the ship has to offer from a volunteer’s point of view.” Stream season 1 here. Our Guests Kimberly Polard, Sterile Processing Technician Kimberly Polard, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, is an SP technician with five years of experience, including time spent serving on Mercy Ships. Her time at sea deepened her appreciation for the power of teamwork and dedication in healthcare. She is passionate about the critical role sterile processing plays in ensuring safe, successful surgeries. Oliver Etcu, Sterile Processing Clinical Coordinator, Mercy Ships Oliver Etcu is a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician based in Canada who specializes in sterile processing and infection prevention. Through his work with Mercy Ships, he has supported surgical teams by ensuring the safety and sterility of critical medical instruments in high-impact, resource-limited settings. Passionate about patient safety and global health, Etcu brings a behind-the-scenes perspective on the essential role sterile processing plays in delivering life-changing surgeries.   Earn CE Now