#83 News vs. Noise With Aaron Woodall

How can we discern genuine health threats from sensational media hype? In this episode, Jess and Kelly dive into the critical topic of 'News Vs. Noise' in healthcare, featuring Aaron Woodall, an expert in infection control. They explore strategies to filter misinformation, emphasizing the importance of credible sources and frameworks for assessing health risks. With insights from Aaron's military background, this discussion equips infection preventionists with tools to navigate the overwhelming influx of health information while maintaining a clear focus on what truly matters. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with a bit of a fun "2 Truths & a Lie" at the end! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Aaron Woodall Dr. PH, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP Aaron A. Woodall is the Chief of Infection Prevention & Control for Tampa/VISN 8 Veterans Integrated Service Network within the Department of Veterans Affairs. An infection preventionist with nearly two decades of global experience, Aaron's career began in military combat medicine and public health efforts across Eastern Afghanistan, Europe, Middle East and Africa. His expertise spans diverse healthcare environments, including public health, major hospitals, long-term acute care, spinal cord injury, home care, laboratory, inpatient behavioral health, homeless shelters, and long-term care.

What lurks beneath the surface of our healthcare facilities? In this episode, we delve into the often-ignored threat of pests and their potential role in infection risks. Join Jess, Kelly, and expert Dr. Stephanie Stroever as they uncover the hidden dangers of insects in hospitals, discuss strategies for prevention, and emphasize the importance of addressing these issues proactively. Discover why your facility's cleanliness might not be enough and learn how to collaborate effectively to ensure patient safety. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Stephanie Stroever, PhD, MPH Dr. Stephanie Stroever is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education and Director of Research for the Division of Emergency Medicine. She has a PhD and Master of Public Health from the UTHealth School of Public Health, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Stroever teaches applied statistics, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and research methods across all levels of training, including continuing medical education and faculty development. She is passionate about conducting meaningful research and has extensive experience navigating its life cycle as a research methodologist. Her clinical expertise is infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology, and she is currently involved in numerous studies in healthcare epidemiology, emergency medicine, medical education, implementation science, and maternal health. She has experience in both qualitative and quantitative research and enjoys doing both.

How can artificial intelligence revolutionize public health reporting? In this episode, Jess and Kelly chat with Jameson Dowling, who shares insights on his innovative project that leverages AI to streamline infection prevention efforts. As he gears up to present at APIC 2026 in Nashville, they explore the intersection of technology and healthcare, discussing both the challenges and successes of implementing AI in real-world scenarios. Tune in to discover how this cutting-edge approach can save time and enhance accuracy in public health reporting! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Jameson Dowling, MPH Jameson Dowling, MPH, is a Data Analyst within the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infection Prevention & Control Department. He has a professional background in clinical research, focusing on pediatric rheumatology, pediatric cardiac arrest, and neonatal sepsis/antibiotic use. He uses this experience and an educational background in public health and epidemiology to apply data analysis skills to the infection prevention and control field.

How prepared are we for high-consequence infectious diseases? In this episode of the 5 Second Rule Podcast, hosts Jess Fargher and Kelly Holmes dive deep into infection prevention strategies and emergency preparedness with Carrie Billman, a seasoned expert. They discuss the critical need for healthcare professionals to understand high-consequence infectious diseases, the role of robust protocols, and the importance of communication and training. Tune in to discover the insights that could save lives in future outbreaks! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Carrie Billman, MHPE, RN, CIC Carrie Billman MHPE, RN, CIC is a senior Infection Preventionist who serves as the Director of Education and Training for the Biocontainment Unit (BCU) at the Johns Hopkins Special Pathogen Center where she leads the design and implementation of training curriculum to prepare clinicians at Johns Hopkins and throughout HHS Region 3 to safely care for patients requiring high-level isolation. She leads the BCU Infection Prevention team and trained observer program and serves as an adjunct faculty for the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. 

What if the science behind vaccinations isn't as straightforward as we think? In this episode, we navigate the chaos surrounding U.S. vaccine recommendations with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a public health leader with extensive expertise. He confronts vaccine skepticism, the evolving landscape of immunization policies, and the critical role healthcare professionals play in guiding patients through confusion. Join us for a fun, honest, and enlightening discussion that aims to clarify misconceptions and emphasize the importance of vaccinations for public health. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Jess Fargher About our Guest: Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, is an infectious disease physician and public health leader recognized for his expertise in infectious diseases and emergency response, with leadership experience at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the CDC, and in the White House National Mpox Response. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.

In this special episode, Kelly Holmes marks an exciting new chapter as the 5 Second Rule Podcast welcomes a new co-host, Jess Fargher! Kelly and Jess laugh and bond about the quirks and nerves that come with recording a podcast, the passion and dedication behind being an infection preventionist, and a hopeful future of honest, relatable, conversations with guests. We're so excited for what's ahead, and we can't wait for you to tune in.   Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, AL-CIP, FAPIC and Jess Fargher   About our Guest: Jess Fargher, 5 Second Rule Podcast Co-Host Jess Fargher began her career in Infection Prevention in 2022. With a diverse background of military service, laboratory science, and public health, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to a role that does not follow a single, straight path. Early in her work as an Infection Preventionist, Jess identified gaps in infection prevention education, particularly for non-nursing departments whose roles are critical to patient safety but often underserved in formal training. She developed customized, role-specific education to ensure every team member understood their impact on preventing healthcare-associated infections. Recognizing similar opportunities within nursing education, she began incorporating themed, multimodal learning strategies to make infection prevention engaging, practical, and memorable. Her experiences in the field have deepened her understanding of system-level challenges in healthcare and inspired her to pursue graduate education to further strengthen her skills in public health and education.

What does an industrial hygienist do, and how does it support infection prevention? In this episode of the Five Second Rule podcast, Grant Quiller and Spencer Baker break down their dynamic roles in healthcare safety. From air quality tools to construction oversight and water management, learn how their expertise elevates patient and staff protection. Packed with insights, humor and show-and-tell moments, this episode is a must-listen! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes and Heather Ridge About our Guests: Grant Quiller Grant is a dual certified industrial hygienist and safety professional with over 17 years of field experience. He has diverse experience across healthcare, construction, industry, and litigation. He currently works as an industrial hygienist in the Infection Prevention department at Novant Health serving the greater Charlotte, North Carolina region and beyond.   Spencer Baker Spencer Baker is the first industrial hygienist at the University of Iowa Health Care. He received a bachelor's degree in public health from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in occupational health and safety: industrial hygiene from the University of Iowa. Over the past three years, Spencer has partnered with clinical and facilities teams to reduce infection risks by advancing initiatives focused on hospital infrastructure and environmental safety. When he's not working, Spencer enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his wife and two kids, and binge-watching Survivor with a bowl of his favorite dark chocolate brownie ice cream.

What inspires an RN to lead national infection prevention efforts? In this episode, Kelly Holmes welcomes 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward to share her journey from bedside support to infection prevention powerhouse. Hear how mentors shaped her career, what she envisions for the future of IPC, her advice for rising leaders, and her vision for APIC in 2026!   Hosted by: Kelly Holmes About our Guest: Kathy Ward, 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward has been an Infection Preventionist for more than 20 years. She is currently an Infection Preventionist, Team Lead, at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC. As a member of APIC-Palmetto Chapter, she has served as President, President-Elect, Program Chair and Co-chair as well as member and Chair of Governmental Affairs. Currently, she is a member of the SC Healthcare Infections Disclosure Advisory Council and has served as Chair of the APIC Palmetto LASIC. Kathy has also served at the National level as Member/Chair of Nominating and Awards Committee, Board of Directors in addition to Member and Chair of Practice Guidance Committee.

How does strong infection prevention leadership reshape long-term care? In this episode, host Lerenza Howard sits down with Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, to explore how certification, regulation, and national standards are elevating care for older adults. Hear how Canada's approach is informing global best practices—and what long-term care teams around the world can learn from it. Hosted by: Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Tiberius Stanescu, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP Tiberius Stanescu is a globally educated Registered Nurse with diverse clinical background spanning multiple medical specialties. He began his nursing career in 2000, specializing in operating room procedures and plastic and reconstructive surgery, before discovering a deep passion for long-term care. His leadership in this field led him to serve as Assistant Director of Care and director of nursing role, where he furthered his expertise in infection prevention and wound management. In 2015, Tiberius joined the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team at Scarborough Health Network and earned his Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in the IPAC hub, reaffirming his commitment to long-term care. Tiberius has contributed significantly to the field through his involvement with the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), helping to develop the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) exam. He serves as Chair of IPAC Canada's Long-Term Care Interest Group, underscoring his dedication to advancing infection prevention standards and enhancing care quality in long-term care settings.

What are the biggest infection prevention challenges we face today? In this special episode of the Five Second Rule, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes sit down with APIC's CEO Devin Jopp to discuss misinformation, federal policy shifts, IFU reform, global partnerships, and the vital role IPs play in public health. Hear why your voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of infection prevention. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guest: Devin Jopp, EdD, MS Dr. Jopp joined APIC as CEO on December 7, 2020. He brings to APIC more than two decades of association leadership with a wide array of experience and accomplishments from across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential healthcare leaders by Healthcare Management International Magazine and one of the top 50 healthcare IT experts by Health Data Management Magazine. Prior to APIC, he served as CEO for the American College Health Association, the principal leadership organization for advancing the health and well-being of the nation's 20 million college students and their campus communities through advocacy, education, and research. He has also previously served as president and CEO for the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), a national nonprofit advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services focused on enhancing the exchange of healthcare information. Before joining WEDI, he served as chief operating officer for the Service Corp of Retired Executives, a national nonprofit organization that provides business mentoring and training to American entrepreneurs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jopp held leadership positions at URAC, an independent, nonprofit healthcare accreditation organization, and at the Health Insurance Association of America. Dr. Jopp received a Bachelor of Arts in computer information systems from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, a Master of Science in computer and information sciences from Hood College, and a Doctor of Education in human and organizational learning (EdD) from the George Washington University.