Carmen is an infection prevention leader whose career path took her from aspiring dentist to adhesives chemist to epidemiologist and IP director. Carmen shares candid stories from her time in Alaska, insights on mentorship, hiring challenges, turnover, and the future of the infection prevention workforce.

This is the excerpt for Chaz’s episode.

In this conversation, MJ Joseph shares her journey from medicine to infection prevention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, certifications, and training in the field. She discusses the challenges faced in healthcare, particularly regarding staffing and environmental services, and highlights the critical role of data analysis in making informed decisions. MJ also offers insights into mentoring new infection preventionists and the importance of personal well-being in a demanding profession.