A podcast about infection prevention, quality and patient safety careers.
From Firefighter to Healthcare Leader: Ebow H-Smith’s Journey
In this conversation, Ebow H-Smith shares his unique career journey from a volunteer firefighter to a leader in sterile processing and infection prevention. He discusses the importance of education, intentional collaboration across departments, and the need for lifelong learning in healthcare quality and patient safety. Ebow emphasizes the significance of mastering one's field, advocating for patient safety, and the role of diversity in enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Recent Episodes
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Ep. 006
In this conversation, Ebow H-Smith shares his unique career journey from a volunteer firefighter to a leader in sterile processing and infection prevention. He discusses the importance of education, intentional collaboration across departments, and the need for lifelong learning in healthcare quality and patient safety. Ebow emphasizes the significance of mastering one's field, advocating for patient safety, and the role of diversity in enhancing healthcare outcomes.
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Ep. 005
In this episode, host Ivan Gowe speaks with Ashley Reyes, an infection preventionist, about her journey into the field, the importance of collaboration in infection prevention, and the challenges faced in managing infection outbreaks. They discuss the significance of work-life balance for healthcare professionals and share insights on building successful infection prevention programs.
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Ep. 004
In this fun conversation, Jill Holdsworth shares her unconventional journey into the field of infection prevention, highlighting the importance of diverse backgrounds and the need for mentorship in the profession. She discusses the challenges faced by non-RNs in securing IP roles, the significance of certification, and the evolving landscape of infection prevention post-pandemic.
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Ep. 003
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.
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Ep. 002
In this engaging conversation, Chaz Rhone, Assistant VP of Infection Prevention at HCA Healthcare, shares his unique journey in the field of infection prevention. He emphasizes the importance of public health backgrounds, the need for diverse educational pathways, and the critical role of leadership development in the profession.
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Ep. 001
In this conversation, MJ Joseph shares her journey from medicine to infection prevention, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, certifications, and training in the field.
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Ep. 000
This is the beginning of the Safety Spectrum Podcast. In this mini episode, the podcast host shares the story behind the show and why you should follow, subscribe, or keep watching this space.
Meet the Host
Ivan Gowe is a medical laboratory scientist, turned infection preventionist (IP). He has worked in IP since 2008. Most of his experience is in acute care community hospitals and their outpatient services. He has served on several professional and community boards, including Certification Board for Infection Control (CBIC), NC Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC), and Camplify NC. He is a fellow of APIC and certified in IP by CBIC and in quality and patient safety by NAHQ. He currently works as contractor for a state health department, a position that exposes him to IPs in diverse healthcare settings and from many backgrounds. When he is not working, he enjoys motorcycling, running, fitness, good books, music, and watching unrealistic television shows, especially ones with explosions.