Pathogens in Pop Culture: Pandemic and Play - A Board Game Journey with Matt LeacockJoin NETEC hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo for this special episode of Transmission Interrupted as the Pathogens in Pop Culture series continues. In this episode, Lauren and Rachel delve into the world of tabletop gaming with special guest Matt Leacock, renowned board game designer and creator of the widely popular cooperative game Pandemic. Together, they explore Matt’s experience creating the game and discuss how real-life pandemics and issues like global warming influence the design and creation of his tabletop games. From the positive reception of the game within the infectious disease and pandemic response communities to Matt’s upcoming climate change-focused game, Daybreak, this episode promises to be a captivating exploration of the intersection between gaming, education, and public health, offering a unique perspective on these critically important topics. So grab your headphones and join us for another intriguing episode of Transmission Interrupted.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsMatt LeacockMatt Leacock has been designing board games since he was very young and full time since 2014. He is best known as a designer of cooperative games, including Pandemic, Daybreak, and Forbidden Island. Pandemic, first published in 2008, has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and is available in over 30 languages. His latest game, Daybreak, challenges players to stop climate change. He lives in Sunnyvale, California. For information about Matt and his creations, visit Matt Leacock Games at www.leacock.comHostLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID-19 biobank and served on the COVID-19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.Rachel Lookadoo, JDRachel Lookadoo is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology department of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases. She also acts as the Director of Public Health Policy for the Water, Climate, and Health program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Ms. Lookadoo’s background is as an attorney, and she focuses on the various legal and regulatory issues that can arise in emergency preparedness and response. She specializes in public health impacts of climate change, healthcare surge events, isolation/quarantine law, crisis standards of care, infectious disease response, and general legal preparedness. Ms. Lookadoo also conducts emergency preparedness trainings and assessments for public health departments and healthcare facilities nationally. Ms. Lookadoo received her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law,

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, we continue our Pathogens in Pop Culture series with an intriguing dive into the world of special pathogens in literature. Dr. Caitlin Rivers, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, joins us to examine the science behind the use of special pathogens in popular literature. We'll also examine the importance of adhering to reality or fictionalization when writing about pathogens and the power of storytelling in promoting public health practices.GuestCaitlin Rivers, PhD, MPHDr. Rivers is a Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is an epidemiologist specializing in preparedness and response for epidemics, pandemics, and deliberately occurring events. Dr. Rivers recently returned from an appointment as founding associate director of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Dr. Rivers has testified in front of the United States Congress on several occasions and is a frequent advisor to senior leaders at the state and federal levels. She served on the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team working on COVID-19 policies. Her writing has been published in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rivers participated as author or contributor in influential reports that are guiding the US pandemic response, including National Coronavirus Response: A Roadmap to Reopening and Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening During COVID-19: Guidance for Governors, the latter of which was used by the National Governors Association, the state of Maryland, and Washington, DC, to guide reopening plans.Prior to joining the Center in 2017, Dr. Rivers worked as an epidemiologist for the US Army Public Health Center as a Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholar. She also participated in a National Science and Technology Council Pandemic Prediction and Forecasting Science and Technology working group. Dr. Rivers serves as an Associate Editor of the journal Health Security.Dr. Rivers has been awarded the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Faculty Award for Excellence in US Public Health Practice; the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service; and a Department of Defense Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Research Transformation Scholarship. In 2015, she earned a PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, and computational biology from Virginia Tech. Her doctoral research focused on computational epidemiology, specifically modeling emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza A (H7N9), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Ebola virus disease for public health support using nontraditional, publicly available sources of data. Dr. Rivers received an MPH with a concentration in infectious disease from Virginia Tech in 2013 and a BA in anthropology from the University of New Hampshire in 2011.HostsLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins...

Warp Speed Research: Experiences during COVID and Mpox Responses On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, we welcome members of NETEC’s Special Pathogen Research Network to discuss their experiences as research personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak. Join us as the team explores the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from implementing research protocols at warp speed in time-sensitive and high-pressure environments.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsChrista Arguinchona, MSN, BSN, CCRNManager, Special PathogensProvidence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s HospitalChrista is the Manager for the Special Pathogens Program at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital (PSHMC&CH). Her responsibilities include developing and maintaining a care team for the Special Pathogens Unit and developing policies, protocols, and educational and training plans. Christa manages the Special Pathogens Program that facilitates readiness throughout HHS Region 10 for emerging special pathogens. Christa collaborates with community, regional and national partners on all aspects of what it means to be a Regional Treatment Center for Emerging Special Pathogens.Christa has her Master’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is certified in Critical Care. She has over 30 years of critical care experience in the neurological/trauma ICU at PSHMC&CH. Barry Clark, MS, BSN, ASN, RNResearch Educator, General Clinical Research, Serious Communicable Disease Unit.Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GeorgiaBarry is the Research Educator for the Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRC) at Emory University Hospital. His responsibility includes functioning as a liaison and educator for research teams that use the GCRC clinic and the inpatient nursing units where clinical trials are conducted. Barry's primary function is working with principal investigators and research coordinators, guiding them through the process of carrying out research studies. Barry also functions as a support nurse to the Serious Communicable Disease Unit and works as an instructor for the research-based phlebotomy program.Barry has a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. He has been a registered nurse at Emory University Hospital for 27 years and has worked in the role of staff nurse, nurse educator, transplant nurse, research nurse, research coordinator for the liver transplant program, clinic manager, and unit charge nurse. Jade Flinn, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN  Program/Unit Director Biocontainment Unit  Department of Medicine The Johns Hopkins Hospital Jade Flinn graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in 2011 and Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2019. She is trained as a neurocritical care nurse, critical care transport nurse, and nurse education leader. Her role as the BCU unit director is to maintain the unit’s overall activation readiness including physical infrastructure, rostered personnel training, and systemic preparedness for capacity to safely care for patients infected with high consequence pathogens. Flinn also serves as a bedside clinical nurse in the Johns Hopkins intensive care units and during inter-hospital ground transports. Her professional interests revolve around representation of nursing in disaster preparedness and response, health care worker safety, and hospital emergency operations. Her most current work involves an international, multicenter COVID-19 clinical trial (Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial),...

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, we delve into the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and its importance in responding to special pathogens and other emergencies. Join host Jill Morgan and special guests Kyesha Turner from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Darrell Ruby from Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington, and Ryan Tuckmeyer from Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, as they share their experiences and insights on how HICS ensures readiness, coordination, and effective response in the face of various scenarios.The discussion will also touch on the importance of building foundations and solid structures for emergency management and provide information on available HICS resources and tools, including a new online HICS training course now available at NETEC. Join us on this informative episode of Transmission Interrupted as we uncover the intricacies of HICS for Special Pathogens Preparedness and explore the dynamic world of incident management in health care today.GuestsDarrell Ruby, CEM®, NEMAA Special Pathogen Program/Region 10 Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) Providence Inland Northwest Washington  Darrell Ruby is the Regional Coordinator for the HHS Region 10 Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC), 1 of 13 in the nation at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. Darrell has worked as an Emergency Manager for nearly 20 years at the local, regional, and state level when he was with Spokane Emergency Management and for the last 8 years at Providence. As an Emergency Manager for Providence Inland Northwest Washington, he was responsible for the Emergency Management Program for the five (5) Providence hospitals in Spokane and Stevens County that represent just over 1,000 licensed beds: a level 2 and 3 trauma centers for adults and pediatrics, two 25-bed Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), a specialty rehab facility, and stand-alone Ambulatory Surgery Center. He started working for Providence in September 2015. Prior to work at Providence, Darrell worked for the Spokane Department of Emergency Management for 11 years, as the Regional Coordinator for Washington State Homeland Security (HLS) Region 9 (6 years) and as a Program Coordinator (5 years). Region 9 is comprised of the 10 counties and three tribes of Eastern Washington. In that role, he supported regional collaboration, coordination, and an interagency approach to all-hazard emergency preparedness. He has worked in all phases of emergency management, supporting planning, training, and exercises, HLS grants, and grant-related projects. Darrell continues to support community-wide planning on behalf of Providence. Darrell has an undergraduate degree in Construction Science from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in business, and retired from the naval reserve as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer December 1, 2015 (12 years active, 13 years reserve). He is most proud to be happily married (30+ years) and the father of three kids +1 (married daughter). Ryan Tuchmayer, MPH, CEM  Director of Emergency Management  Cedars-Sinai Medical Center  Ryan is the Director of Emergency Management for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He organizes the medical center’s emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. He also serves as a liaison between hospitals, clinics, and pre-hospital providers in the western region of Los Angeles. County. He is a member of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team for Los Angeles County (DMAT CA-9) and has deployed for exercises and disaster events, including hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. He is also a member of the California Medical Assistance Team and has deployed for the COVID and wildfires responses. Kyesha Turner, MPA, AEM  Manager,

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, join hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo, along with guest Syra Madad, as they discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency management, public health, and health care systems. They explore the challenges faced by hospitals, social vulnerabilities highlighted by the pandemic, and the importance of investing in resources for communities.Additionally, they delve into the prevalence of infectious disease outbreaks in pop culture, including the movies Outbreak and Contagion. The speakers also discuss the tools and strategies used for emergency preparedness and response, how these have evolved over time, and the importance of prevention in addition to preparedness. Tune in to learn more about the impact of infectious diseases and pandemics on our society and health care systems.GuestSyra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP  Dr. Syra Madad is an infectious disease epidemiologist, science communicator, and writer. She currently serves as the Senior Director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal health care delivery system overseeing special pathogen preparedness and response efforts across the enterprise. She's the Co-Principal Investigator at The Institute for Diseases and Disaster Management, fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Core Faculty at the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center and affiliate faculty at the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research at Boston University. Dr. Madad's work focuses on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery from special pathogen outbreaks with an emphasis on health care and public health biopreparedness. HostsLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID-19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.Rachel Lookadoo, JDRachel Lookadoo is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology department of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases. She also acts as the Director of Public Health Policy for the Water, Climate, and Health program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Ms. Lookadoo’s background is as an attorney, and she focuses on the various legal and regulatory issues that can arise in emergency preparedness and response. She specializes in public health impacts of climate change, healthcare surge events, isolation/quarantine law, crisis standards of care, infectious disease response, and general legal preparedness. Ms. Lookadoo also conducts emergency preparedness trainings and assessments for public health departments and healthcare facilities nationally. Ms. Lookadoo received her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law, and her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.ResourcesNETEC:

Pathogens in Pop Culture: Jack Ryan, The Hot Zone, and EbolaIn episode two of the Pathogens in Pop Culture series, hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo welcome guest Dr. Billy Fischer to discuss the portrayal of Ebola Virus Disease in the 2018 Jack Ryan TV series and Richard Preston's 1994 novel, The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story. Together, they will explore the science behind the virus, including its transmission, approaches to treatment and care, and the accuracy of its portrayal in the TV series and the book. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the science and myths surrounding Ebola in popular culture.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestWilliam A. Fischer II, MDWilliam A Fischer, II, MD, serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He is a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine with expertise in severe emerging viral infections, clinical research, and international health. Dr Fischer graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where he was an Assistant Chief of Service. Dr Fischer has extensive field experience providing medical care in resource limited settings and was deployed as a WHO critical care physician to care for Ebola-infected patients in Gueckedou, Guinea, the epicenter of the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, N'zerekore in response to a resurgence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and the Democratic Republic of Congo for outbreaks in 2018 and 2019 where he helped launch the use of novel therapeutics and optimized supportive care. Dr Fischer has active research programs exploring the clinical complications of Ebola virus disease, the prevalence, pathogenesis, and persistence of Lassa Fever (PREPARE study), and serves as one of the principal investigators for an NIH study (PREVAIL IV) evaluating a novel antiviral compound for efficacy in reducing or eliminating Ebola virus shedding in male survivors of EVD. He also has research programs exploring respiratory viral infections in high-risk populations including the elderly and HIV-infected individuals. Dr Fischer serves as the Director of Emerging Pathogens for the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He is also a member of the WHO Epidemic Clinical Management Team, the WHO Antiviral Working Group, the WHO Personal Protective Equipment End-User's Advisory Council, the WHO Advisory Committee on Infection, Prevention, and Control, and was a member of the CDC Ebola Response Team.HostsLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID-19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care...

Pathogens in Pop Culture: Fungal Pathogens and The Last of UsCould a fungus cause the next pandemic? If you’ve watched HBO’s hit series ‘The Last of Us’ or played the popular video game, then you may be familiar with the concept: a mass outbreak of an infectious fungus turns humans into zombies. But could the scenario played out in ‘The Last of Us’ actually happen in real life? Join hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo and special guest Dr. Arturo Casadevall as they take a closer look at the science behind fungal pathogens and separate myth from reality.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestArturo Casadevall, MD, PhDProfessor and Chair, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Casadevall focuses on host defense mechanisms, how fungi cause disease, and in the development of antibody-based therapies for infectious diseases.Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACasadevall1HostsLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.Rachel Lookadoo, JDRachel Lookadoo is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology department of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases. She also acts as the Director of Public Health Policy for the Water, Climate, and Health program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Ms. Lookadoo’s background is as an attorney, and she focuses on the various legal and regulatory issues that can arise in emergency preparedness and response. She specializes in public health impacts of climate change, healthcare surge events, isolation/quarantine law, crisis standards of care, infectious disease response, and general legal preparedness. Ms. Lookadoo also conducts emergency preparedness trainings and assessments for public health departments and healthcare facilities nationally. Ms. Lookadoo received her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law, and her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.ResourcesCan a Fungus Cause a COVID-Style Pandemic? https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/popmedicine/103449?vrw=noWhy Fungal Diseases Are an Increasing Threat: https://magazine.jhsph.edu/2022/why-fungal-diseases-are-increasing-threat  NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA...

NETEC Guidance on Breach of PPEJoin NETEC's Jill Morgan and members of the NETEC PPE Workgroup as they discuss the risks associated with PPE Breaches in special pathogen situations. The group will touch on PPE considerations for individuals and teams in biocontainment unit environments, including the importance of preparing health care workers to assess risks and safely respond to a breach. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsJennifer Cuzzolina, BSN, RN, CICClinical Program Coordinator - Special Pathogens ProgramCedars-SinaiMeredith Fahy, MPH, RN, CICInfection PreventionistMassachusetts General HospitalBrooke Henriksen, BSN, RN, CCRNTraining and Education Coordinator, Special Pathogens Program Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's HospitalAdam Sorensen, BSN, RNNurse Educator – Biocontainment UnitDenver HealthHostJill Morgan, RNEmory Healthcare, Atlanta, GAResourcesNETEC Guidance on Breach of Personal Protective Equipment: https://netec.org/2022/10/26/course-ppe-breaches/NETEC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ppe101/ppeNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgNeed More PPE Help?Contact NETEC to ask an expert a question or request free NETEC services targeted to your facility's emerging special pathogen preparedness program. For more information, visit: https://netec.org/about-netec/contact-us/About NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more information, visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.NETEC Consultation ServicesAssess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help healthcare facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.For more information, visit netec.org/consulting-services.

Back to the Basics - Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and PPEIn this episode of Transmission Interrupted, NETEC hosts Jill Morgan and Trish Tennill go back to the basics of viral hemorrhagic fevers and personal protective equipment. They discuss four of the most serious and deadly viral hemorrhagic fevers: Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fevers. While cases in the U.S. are rare, recent outbreaks of Marburg in Ghana, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Iraq, Lassa Fever in Nigeria, and Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo mean that health care workers need to know how to identify and treat these viral illnesses. Where do they get their names? What are the symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fevers? What can health care workers do to prevent transmission in health care settings? Learn the answers to these questions and more on the podcast.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.HostsJill Morgan, RNEmory Healthcare, Atlanta, GAJill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).Patricia Ann Tennill RN, BSNAssociate Director of NursingNYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue , New York, NYPatricia Tennill is an Associate Director of Nursing in Staff Development and the nursing lead for the NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue Special Pathogens Program. Patricia has been involved with the Special Pathogens Program since 2014 as a nurse leader responsible for coordinating and overseeing all nursing operations on the Special Pathogens Unit, including the development of protocols concerning the movement and care of patients with special pathogens and the subsequent hands-on training for all staff involved in the Special Pathogens Program. ResourcesTransmission Interrupted, Ep 16: Back to the Basics - PPE and Monkeypox:  https://netec.org/transmission-interrupted/back-to-basics-ppe-and-monkeypox/NETEC PPE Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ppe101/ppeNETEC Viral Hemorrhagic Fever resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/items/browse?tags=Viral+Hemorrhagic+FeverNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgTransmission Interrupted on the web: https://netec.org/podcast/About NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery...

Mpox Testing in Your LaboratoryJoin us for this episode of Transmission Interrupted as we start a new series dedicated to the laboratory community. Mpox continues to be in the news as cases rise across the country. Have you ever wondered what happens behind the laboratory curtain? How do laboratories adjust to the changing demands when a new special pathogen appears? With us today for this special episode is Karie Brouillard, Special Pathogens Laboratory Coordinator at Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Join Karie and host Jill Morgan as they discuss hot topics and best practices for laboratorians as they navigate the challenges of mpox testing at their facilities.Note: NETEC is in the process of updating its web pages with the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the World Health Organization decision.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestKarie BrouillardSpecial Pathogens Laboratory CoordinatorSacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s HospitalHostJill Morgan, RNJill Morgan is an RN and subject matter expert in PPE for NETEC. Member APIC, ASTM, AAMI. For 35 years Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around Infection Prevention and Personal Protective Equipment.ResourcesNETEC Laboratory Resources: Mpox: https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1669NETEC Laboratory Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/netec_guides/labAssociation of Public Health Laboratories: https://www.aphl.org/CDC Laboratory Procedures and Biosafety Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/lab-personnel/lab-procedures.htmlNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.NETEC Consultation ServicesAssess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.For more information visit:

Visitation in Long Term Care: Helping Facilities Balance Rights, Rules, and RelationshipsThe Long Term Care community has faced a wide range of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early in the outbreak, visitation restrictions in long term care communities were enacted to help keep residents safe. As the pandemic wore on, these restrictions began to take a toll on both long term care residents and their families. The social isolation and lack of contact with family and friends have had a negative effect on the health and well-being of long term care residents. How can long term care facilities safely care for residents while addressing the growing challenge that social isolation and loneliness present? Join host Jill Morgan and guest Jerry Nevins, Assistant Administrator at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha, Nebraska as they share lessons learned and discuss strategies to help mitigate the effects of isolation in long term care facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsJerry Nevins, NHA, RNAssistant Administrator at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.Before joining the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in 2017, Jerry was a nursing services surveyor with the long-term care survey team for the state of Nebraska. His knowledge of state and federal regulations, in addition to over 30 years’ experience providing healthcare in various capacities in Omaha, has been invaluable to the management team at RBJH. He has lead a number of IT initiatives at the Home as well, upgrading various systems and implementing new ones. Jerry is also active in leadership roles with the Omaha Health Care Coalition and is the Education Co-Chair for LeadingAge Nebraska.HostJill Morgan, RNJill Morgan is an RN and subject matter expert in PPE for NETEC. Member APIC, ASTM, AAMI. For 35 years Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around Infection Prevention and Personal Protective Equipment.ResourcesTransmission Interrupted, Episode 15: Staff Resiliency in Long Term Care: https://netec.org/transmission-interrupted/staff-resiliency-in-long-term-care/Transmission Interrupted, Episode 11: NETEC and the Long Term Care Continuum: https://netec.org/transmission-interrupted/netec-and-the-long-term-continuum/NETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ncov/ncovNETEC COVID-19 Webinar Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5JyGXQ8MP0TZXU2Ldy-jzjLuUNfFX8JZNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more...

Travel Guidance for Pregnancy and BreastfeedingJoin host JIll Morgan and special guests Dr. John Horton and Dr. Clayton Mowrer for the second episode of the two-part NETEC series on travel guidance for clinicians and families. In this episode, Travel Guidance for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, discussion will center around special considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and families who are traveling during the summer and fall seasons as well as guidance and information on resources for clinicians as they provide care and counsel for these populations. What tips and tricks can parents employ to help keep their family safe during summer travels? What guidance can clinicians provide to help pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and their families prepare to travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsJohn Horton, MDDivision Director, General Obstetrics and GynecologyEmory Healthcare of AtlantaClayton Mowrer, D.O., MBAInternal Medicine-Pediatric ID fellowBoard-certified Internist, Pediatrician, and Adult Infectious Disease physicianUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NEChildren’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, NEHostJill Morgan, RN, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GAResourcesCDC Pregnant Travelers: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pregnant-travelersAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Travel During Pregnancy FAQs: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancyStaying Healthy While You Travel: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.htmlAir Travel Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics: https://pags.com/Our-Blog/November-2019/Air-Travel-Tips-from-the-American-Academy-of-PediaCDC COVID-19 Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.htmlNETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ncov/ncovNETEC COVID-19 Webinar Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5JyGXQ8MP0TZXU2Ldy-jzjLuUNfFX8JZNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more information, visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.NETEC Consultation...

Traveling Without Transmission: Tots to TeensThe summer vacation season is in full swing and parents everywhere are faced with the prospect of traveling with children and keeping them safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What tips and tricks can parents employ to help keep their family safe during summer travels? What guidance can clinicians provide to help parents prepare for any and all scenarios they may encounter when traveling at home or abroad? Join us for this special episode of Transmission Interrupted as NETEC’s Jill Morgan welcomes Dr. Amyna Husain and Dr. Andi Shane to the program to discuss best practices for traveling without transmission this vacation season. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsAmyna Husain, DOAssistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Director of Disaster PlanningBiocontainment Unit, Pediatric subcommittee co-directorJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineAndi Shane, MD, MPH, MScProfessor of Pediatrics and Division Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious DiseaseMarcus Professor of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection ControlEmory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of AtlantaHostJill Morgan, RN, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GAResourcesCDC Travelers’ Health: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelPre-Travel Providers’ Rapid Evaluation Portal: https://gten.travel/prep/prep Staying Healthy While You Travel: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.htmlAir Travel Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics: https://pags.com/Our-Blog/November-2019/Air-Travel-Tips-from-the-American-Academy-of-PediaTravel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.htmlNETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ncov/ncovNETEC COVID-19 Webinar Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5JyGXQ8MP0TZXU2Ldy-jzjLuUNfFX8JZNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.NETEC Consultation ServicesAssess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health...

Lassa Fever: a Summary for CliniciansOn this episode of Transmission Interrupted, we welcome Dr. Jared Evans, Dr. Aneesh Mehta, and Dr. Vanessa Rabbe—members of NETEC’s Special Pathogen Research Network—to discuss their recent manuscript entitled, “Lassa Virus Infection: a Summary for Clinicians.” Developed from a clinical perspective, this manuscript provides clinicians with a condensed, accessible understanding of the current literature on Lassa virus (LASV) infection and Lassa fever disease (LF). The topics discussed in this episode will provide basic information on Lassa virus and Lassa fever, and will highlight pathogenesis, clinical features, and medical countermeasures that have demonstrated potential value for use in clinical or research environments.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.AuthorsDr. Jared Evans, PhDDr. Jared Evans is a senior staff scientist whose expertise in virology includes over twenty years of experience in basic and applied research. He currently focuses on applications and response to investigate high-priority pathogens, including dengue and influenza viruses, with an emphasis on single-cell assays, genomics, and novel molecular tools. His responsibilities include leading projects in virology, molecular biology, and genomics and coordinating with partners to reach technical goals. Dr. Evans is also an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Additional areas of expertise include microfluidics and molecular/synthetic biology.Dr. Aneesh Mehta, MD, FIDSA, FASTAneesh Mehta is a Professor of Medicine and of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, and also serves as the Chief of Infectious Diseases Services and Assistant Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases at Emory University Hospital. He is a board-certified infectious diseases physician, who received an MD from the University of Oklahoma and completed Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases training at Emory University.Aneesh has been one of the core physicians of the Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) since 2009. He was admitted physician for Emory’s first patient with Ebola Virus Disease and was highly involved in care of the four patients with EVD, one patient with Lassa Fever, and several PUIs cared for by the Emory SCDU. During the Ebola activation, Aneesh was involved in all aspects of unit management, patient care, laboratory handling, and research.Aneesh is a co-Principal Investigator at NETEC. He also has been involved in the development of the Special Pathogens Research Network Biorepository and evaluation of Medical Countermeasures.Vanessa N. Raabe, MDAdult and Pediatric Infectious Disease PhysicianNYU Grossman School of MedicineResourcesLassa Virus Infection: a Summary for Clinicians: https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(22)00205-3/fulltextNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care...

Role of Nursing in ResearchThe research nurse is an integral part of the clinical research process. They play a vital role in the administration of clinical research studies and the bedside care of patients actively involved in studies. They help ensure research studies run smoothly while the study participants remain safe and are fully informed. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity in which it was necessary to quickly implement research in inpatient settings to better understand and treat a novel infectious disease. The research community relied heavily on bedside nurses to successfully operationalize research that unearthed gaps in infection control, workflow infrastructure, research-specific training, and communication practices.Join host Lauren Sauer, and special guests Jade Flinn and Brooke Noren on this episode of Transmission Interrupted as they discuss the critical role nurses play in clinical research and share lessons learned from their time as clinical research nurses during the pandemic.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsBrooke Noren, RN, BSN, CCRCBrooke Noren is a clinical research program manager at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Brooke works with Pulmonology, Allergy, Critical Care, and Special Pathogens research.Jade Flinn, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.R.N.Jade Flinn, M.S.N., is the nurse educator for the Johns Hopkins biocontainment unit (BCU). Flinn graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in 2011 and Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2019. She is trained as a neurocritical care nurse, critical care transport nurse, and nurse education leader. Her role as the BCU nurse educator is to maintain the unit’s overall activation readiness for the safe care of patients infected with high-consequence pathogens. Areas that her work covers include the physical unit, rostered personnel, and systemic preparedness and infrastructure.Jade serves as a bedside clinical nurse in the Johns Hopkins intensive care units and during inter-hospital ground transports. Her professional interests are in representing the important role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response, health care worker safety and hospital emergency operations. Her most current work involves an international, multicenter COVID-19 clinical trial (Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial), quality improvement developments for category A waste processing using autoclaves, and effective personal protective equipment training for health care worker safety.HostLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies. ResourcesNETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources:

Back to Basics: PPE and MpoxA recent European outbreak of mpox has captured the global healthcare community’s attention. As cases overseas continue to rise, the first cases of mpox in the United States have recently been confirmed. With healthcare organizations across the country preparing to care for patients infected with the mpox virus, now is the right time for facilities to review their Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures. In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, NETEC hosts Jill Morgan and Trish Tennill as they take us back to the basics of PPE and mpox. What PPE precautions should facilities deploy? What mpox-related concerns should facilities and healthcare workers be taking into consideration to keep themselves safe while caring for patients? Join us as Jill and Trish share best practices, tips, and tricks to help healthcare workers get back to the basics of PPE at their facilities. Note: NETEC is in the process of updating its web pages with the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the World Health Organization decision.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.HostsJill Morgan, RN, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GAPatricia Ann Tennill, RN, BSN, Associate Director of Nursing, Bellevue Health & Hospitals, New York, NYResourcesMpox Information for Clinicians: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/index.htmlNETEC Mpox Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/monkeypox/monkeypoxNETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Staff Resiliency in Long Term CareDr. Natalie Manley, assistant professor in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, joins NETEC’s Dr. Vanessa Raabe to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff resiliency in long-term care settings. What challenges have long-term care staff and facilities faced during the pandemic? What new challenges have come about since the pandemic began? How is staff burnout affecting long-term care organizations? What can long-term care institutions do to help bolster resiliency on both an institutional and personal level? Join us for these topics and more on this episode of Transmission Interrupted. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit us on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestsNatalie Manley, MD, MPH, CMD, HMDCBDr. Manley is board-certified in both internal and geriatric medicine and holds certifications for medical direction in long-term and hospice care. She received her medical and masters of philosophy degrees in public health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Manley completed her residency training and geriatric fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She completed an advanced geriatric fellowship at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Dr. Manley is a member of the American Medical Directors Association, American Geriatrics Society and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has done hospice work since 2017 and loves being able to work to help people find joy and peace during all the days of their life.HostVanessa N. Raabe, MDAdult and Pediatric Infectious Disease PhysicianNYU Grossman School of MedicineResourcesAHRQ Evidenced Based Team Training: https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps/longtermcare/index.htmlAHRQ TeamSTEPPS: https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps/index.htmlAMDA Statement Responding to President Biden’s Nursing Home Reform Proposals https://paltc.org/sites/default/files/AMDA%20Response%20to%20SOTU%20Final.pdfAMDA Healing Together Resources: https://paltc.org/?q=HealingTogetherHealth in Aging General Nursing Home Information: https://www.healthinaging.org/age-friendly-healthcare-you/care-settings/nursing-homesIthaca College Stress First Aid Toolkit for Long-Term Care Staff: https://wwwcdn.ithaca.edu/file-download/download/public/30440Nebraska ICAP: https://icap.nebraskamed.com/ Pioneer Network: https://www.pioneernetwork.net/about-us/mission-vision-values/Society for Certified Nursing Assistants: https://www.nahcacna.org/NETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/ncov/ncovNETEC COVID-19 Webinar Series Playlist:

Flurona and the Future of Respiratory Virus SeasonFlurona! What is it? Is it real? Is it the next superbug? Can someone be infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? The term ‘flurona’ has been making the rounds in the news recently and has caused some confusion. Join us for this episode of Transmission Interrupted as NETEC’s Lauren Sauer and special guests Dr. Jared Evans and Dr. Aneesh Mehta discuss all things flurona. The discussion will touch on the impact Flurona has had this influenza season, current recombination events in the news, the future of respiratory virus season, and steps the healthcare community can take to help mitigate the impact of flurona during the ongoing pandemic.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us: info@netec.orgVisit Transmission Interrupted on the web at https://netec.org/podcast/GuestsDr. Jared Evans, PhDDr. Jared Evans is a senior staff scientist whose expertise in virology includes over twenty years of experience in basic and applied research. He currently focuses on applications and response to investigate high-priority pathogens, including dengue and influenza viruses, with an emphasis on single-cell assays, genomics, and novel molecular tools. His responsibilities include leading projects in virology, molecular biology, and genomics and coordinating with partners to reach technical goals. Dr. Evans is also an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Additional areas of expertise include microfluidics and molecular/synthetic biology.Dr. Aneesh Mehta, MD, FIDSA, FASTAneesh Mehta is a Professor of Medicine and of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, and also serves as the Chief of Infectious Diseases Services and Assistant Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases at Emory University Hospital. He is a board-certified infectious diseases physician, who received an MD from the University of Oklahoma and completed Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases training at Emory University.Aneesh has been one of the core physicians of the Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) since 2009. He was admitted physician for Emory’s first patient with Ebola Virus Disease and was highly involved in care of the four patients with EVD, one patient with Lassa Fever, and several PUIs cared for by the Emory SCDU. During the Ebola activation, Aneesh was involved in all aspects of unit management, patient care, laboratory handling, and research.Aneesh is a co-Principal Investigator at NETEC. He also has been involved in the development of the Special Pathogens Research Network Biorepository and evaluation of Medical Countermeasures.HostLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.  ResourcesNETEC COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Resources:

The Hidden Cost of COVIDIn the fall of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) released a report on the impact COVID-19 had on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in 2020. After a decade of steadily declining HAI numbers, health care facilities across the country experienced a dramatic increase in the number of reported healthcare-associated infections during the first year of the pandemic. The impact of this report has been widespread and highlights the need for health care facilities across the country to return to conventional infection prevention and control practices and build resiliency in these programs to withstand future pandemics.Join NETEC hosts Jill Morgan and Trish Tennill as they discuss the findings of the NHSN’s report and share best practices and lessons learned from infection prevention and special pathogen experts.  Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us: info@netec.orgFind us on the web: netec.orgGuestsChrista Arguinchona MSN, BSN, CCRNChrista Arguinchona is the program manager for the Special Pathogens Unit (SPU) and the Rapid Response Team at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Her responsibilities include developing and maintaining a care team for the SPU and developing policies, protocols, and educational and training plans. Christa also conducts training and education for the frontline facilities within Providence Health Care. Christa collaborates with community, regional, and national partners as part of NETEC’s regional treatment center network. Christa has her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and is certified in Critical Care. She has over 30 years of critical care experience in the neurological/trauma ICU at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital.Carrie Billman, RN, CICCarrie Billman is the infection control program manager for the Johns Hopkins Health System, and a senior infection control epidemiologist for the Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH). In her role at JHH, Carrie leads infection prevention activities for the JHH Biocontainment Unit (BCU), including training and education for trained observers and BCU clinical staff, policy and protocol development, and serves as a lead infection preventionist during BCU activations.Carrie is a trained pediatric nurse with 13 years of experience with acute and lifesaving burn care and is current faculty for the Johns Hopkins University master’s level course in infection prevention. Carrie is currently pursuing her master’s in Health Profession Education through the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan. Meredith Fahy, MPH, RN, CICMeredith Fahy has been an infection preventionist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) since August 2019 and is also the biothreats infection preventionist. Previously, she worked as a staff nurse in the Infectious Disease Associates outpatient clinic where she helped develop and implement a nurse-driven initiative to improve retention in care for high-risk HIV patients, as a staff nurse in the MGH Emergency Department, and has volunteered with the Mercy Ships organization in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She graduated from Northeastern University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2009 and Master of Public Health in 2016. Meredith lives outside of Boston with her husband and dog.Jennifer Garland RN, PhD, CICJennifer Garland is a disease-specific care reviewer for the Joint Commission and the Special Pathogens Program Manager at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She is a registered nurse with

Healthcare Professionals Resiliency and Vaccine HesitancyAs the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, healthcare professionals across the nation continue to face extreme challenges as they battle on the frontlines. The mental and emotional toll this pandemic is taking on care providers is enormous. As such, the resiliency of healthcare professionals has come into focus. Organizations are striving to provide support for staff, and reduce the mental and emotional stressors associated with providing care during the pandemic. How can healthcare professionals more effectively deal with the everyday stressors they encounter? How can facilities prioritize the well-being and resiliency of healthcare professionals in the face of the ongoing pandemic? What strategies can healthcare professionals employ in their practice to best care for patients who may be experiencing vaccine hesitancy?Join host Lauren Sauer, and special guests Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, Precious Davis, and Dr. Jasmine Marcelin on this episode of Transmission Interrupted as they discuss topics surrounding healthcare professionals, resiliency and vaccine hesitancy through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us: info@netec.orgFind us on the web: netec.orgGuestsJacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD, AAHIVPJacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Loma Linda University. She recently completed her post-graduate fellowship training at the Anti-Infective Research Laboratory at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, where she will also receive her MPH. She is a graduate of University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency as well as her undergraduate studies at Howard University. Dr. Abdul-Mutakabbir’s research and practice interests include Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of combination therapy in antimicrobial resistant infections, antimicrobial stewardship, and optimal care for people with HIV. In early 2020 she was recognized among the ECCMID “30 under 30” Outstanding Young Scientists in which she was quoted “as a minority woman researcher, I have worked ardently to promote the necessity of women of color in the research arena.” Dr. Abdul-Mutakabbir is an active member of AAHIVM, IDSA, and ASHP and was the chartering president of the Zeta Iota chapter of Kappa Psi at the University of St. Joseph. She joined SIDP as a trainee and looks forward to a long and successful career of practice, research and service in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy. Precious Davis, BSN, MSNPrecious Davis received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2015, and received her Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University in Utah. She previously worked as a nurse at ENCOR/ENHSA managing the care of individuals with developmental disabilities and supervising nursing assistants and medication aides. Precious has worked as a case manager/staff nurse coordinating patient care for high-risk, complex patients at Nebraska Medicine, and recently started working as a nurse case manager at the Specialty Care Center in January 2017.Jasmine Marcelin, MDDr. Marcelin is a Caribbean native born on the island of Dominica. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Biology and Chemistry, and a Diploma in Forensic Science at St. Mary’s University in Halifax Nova Scotia. She then returned to her second home, Antigua & Barbuda, for medical school at American University of Antigua College of Medicine, after which she then completed Internal Medicine residency followed by Infectious Diseases fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. During her time at Mayo...