#80 Ready for the Worst: High-Consequence Infectious Diseases With Carrie Billman
5 Second Rule
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...
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#79 A Voice on Vaccines with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis
5 Second Rule
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...
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#78 Getting to Know Your 5 Second Rule Hosts!
5 Second Rule
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...
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#77 Industrial Hygienists and Infection Prevention: A Powerful Partnership
5 Second Rule
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...
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#76 From Bedside to Boardroom: A Conversation With Kathy Ward, APIC's 2026 President
5 Second Rule
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...
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#75 Cross-Border Lessons: How Canada Is Advancing Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care
5 Second Rule
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...
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#74 A Conversation With APIC’s CEO Devin Jopp: Navigating Infection Prevention Through Misinformation and Policy Shifts With Future-Focused Solutions
5 Second Rule
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...
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#73 Inside APIC’s Research Network
5 Second Rule
Curious how you can shape the future of IPC research? The APIC Research Network (ARN) makes it easy — with free membership, mentorship, and resources to help you learn, publish, and collaborate. Hear from Becca Crapanzano-Sigafoos and Sara Reese as they share how ARN is shaping global research, amplifying IP voices, and creating new opportunities for growth. Learn more about the ARN as well as how to join: Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Rebecca (Becca) Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC Rebecca (Becca)...
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#72 IIPW 2025: Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention
5 Second Rule
How are infection preventionists gearing up for IIPW 2025? In this episode, co-hosts Lerenza Howard and Kelly Holmes welcome guests from APIC’s Communications Committee Michelle Swetky and Tammy Cunningham who share creative tools, engaging activities, and superhero-inspired themes to unite and empower IPs. Join us and Stand UPPP — Unite, Prevent, Protect, Prevail — for infection prevention! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our Guests: Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC Tammy Cunningham, MBA, BSN RN, CIC, is the Infection Prevention...
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#71 APIC25 Spotlight: Improving HLD Reprocessing Reliability and Reimagining Hand Hygiene
5 Second Rule
What do therapy dogs and data-driven strategies have in common? They're both helping to move the needle on patient safety. In this APIC 2025 Annual Conference recap, hosts Kelly Holmes and Lerenza Howard spotlight two infection prevention pros. Maria Vacca shares how her hospital centralized high-level disinfection to boost safety and efficiency. Later in the episode, Rachel Hyatt unveils a heartwarming initiative that taps into the charm of therapy dogs to revolutionize hand hygiene compliance. Hosted by: Kelly Holmes, MS, CIC, FAPIC and Lerenza L. Howard, MHA, CIC, LSSGB About our...
info_outlineWhat 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.