December 26, 2023
Dear Members of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of APIC,
Warm holiday greetings to each of you as we revel in the spirit of the season and anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the coming year.
I am honored to step into the role of the president and share with you the continued and new initiatives that will shape our chapter's focus in 2024 and beyond.
- Continuation of Collaborative Pipeline Education for New Infection Preventionists (IPs): Building on the success of our ongoing collaborative pipeline education program, we are committed to providing training for new IPs. This initiative, already in the works, aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge essential for navigating the complexities of our field. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can ensure a robust and well-prepared cohort of professionals dedicated to enhancing infection prevention strategies.
- Membership Growth Drive - A New Focus for 2024: As we gathered momentum in 2023, our sights are set on expanding our membership growth in 2024. We continue to be the largest APIC Chapter in California, let’s set our sights on being the largest APIC chapter in the nation. We recognize the strength in numbers and the richness that diversity brings to our community. Strategic initiatives will be implemented to increase our membership base, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. By engaging with current members and reaching out to potential new ones, we aim to create a dynamic community committed to advancing infection prevention in our region.
- Mentorship Program - Including Skilled Nursing Facilities: Intertwined with our first two initiatives, our mentorship program continues to evolve. Building on its success, we will deepen our commitment to connecting seasoned professionals with those newer to the field, with a special emphasis on those working in skilled nursing facilities. This mentorship program aligns with our dedication to the professional development of our members and building a strong, interconnected community.
- Support for Peer-Reviewed Publications and White Papers: Recognizing the importance of sharing our collective knowledge and experiences, we are introducing a new initiative to support the publication of peer-reviewed articles and white papers. We encourage members to contribute insights and experiences related to quality improvements in infection prevention initiatives. By sharing our successes and best practices, we aim to contribute to the broader body of knowledge in the field.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our vendor partner, Maja Kollmann from Molnlycke, for their continued sponsorship. Their dedication to advancing infection prevention aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment.
A special note of gratitude goes to our Immediate Past President, Maricar Telmo, for her two years of dedicated service. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of our chapter, and her decision to stay on as Immediate Past President reflects her enduring commitment to our organization.
As we celebrate the achievements of the past year and eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead, I'm particularly excited about collaborating with our exceptional board members. Each brings a unique set of skills and dedication to our chapter, and I extend my sincere appreciation to:
- President-Elect, Rebecca Alvino
- Secretary, Stephanie Leong
- Membership Director, Laura Tang
- Treasurer, Alicia Antonio
- Treasurer-Elect, Alison Hartz
- Education Director, Brenna Doran
- Chapter Director, Sejal Naik
- Communications Director, Rowena Aseo
- Nominations and Awards, Amy Valencia
- Chapter Legislative Representative, Laura Deneckere
Your expertise and commitment are invaluable, and I look forward to working closely with each of you to achieve our shared goals. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our initiatives.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season, and I'm excited about the positive impact these initiatives can have on our chapter and the broader APIC community. I encourage each member to actively participate, share your expertise, and contribute to the success of these initiatives.
It’s a great time to be in IP. Wonderful things lie ahead. Here's to a productive and inspiring year ahead, and I am honored to serve you in this new capacity.
Best regards,
Dr. Deborah Ellis
President San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of APIC