In her journey to a regional division executive role, Sarah Wilkerson has discovered the delicate balance between strategic oversight and staying connected to the hands-on work she once loved. As an Infection Prevention executive, Sarah must focus on larger initiatives that drive systemic change, which requires a more strategic, long-term approach to managing risks and resources across multiple facilities. However, despite her enjoyment of big-picture strategy, Sarah admits that she still misses the hands-on work and day-to-day challenges of the frontline.
Sarah finds joy in remaining accessible to her team, often fielding questions when her team encounters unique issues or difficult cases. She appreciates that her team still reaches out for support, which allows her to stay grounded in the practical realities of Infection Prevention. When she doesn’t have an immediate answer, Sarah leverages her connections and experience to guide her team toward solutions, drawing from the network of colleagues and professionals she has built over her career. This dynamic keeps her connected to the frontline work and provides valuable problem-solving opportunities.
Balancing her executive role with occasional hands-on involvement helps Sarah bridge the gap between strategic vision and real-world application. By periodically visiting hospitals and engaging in on-site work, she maintains a “boots on the ground” perspective that informs her larger strategic decisions. These visits allow her to see firsthand how initiatives and policies are implemented, which she believes is critical for making informed and effective changes at the executive level.
For Sarah, shifting to an executive mindset has been challenging but rewarding. She describes it as having a “bigger mindset,” where the focus extends beyond individual cases to broader goals that shape Infection Prevention policies across multiple facilities. Yet, this broader view doesn’t diminish her commitment to understanding the realities her team faces daily. Her willingness to stay connected and supportive exemplifies how leaders in healthcare can effectively balance management responsibilities with empathy and accessibility.
Sarah’s approach illustrates that effective Infection Prevention leadership is not solely about policy-making or strategy; it’s also about staying connected to the teams implementing those policies. Her story shows that executive roles can benefit from a blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience, creating a dynamic where big-picture thinking is continually informed by frontline insights. To hear more about Sarah’s balanced approach to leadership in Infection Prevention, stay tuned for her full interview, coming soon on Voice for Infection Prevention.