Sarah Wilkerson shares valuable insights into how extracurricular activities have helped shape her career in Infection Prevention, and why she encourages others to pursue similar opportunities. She highlights that participating in initiatives beyond regular duties, such as joining research projects or presenting at professional conferences, can be pivotal for anyone looking to advance in the field. For those interested in becoming a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Sarah suggests getting involved in research early, as the process can be time-consuming but rewarding.
From the start, Sarah seized every chance to present her work at her local APIC chapter, building her skills and confidence as a public speaker. Her involvement didn’t stop with APIC; she presented at organizations like AORN and even took part in ergonomics and healthcare safety discussions during COVID. Recently, she presented on the role of environmental services and healthcare engineering in Infection Prevention, expanding her audience and knowledge base. These experiences not only helped her connect with new audiences but also fostered a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary roles in healthcare.
Sarah has also made strides in research, joining teams from other departments to contribute her Infection Prevention expertise. Collaborating with an anesthesia team on a project was one such opportunity that allowed her to broaden her skillset and contribute to valuable interdisciplinary research. During the pandemic, she contributed to several publications, capturing the lessons learned from COVID-19 and sharing them with the broader healthcare community. These publications, she notes, are a way to document both successes and failures to help others learn from shared experiences.
One of Sarah’s guiding philosophies is the importance of sharing both achievements and challenges. She emphasizes that learning from mistakes is just as valuable as celebrating wins, as these lessons can help others navigate similar challenges in the future. Sarah encourages her team to think about their own work with a publication mindset, considering how their experiences—good or bad—might benefit others in the field. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, strengthening the field of Infection Prevention.
Through her dedication to extracurricular involvement, Sarah demonstrates how pursuing opportunities outside of day-to-day duties can deepen expertise, broaden influence, and contribute to professional growth in Infection Prevention. Her advice to others: stay curious, seek opportunities, and don’t be afraid to share your journey, as the lessons learned along the way are invaluable. For more insights from Sarah on building a successful career in Infection Prevention, stay tuned for her full interview, coming soon on Voice for Infection Prevention.