In a conversation with Jacob Hutcherson, Connie Cutler reflects on the formative years of her Infection Prevention career, a time when there was little formal training in the field. Hutcherson’s question about when she first felt “qualified” touches on a central theme in Cutler’s career: navigating uncharted waters. Infection Prevention was an emerging discipline, and much of the knowledge Cutler gained came from on-the-job experience. The introduction of the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC) certification process in the same year she joined Evanston Hospital provided her with an opportunity to benchmark her skills, giving her a confidence boost in the absence of a structured educational path.
Cutler’s decision to pursue certification was pivotal in her career journey. Testing her knowledge and passing the exam allowed her to feel more capable in her role, though she remained aware of the vast scope of Infection Prevention. She recalls that, at the time, she certainly did not know “everything about everything” in the field, but certification provided a foundation on which to build. Facing the complexities of HIV, public health mandates, and healthcare worker education, Cutler realized her role would be one of continuous learning and adaptation, a philosophy that shaped her entire career.
Working alongside two infectious disease (ID) physicians at Evanston Hospital was crucial to Cutler’s growth. Together, they tackled the challenges of the HIV epidemic, managing reporting requirements and educating healthcare staff amid widespread uncertainty. This partnership was a source of mutual support, as all three were young professionals navigating an unprecedented health crisis. Their collaborative spirit helped them persevere, creating a dynamic learning environment in which they shared insights and strategies. This camaraderie became an essential pillar of Cutler’s approach to Infection Prevention, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in addressing public health challenges.
The experience of working with ID physicians early in her career taught Cutler the importance of diverse expertise in Infection Prevention. Their combined knowledge provided a well-rounded perspective on patient safety, allowing her to better understand infection control within a broader public health context. This multidisciplinary collaboration would go on to influence her work in building effective Infection Prevention teams, where she prioritized having varied skills to cover the many facets of the field.
Cutler’s journey highlights the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and professional support networks in establishing a career in a developing field. Through certification, collaboration, and the willingness to grow amid uncertainty, she built a foundation for a successful career. Her experiences underscore that confidence in Infection Prevention doesn’t come solely from knowledge—it comes from the ability to work through challenges and embrace lifelong learning, adapting as the field continues to evolve.