Infection Prevention is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth. For Angel Mueller, a seasoned Infection Preventionist, these elements have been central to her career. Her involvement with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has not only shaped her professional path but has also provided her with invaluable opportunities to give back to the field she is passionate about.
Angel Mueller’s journey with APIC began early in her career, and she strongly encourages new Infection Preventionists to follow the same path. “As soon as you start working as an infection preventionist, you should definitely get involved in your local chapter,” Angel advises. Becoming a member of APIC and actively participating in your local chapter offers a wealth of benefits. It’s where many professionals find their mentors, access critical resources, and build a network of colleagues who can provide guidance and support.
For Angel, this involvement has been a cornerstone of her career development. From the very beginning, she found APIC to be a platform where she could learn, grow, and contribute. “I have so greatly enjoyed working with APIC and working on the APIC Professional Development Committee and working with my local chapter as president and a board member. It has been such a highlight of my career to date,” she reflects.
One of the most significant experiences for Angel was her work with the APIC Professional Development Committee, particularly on the update of the Infection Preventionist Competency Model. This project was more than just a professional achievement; it was a learning experience that allowed Angel to deepen her understanding of the competencies required in Infection Prevention and to collaborate with other leaders in the field. “Working on the updated Infection Preventionist Competency Model a number of years ago was a huge highlight, and I’ve learned so much through that work,” Angel shares. This project, among others, underscored the importance of staying engaged in professional development and highlighted the mutual benefits of learning and giving back.
Angel believes that professional involvement is not just about personal growth but also about contributing to the advancement of the field. “That’s part of our growth too—how can we be involved to learn more but also to give back?” she asks. For Angel, and many of her colleagues, giving back to the profession is a core value. Whether through mentoring, participating in committees, or simply sharing knowledge, every Infection Preventionist has something valuable to offer.
Angel’s journey with APIC exemplifies how active participation in professional organizations can enhance one’s career while also making a meaningful impact on the broader community. “Every IP I’ve met has been so willing to give back, whether it’s to an individual they’re working with or mentoring, or to the profession as a whole. And I have learned that while giving back, I have learned so much through those opportunities,” she emphasizes.
For Infection Preventionists at any stage of their career, Angel’s advice is clear: get involved with APIC as early as possible. The relationships you build, the knowledge you gain, and the opportunities you encounter will not only enrich your career but also help strengthen the field of Infection Prevention as a whole.