In a recent conversation with Jacob Hutcherson, Wendy Kaler reflected on the immense impact that her early career support system had on her development as an Infection Preventionist. Wendy shared how rare it was to have such a strong support system in place, not only with people who were experienced in their fields but who truly understood what they were doing. This mentorship gave her the confidence to make evidence-based decisions and shaped her approach to Infection Prevention. Wendy noted that she still keeps in touch with her mentors, and they remain proud of the progress she’s made in her career, reinforcing the importance of the guidance she received.
Wendy highlighted that her mentors taught her to think critically, delve deeper into issues, and approach problems with curiosity. She recalls how they would sit down to discuss hospital-acquired infections and critically analyze whether they truly constituted infections. This process of questioning and exploring helped Wendy build a solid foundation of knowledge in Infection Prevention, and she believes it set her up for success. Working closely with an infectious disease physician who took responsibility for the data was a unique experience, and Wendy credits this collaboration for shaping her methodical, science-based approach.
As a mentor today, Wendy strives to offer the same level of support and guidance that she received. She frequently works with Infection Preventionists who don’t know how to engage their medical directors effectively or how to have meaningful conversations about data and infection prevention strategies. Wendy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with medical directors, ensuring that every conversation is productive and worth their time. She believes that physicians, particularly those who juggle multiple roles, need concise, well-prepared discussions that focus on actionable insights.
Wendy also highlights the significance of being prepared when approaching medical directors. Infection Preventionists must have a deep understanding of their data and be ready to have hard-hitting conversations. With time being a precious commodity for busy clinicians, it’s critical that Infection Preventionists maximize the value of their interactions. Wendy’s goal as a mentor is to teach others how to conduct meaningful, efficient conversations that result in real change, something she learned early in her career and continues to practice today.
Ultimately, Wendy’s experience underscores the importance of mentorship and strong collaboration with medical directors in the field of Infection Prevention. By fostering meaningful conversations, staying prepared, and applying a scientific approach, Wendy has been able to lead successful programs and continues to mentor others to do the same.