The ICT Educator of the Year Award™, a prestigious honor acknowledging remarkable contributions in the field of infection prevention and control, has returned for 2023 after previously running from 1999 until 2010. This accolade, awarded by Infection Control Today® (ICT®), a multi-platform resource providing expert-led insights around preventing and controlling infections, has been bestowed upon Sharon Ward-Fore, MS, BS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC – a professional meriting praise and recognition for her enormous commitment towards disease education.
To even be considered for this high honor, recipients must have logged at least 15 years of experience in the field, demonstrating exceptional, measurable outcomes. Additionally, contenders must have exceeded the mark in terms of educating both internal and external stakeholders about the criticality of infection prevention.
Ward-Fore’s vast experience and unparalleled dedication to public service, encapsulated in acts such as her volunteerwork at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, underpin her exceptional contributions to the infection prevention sphere. Moreover, her application of resources and educational sessions on crucial subjects such as cleaning and disinfection reiterate her devotion to empowering others with knowledge, thereby earning her the title of ‘Educator of the Year.’
Beginning her career as a microbiologist in an acute care hospital in 1985, Ward-Fore’s substantial career spans roles in critical care hospitals and industrial research and development. Following her stint in industrial microbiology research, she pivoted her career and embraced the role of infection preventionist, or IP, firstly in a hospital of the Chicago Veterans Health Administration and later in an acute care academic medical center in the same city.
Her extensive knowledge and skills in areas such as sterilization processes, emergency preparedness training for special pathogens personal protective equipment, and surface disinfection are testament to her dedication. Her genuine admiration for environmental services uniquely situates her as an infection prevention consultant and esteemed member of both the editorial advisory board of Infection Control Today and clinical editor for APIC Text Online.
Affirming her credentials, Ward-Fore holds degrees in biology and medical technology, clinical microbiology, and a certified board membership in infection control. This formidable woman, who sought out her field and loves her work, embodies the vital role of IPs in fostering relationships, being visible, and serving as resources beyond simply enforcing hygiene protocols.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sharon-ward-fore-ms-bs-170000520.html