Welcome to an in-depth, personal journey of the professionals shaping the world of infection prevention. Hosted by the editorial board of Infection Control Today (ICT), we cement our dedication to amplifying expert voices in the realm of healthcare safety and quality. This series endeavors to bring forth the wisdom, experiences, and visions of key individuals in infection prevention, gifting us invaluable knowledge and offering a foundation for further growth in our infection control approaches.
This installment spotlights Hebah al Zamel, MSN, CIC, CPHQ, an accomplished infection preventionist stationed in Saudi Arabia and a renowned healthcare policy consultant. Hebah al Zamel entered the healthcare domain fueled by zeal for science and an earnest desire to make a positive impact. As a newly minted nurse, she experienced firsthand the severe implications that infections could bear on patient health, sparking a determination to dedicate herself to infection control.
Deepening her understanding, she sought additional education and training in infection prevention, securing a certification from esteemed organizations like the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Keeping pace with advancements, she attended numerous workshops and seminars to remain conversant with state-of-the-art practices and emerging challenges. Equipping herself comprehensively, she pursued a master’s degree in Nursing Administration and earned the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification, focusing on leadership and strategic planning.
The beginning of her journey as an infection preventionist saw her collaborate with a diverse team to devise and execute infection control policies. Her role expanded to include staff education, data analysis to spot trends and areas for refinement, and spearheading infection prevention committees, among others. Today, her mission remains unwavering – to secure a safe landscape for patients and health workers, deploying her expertise to amalgamate quality improvement methodologies into infection control strategies.
She advocates for evidence-based practices and works alongside fellow professionals to elevate infection prevention in the healthcare ecosystem. According to al Zamel, infection prevention is a dynamic arena perpetually adapting to nascent threats and healthcare progressions. Some topics she recommended for ICT’s coverage include overcoming imposter syndrome, ethical infection prevention and control decision-making, promoting self-care for healthcare professionals, the importance of certification in infection prevention, and more.