Kelly Zabriskie’s journey to becoming an Enterprise Vice President of Infection Prevention is a story of resilience, adaptability, and opportunity amid crisis. In a recent interview, Kelly discussed the unexpected path that led her to a VP title—an uncommon designation within the field of Infection Prevention. Initially hired as an Enterprise Director, her role expanded significantly with the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic created unprecedented challenges, but Kelly, alongside her infectious disease physician colleague and a supportive Chief Quality Officer (CQL), rose to the occasion. Together, they steered the health system’s infection prevention efforts, working with university affiliates and various departments to maintain control over the unfolding crisis.
The support Kelly received from her health system and its leadership played a crucial role in her journey. Throughout the pandemic, Infection Prevention was given significant backing, with cross-departmental collaboration being a key factor in her success. Kelly specifically notes how vital the partnership with supply chain, nursing, and other departments was in creating effective system-wide infection control strategies. This collective effort ultimately underscored the importance of her role, leading to the creation of the VP title specifically for her position—a clear recognition of her leadership, expertise, and impact.
Reflecting on this milestone, Kelly shares her gratitude for the encouragement she received, even beyond her immediate team. The university associated with her health system awarded her an honorary doctorate for her contributions throughout COVID-19, a recognition that underscored the significance of her work and her dedication to infection control. This honorary degree was not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the value placed on infection prevention within her health system—a rarity in the field and an indication of the respect and trust she had earned.
For Kelly, the journey to VP was also about embracing opportunities, even when they seemed daunting. She candidly admits that applying for the system director role in 2019 was a leap of faith, driven by her desire to take on new challenges. Her advice to others is to be fearless in pursuing career advancements, particularly in fields like Infection Prevention, where the impact of one’s work can be transformative. She believes that making a role “your own” and striving for excellence, especially in times of crisis, can lead to unexpected growth and recognition.
Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of supportive leadership, collaboration, and personal initiative. Her rise to Enterprise VP highlights the growing recognition of Infection Prevention as an essential field within healthcare and offers valuable insights for professionals aspiring to lead in complex environments. For a deeper dive into Kelly’s career and experiences, her full interview is available on Voice for Infection Prevention.