In this segment of the interview, Maimuna Jatta discusses the importance of the support system she encountered when she began her role in Infection Prevention. She credits the already-established program, which had a strong foundation, with giving her the tools she needed to succeed. While the program wasn’t as well-resourced as it should have been—an issue that would become more apparent during the pandemic—it was still robust enough to help Jatta hit the ground running. The presence of a seasoned director, who had decades of experience in infection prevention, was particularly valuable. Jatta recalls how she consistently sought the director’s guidance, using his expertise to accelerate her learning curve.
One key advantage Jatta highlights is the diversity of the infection prevention team. The department included professionals with a wide range of backgrounds, such as microbiologists, MPH graduates, and nurses. This interdisciplinary mix allowed each member of the team to play to their strengths, creating a collaborative environment where everyone could learn from each other. Jatta emphasizes how this diversity was instrumental in helping her adapt to the multifaceted challenges of infection prevention.
Although Jatta reflects positively on the support system, she also notes that it was not without its challenges. Resource limitations, which became particularly apparent during the pandemic, created obstacles. However, the team’s established strength allowed them to adapt and persevere during difficult times. This strong foundation would later become the bedrock for expanding and improving the program.
Looking back, Jatta expresses amazement at how much the program has grown since she first joined. Reflecting on the early days, she marvels at how they were able to do so much with what they had. Now, as the program has evolved, she sees the early challenges as opportunities for growth, which ultimately strengthened both her and the infection prevention team.
Infection prevention is a team effort, and Jatta’s experience underscores the importance of a supportive, diverse, and experienced team in building a successful program. By surrounding herself with experts from various fields, she was able to develop the skills needed to excel in her role and help the program flourish, even in the face of adversity.