In a recent interview with Jacob Hutcherson from the Voice for Infection Prevention, Cristine Lacerna discussed her career progression within a large healthcare system. She began as an infection coordinator and quickly moved up to become an Infection Prevention Manager for one of the hospitals at Kaiser Permanente – a system comprised of 21 hospitals and thousands of clinics in Northern California. After four years in this role, Cristine sought to expand her influence and impact, leading her to a regional office position as a consultant with infection prevention expertise.
During her time as a consultant, a significant reorganization occurred, which left her without a manager and led to a consolidation of Infection Preventionists across the hospitals. This reorganization was challenging, but it provided Cristine with the opportunity to centralize surveillance for the 21 hospitals, starting with a team of four during the Ebola crisis. Despite the overwhelming nature of the work, she successfully built a regional program with the support of forward-thinking leaders.
Today, Cristine leads a team of 11, including 10 Infection Preventionists, interns, and a project manager. Her expanded portfolio reflects her ability to adapt and grow within the organization, continually pushing the boundaries of infection prevention practices. The team she has built is integral to supporting the medical centers within the system, demonstrating her strategic vision and leadership capabilities.
Cristine’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and innovation in Infection Prevention. Her ability to navigate organizational changes and build effective programs underscores the value of strong leadership in the healthcare sector. Her story provides valuable insights for professionals aspiring to advance their careers in Infection Prevention.