With endoscopy under the spotlight, one of the toughest challenges departments face is proper drying. In this episode, we sit down with Healthmark’s endoscopy specialist, Dyan Darga, to unpack best practices and key takeaways from her July 2025 webinar on endoscope drying.

In this episode, we speak with 2025 HSPA Award of Honor winner, Julie Williamson about her career, how she came to HSPA and how the sterile processing industry has changed and evolved over the span of her career. As a bonus, we’ll let you know how YOU can get involved with industry writing and makin

How much do you really know about the chemicals used in your department and could you be unknowingly putting yourself or your team at risk?In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Hilliker, Executive Vice President at ChemDAQ, a leader in chemical monitoring and safety systems.With a background in publ

In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with Tiffany Reece and Jake McHugh, Clinical Education and Training Specialists, to discuss how they navigate the challenges of working in sterile processing while managing ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, think you might, or simply want to better understand how

How does a surgical instrument become magnetized, and why is that a problem?In this episode, Healthmark Educators Michael Matthews and Malinda Elammari unpack the mystery of magnetized instruments. Sterile processing professionals will gain valuable insights into how magnetization happens, the chall

What goes into creating a certification exam? Quite a bit more than you might think. In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with HSPA’s Siri Sorenson to unpack the process behind certification exams—from their development to delivery. Tune in to learn why certification matters, which options are a

Surgical instruments need to be clean, and this rightly becomes an area of focus for a lot of sterile processing departments.  But we also need to make sure that instruments and devices used in the surgical case are functional, because non-functional devices can cause complications for patients.  In

In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with sterile processing legend Natalie Lind to reflect on her April 2025 webinar about improving communication and collaboration between the Operating Room (OR) and Sterile Processing Department (SPD). They discuss key takeaways from the session, explore why

The role of the Sterile Processing Educator has become increasingly common in the last 5-10 years, as more facilities recognize that managers can't effectively run their departments while also prioritizing staff education. In this episode, we chat with Jhmeid Billingslea about the significance of th

Industry conferences can feel overwhelming, especially for professionals who are introverted or nervous about attending events with large crowds. In this episode, Healthmark's Michael Matthews (a fellow introvert) shares insight on what to expect, how to manage your time and energy effectively, and

With complex IFUs and limited time between procedures in endoscopy, gaps in education and processes can lead to mistakes. In this episode, IP Consultant Emily Barnard (MPH, CIC, HACP-CMS) of Epidemiology Loves Solutions identifies these gaps and offers practical solutions.

Mark recaps his insightful Healthmark webinar on biofilms and fomites. He dives into the science behind biofilms - what they are, how quickly they can form, and why they pose a significant threat to sterile processing. Tune in as Mark explains the dangers biofilms present in maintaining sterility an

Ever wondered what’s inside some of the most complex surgical instruments and devices? Healthmark’s Rebecca Peplau has...and she didn’t just wonder, she took them apart! In this episode, we revisit Rebecca’s Healthmark Academy webinar, “New Year, New Perspective: Examination of Instrument Cross Sect

The relationship between SPD and the OR is crucial for ensuring positive patient outcomes - but why does it sometimes unravel into a tangled mess of shame, blame, and mistrust?In this episode, we saddle up with Clinical Education Specialist Ronald Hunsucker (AKA the Cowboy of Clean) to explore the c

In Part 2 of our career retrospective with the legendary Stephen Kovach, we explore his transition to Healthmark, the company's evolution over the years, and memorable moments with Ray Taurasi and the Basile brothers. Stephen’s unparalleled contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry,

As the legendary Stephen Kovach prepares for his January 2025 retirement, he joins us for a final, reflective interview. Stephen shares his journey - from his early life and entry into the healthcare industry to discovering his passion for reprocessing and his impactful career at Healthmark. Along t

In this essential episode, Dr. Tiffany Wiksten from The Joint Commission joins us to discuss reprocessing and department surveys. Learn what surveyors are looking for, key areas for department leaders to focus on, and how to best prepare for the survey process. 

In this season of giving, we’re dedicating an episode to the people who truly deserve recognition: YOU, the sterile processing professional!Join us as Kevin & Adam chat with Rebecca Peplau, our newest Healthmark Clinical Education Specialist, about showing appreciation for sterile processing profess

On a dark and stormy night, possibly at a hospital in your hometown, there are terrible dangers waiting inside the basement. Improper cleaning, poor storage practices, and unsealed packages are just some of the nightmares that await inside a sterile processing department near you. The Packaging Prin

For years, sterile processing has been seen as an 'entry-level' position. But have we moved beyond that? In this episode, Kevin and Adam dive into the complex science and technology now driving the modern sterile processing department. They discuss why it’s time for the industry to recognize and re-

Sterile Processing Technicians work tirelessly in a demanding role with minimal pay, benefits, and often without recognition, despite their crucial contributions to patient safety. In this episode, we sit down with HSPA President-Elect Arlene Bush to discuss how we can better celebrate, appreciate,

The healthcare environment is already a stressful one with a fast pace, constantly shifting priorities and emergent needs, and demands of consistent excellence.  But this environment gets even more challenging when there is one or more workplace bullies in our midst.  In this episode, we speak to Ka

With infections linked to flexible endoscope reprocessing making headlines, many departments are turning to disposable scopes to reduce the risk. In this episode, we talk with Jill Berends (Ambu) about the latest studies on disposable scopes, their impact on patient outcomes, and the steps Ambu is t

2024 saw the release of AAMI TIR99 for the reprocessing of probes & dilators.  But many facilities are not aware of this new document and the recommendations that can help your department make informed decisions on these complex devices.  As the co-chair for the AAMI working group that wrote this do