Ask The Educator

130. Stephen Kovach’s Exit Interview – Part 1

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 the way, we explore thought-provoking topics such as overcoming learning disabilities, the symbolism of “crows,” the value of mentorship, and the art of public speaking. This must-listen episode offers an intimate glimpse into the man, the myth, the legend – Stephen Kovach.

129. Mastering the Survey Process: Insights on Reprocessing and Department Readiness with Dr. Tiffany Wiksten

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. 

128. Giving Thanks to Sterile Processing Professionals

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 professionals and ways we can better support and recognize the vital role they play in the healthcare industry.

From all of us at Healthmark, Happy Thanksgiving!

127. Nightmare on SPD Street

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 Princess, Malinda Elammari, has seen some of these bad practices and lived to tell the tale. Join us (if you dare) and learn about the horrors that await…

126. Sterile Processing Technologist? Why We Need a New (More Accurate) Job Title

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-evaluate the expertise of our sterile processing professionals. This episode is a call to action for SP leaders to rethink our perception of sterile processing—and to reshape our vision for the future.

125. Honoring Sterile Processing Technicians with HSPA President-Elect Arlene Bush

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, and support these essential healthcare professionals. Happy Sterile Processing Week!