Medical device processing is critically important to the safety of patients everywhere. This podcast from Healthmark Industries is about answering questions and sharing knowledge related to sterile processing, endoscopy, infection prevention, biomedical engineering, leadership, and products. Have a question you would like answered on the show? Send it to our email address asktheeducator@hmark.com.
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Medical device processing is critically important to the safety of patients everywhere
- Episodes
- 166
- Run
- 2020 – 2026
- Latest
- Oct 2026
About the show
Episodes
166 total · newest first
Press play on any episode and the show keeps running from there.
142. ADHD in Sterile Processing: Real Talk with Tiffany and Jake
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 ADH…
141. Why Are My Surgical Instruments Magnetized?
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 gai…
140. Inside the HSPA Certification Exam Process
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. Tun…
139. Functionality Testing Surgical Instruments and Devices
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-f…
138. Strengthening OR and SPD Relationships
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…
137. Sterile Processing Educator Resources and Strategies
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, …
136. Introverts Guide to Thriving at Industry Conferences
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 …
135. Education Gaps in Reprocessing Endoscopes
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 gap…
134. Biofilms and Fomites
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 expla…
133. What’s Inside? Cutting Open Surgical Instruments
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…
132. OR & SPD: Building Trust for Better Patient Outcomes
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 Specialis…
131. Stephen Kovach’s Exit Interview – Part 2
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…
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 …
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 fo…
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 Spec…
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 …
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…
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 Arle…
124. Breaking the Cycle: Confronting Workplace Bullying in Healthcare with Katie Belski
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 workp…
123: Disposable Scopes: Reducing Infection Risks and Environmental Impact
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 scope…
122. TIR99 for Processing Probes & Dilators
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.…
121. Enhancing Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing: The Role of Borescopes and AI
Every reprocessing professional that has worked with flexible endoscopes knows one irrefutable fact...Flexible endoscopes are complex devices that are difficult to clean. In this episode, we speak with Harry Oussoren to discuss the importan…
120. Surgical Instrument Maintenance: Keeping Tools in the Open Position
In the busy world of instrument reprocessing, we may overlook important details, such as keeping instruments in the open position for cleaning and sterilization. In this episode, Clinical Educator Emeritus, Stephen Kovach explains the impor…
119. Spanish Speakers in Sterile Processing – Interview with Angie Holland
Learning a second language is challenging enough on its own but imagine doing that while also mastering the jargon and science of sterile processing. This is the reality for thousands of sterile processing technicians across the industry! I…