This month in Cheers for Peers, we would like to spotlight a few of the 2024 board members of the Virginia chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC Virginia).
MAI JATTA, APIC Virginia President
- Facility: Carilion Clinic
- Why did you get into infection prevention? As someone who contemplated going into public health but ultimately decided to go into nursing, the role of the infection preventionist perfectly combined my interests. The IP role has allowed me to use my nursing skills and knowledge while also acquiring and applying public health principles to promote and advance patient safety.
- What do you love about being part of APIC? APIC provides resources and a wide network of support for IPs. Through APIC, I have met and learned from a wide variety of experts in the field. I am most grateful for the relationships I have been able to establish and build, gaining mentors and colleagues in the field. Having resources and a network of support is pivotal to success in infection prevention efforts.
- Fun fact about yourself! I am a subtle food connoisseur.
MARKO PREDIC, APIC Virginia Membership Secretary
- Facility HCA Capital Division – Corporate
- Why did you get into infection prevention? The ability to make the greatest impact for a wide range of patients.
- What do you love about being part of APIC? APIC is a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who are working towards a common goal- improving patient outcomes. We share in our successes and failures and celebrate ingenuity.
- Fun fact about yourself! I was a college rower for 4 years at the University of Florida.
CINDY TAYLOR, APIC Virginia 1st Year Director
- Facility: UVA Health (acute care hospital, more than 100 outpatient clinics)
- Why did you get into infection prevention? By default, like most of us. The job needed doing and I was assigned the work.
- What do you love about being part of APIC? Networking with members, assisting each other with problem solving or just sharing IP stories.
- Fun fact about yourself! I once traveled to NYC on a private jet! We were met at the airport by a limousine and escorted for a day of Christmas shopping at Manhattan’s finest stores, including Tiffany’s!
CHARMAYNE FLOWERS, APIC Virginia Recording Secretary
- Facility: Hampton VA Medical Center
- Why did you get into infection prevention? I’ve always been fascinated by diseases and the different types of organisms and wanted to learn what I could do to protect my patients and community.
- What do you love about being part of APIC? I got to become a part of another family who supports and nurtures each other in our profession.
- Fun fact about yourself! Although I don’t have much time for it nowadays, I love to dance.
EBONI CRAWFORD, APIC Virginia Treasurer
- Facility: Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
- Why did you get into infection prevention? Learned of the profession during my time with the Florida Department of Health and fell in love!
- What do you love about being part of APIC? I love being part of such a supportive team – both professionally and personally.
- Fun fact about yourself! I love all things stickers and creative journaling/planning!
