The Pulse | Tuesday, April 24, 2018

The Benefit of Active Involvement and Lifelong Learning

Mary Ann Drosnock is the manager of clinical education for endoscopy at HealthMark Industries, where she provides expertise to healthcare facility personnel on proper endoscope reprocessing. She has a passion for continued learning, and sharing that knowledge with others – and it shows. Whether she’s presenting at a conference on effective device reprocessing, voicing her input as co-chair of AAMI Working Group 84, or reviewing content on the editorial boards for the AAMI BI&T Journal and PanAmericano Forum Journal, there is no shortage of ways Mary Ann has been involved in the profession. 

Here we spoke with her on what drives her passion, the benefits of being actively engaged in a community and how other members can find their own niche and effect positive change.  

A Process, Not a Destination 

I have a passion for education, especially as it relates to endoscope processing. I thoroughly enjoy getting in front of people and imparting the knowledge I’ve learned in the field or through my role in the standards world. To see attendees light up as they finally understand why they are doing what they are doing is especially fulfilling.

The knowledge that they gain and the emphasis that I place on adhering to standards and guidelines give them the fuel to go back to their facilities and make necessary changes to protect patient safety.

Being involved and joining committees or projects, elevates your own level of knowledge and recognition in the field. Learning is a process — not a destination — and you must keep current. 

Learn, Pass It On, Repeat 

Education doesn’t end with a certification or a degree attained. Medical device reprocessing is a constantly evolving field and the science is changing rapidly right now.

Therefore, so are standards and guidelines from AAMI, medical device manufacturers and professional societies. Staying active and involved is key to staying current in the field. It also allows for networking with peers and facility staff. What better way to learn than to jump right in! 

As you learn and make new connections on each of these projects, this newly found knowledge can be shared with those around you in your own workplace. Or, as in my case, it can be imparted to those attending presentations or whose questions I am answering directly. Sharing learned knowledge is fundamental to being able to provide worthwhile education. 

There is such a need for high-quality continuing education and qualified individuals to present that information. I feel my involvement highly benefits attendees of my programs, readers of my articles or even those following endoscope standards and guidelines I’ve been a part of writing. I’m committed to patient safety, infection prevention in endoscopy and propelling the science of reprocessing. By providing education, involvement in standards-writing and endoscopy reprocessing projects, I feel that I am helping to guide facilities to best practices and to make advancements in their own facilities. I am hopeful that we can significantly reduce the risks of endoscopy-related infections. 

Start Local, Find Your Passion and Speak Up  

Involvement in your local SGNA chapter is key. Local chapters help reach many front-line staff members who aren’t necessarily able to make it to national conferences. Everyone needs continuing education to stay current and involvement in your local chapter is a great way to do this for yourself and others. Having high-quality local SGNA educational chapter meetings and presentations are a great opportunity to start your involvement. 

Secondly, find your expertise — by which I mean, find what you are passionate about. If there is something that drives you, or even drives you crazy, become an expert in that. Learn everything you can about it, and then teach others about it. Or figure out how to fix a relevant problem. Then, share that expertise — or passion — with others. 
I also highly recommend learning public speaking. I say “learn” public speaking, as this is a learned skill that is not a natural talent for most. Learning this skill has changed my life. To be able to speak to a group, confidently, is an incredible benefit and one I never thought I’d be able to do when I was younger. Overcoming a fear of public speaking is enlightening and freeing. By doing so, you will be able to impart your knowledge to others and you’ll be able to pass on your passion and expertise. 

Please get involved!