Episode 1: How Are AMR and Sepsis Connected?

Description: 

Episode 1 of The Sepsis Spectrum: Microbial Mysteries Podcast. 

Unpack the critical links between infection, antimicrobial resistance, and sepsis with host Nicole Kupchik, and learn how together, they’re placing intense strain on public health systems, communities, and the broader social factors that shape health and well-being. Joined by sepsis and infection prevention leaders Pat Posa and Dr. Cindy Hou, this episode explores how preventing infections before they happen remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce AMR and decrease sepsis risk across all care settings—from hospitals to home-based care. Major global health events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have dramatically reshaped the landscape, exposing weaknesses in infection control and accelerating AMR challenges. As these challenges grow, education and public awareness have become essential tools. Essential for clinicians, sepsis coordinators, infection preventionists, and anyone across the continuum of care focused on quality improvement and reducing patient harm.

Learning Objectives: 

At the end of the session, the learner should be able to:

• Describe the interconnected burden of infection, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and sepsis on public health, population health, and social determinants of health
• Describe how infection prevention serves as a critical strategy in sepsis prevention across the healthcare continuum
• Analyze the impact of global health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on antimicrobial resistance and sepsis outcomes
• Identify the challenges healthcare professionals face in addressing sepsis, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and AMR
• Restate the importance of education and awareness tools, such as podcasts, in bridging gaps in healthcare knowledge and promoting actionable change related to sepsis, AMR, and health equity.

Target Audience: 

Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.

Guests:

Pat Posa RN, BSN, MSA, CCRN-K, FAAN

Quality and Patient Safety Program Manager

UH/CVC, Michigan Medicine

Pat Posa, RN, BSN, MSA, CCRN, FAAN, is the Quality and Safety Program Manager for the Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium (HMS) providing clinical oversight for the quality improvement work.  She most recently was the Quality and Patient Safety Program Manager for the Adult Hospitals at Michigan Medicine. In her role, she was responsible for development, measurement, and sustainability of the Adult Hospitals’ Quality and Patient Safety program.

Pat has been involved in the development and implementation of sepsis programs in multiple hospitals, was faculty for the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, Sepsis on the Wards Collaborative, and was part of the team that worked with the CDC to develop the Core Elements for Hospital Sepsis Programs.

Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA

Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research

Jefferson Health – New Jersey

Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, CPPS, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, FAPIC, is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research for Jefferson Health – New Jersey and an Infectious Diseases specialist. She has expertise in sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, infection control, patient safety, clinical quality, equity, and language access.

Dr. Hou is the Chief Medical Officer of Sepsis Alliance and a member of its Board of Directors. She earned her M.B.A. and M.A. from Boston University, a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her B.S. from Yale University.

Dr. Hou is the principal investigator for an Office of Minority Health grant to reduce inequities in those with limited English proficiency. She is the co-editor of the book, “COVID-19 Viral Sepsis: Impact on Disparities, Disability, and Health Outcomes.”

Dr. Hou has a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. Dr. Hou is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

CE Information:

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 0.9 contact hours.

Other healthcare professionals will receive 0.75 participation contact hours for this episode.

Medical Disclaimer: 

The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.