Ask the Educator
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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. https://www.hmark.com
Episodes
- Episode 161. Career Development in Sterile Processing
Are you thinking about the next step in your sterile processing career? In this episode, Kevin and Adam discuss their own experiences with career development and share practical ways to grow professionally through strategic planning, netwo…
- Episode 160. Starting a Business in Sterile Processing
Starting a business is never easy, especially in the specialized world of sterile processing and medical device reprocessing. In this episode, we talk with Nicole Simon of Simon Sterilization Solutions about her journey launching a new bus…
- Episode 159. How to Inspect Shavers, Rigid Endoscopes & Light Cables
Sterile processing inspection is critical to ensuring patient safety—and small issues can easily be missed without the right approach. Healthmark’s Cheron Rojo dives into key findings from recent studies on the inspection of shavers, rigid…
- Episode 158. How Do You Store Long Enteroscopes? Endoscopy Reprocessing Tips
In this episode, we explore a real challenge facing many endoscopy departments: how do you properly store a 6½-foot enteroscope in a 6-foot cabinet? Join Mary Ann Drosnock, PhD as she explains what enteroscopes are, the unique challenges a…
- Episode 157. Endoscopy Experts Answer Your Top Reprocessing Questions
Have questions about endoscope reprocessing? Kevin and Adam sit down with Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock and Dyan Darga, our endoscopy experts, to answer the hottest endo questions and discuss the latest trends in endoscope reprocessing. Perfect fo…
- Episode 156. Light Guide Cables – Do they Work and Why it Matters
Cheron Rojo has found some interesting data on our light guide cables; essential pieces for viewing a surgical site during laparoscopic procedures; and the data isn’t good. In this episode, you’ll learn what percentage of light guide cable…
- 155. Using AI to Solve Sterile Processing Problems
Legendary sterile processing educator Stephen Kovach is learning something new in retirement—artificial intelligence. In this episode, we talk with Steve about his new AI passion project and how AI can be used to simplify data reporting, a…
- 154. Competency Development in Sterile Processing
What is a competency? Why do we need them? And how do we get started creating them? For new leaders in sterile processing, these are some of the most important questions to ask. Competency development is a required element in sterile proce…
- Episode 153. Lint and its Potential Impact on Surgery
Can something as small as lint affect patient safety in the operating room? In this episode, Dr. Wava Truscott shares her detailed research on lint and its role in the perioperative process. We’ll explore how dust and lint particles could…
- Episode 152. Appreciation and Recognition in Sterile Processing
In this episode, Adam is joined by Amy DeGraw, HSPA Clinical Educator, to discuss why recognizing Sterile Processing professionals shouldn’t be limited to one week a year. They explore how ongoing appreciation impacts mental health, streng…
- Episode 151. History of Healthmark with Ralph Basile
In this episode, Kevin and Adam sit down with Healthmark’s own Ralph Basile to discuss how he got his start in the family business, what it’s like working alongside his brothers, and where his passion for standards work comes from. Don’t m…
- Episode 150: You Asked, We Answered!
We’ve hit 150 episodes! 🎉 In this special milestone edition of Ask the Educator, we’re celebrating by answering your most frequently asked questions — the ones we’ve heard in our inbox, at conferences, and everywhere in between. Join us a…
- Episode 149. What’s New in Flexible Endoscope Processing?
What are the latest trends and changes in flexible endoscope processing, and what is the most recent research and data telling us? In this episode, we’ll catch up with Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock to recap her September 2025 webinar on what’s new…
- 148. Getting Started in Sterile Processing
If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the field of sterile processing, this episode is for you! We’ll share how we each got our start in the industry, offer practical tips for getting your foot in the door, and highlight common mistake…
- A Personal Story on the Impact of Insulation Testing
Behind every surgical tool lies a story—and sometimes, the impact is deeply personal. In this episode, we sit down with our own Cheron Rojo as he shares how insulation testing touched his life and family in a profound way. From an unexpect…
- 146. Shaver Study Data: Are your Seals Secure?
In this episode, Cheron Rojo talks to Kevin and Adam to recap Healthmark’s August 2025 webinar on his 2023 – 2024 arthroscopic shaver study and the results. Hear the sobering data on failure rates, where the issues were, contributing facto…
- 145. Are Your Endoscopes Dry?
With endoscopy under the spotlight, one of the toughest challenges departments face is proper drying. In this episode, we sit down with Healthmark’s endoscopy specialist, Dyan Darga, to unpack best practices and key takeaways from her July…
- 144. 2025 HSPA Award of Honor Winner – Julie Williamson
In this episode, we speak with 2025 HSPA Award of Honor winner, Julie Williamson about her career, how she came to HSPA and how the sterile processing industry has changed and evolved over the span of her career. As a bonus, we’ll let you…
- 143. Chemical Safety in Sterile Processing: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
How much do you really know about the chemicals used in your department and could you be unknowingly putting yourself or your team at risk? In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Hilliker, Executive Vice President at ChemDAQ, a leader in ch…
- 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 AD…
- 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 ga…
- 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. Tu…
- 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-…
- 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 (SP…
- 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 ga…
- 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 expl…
- 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, “ N…
- 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 Speciali…
- 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 unparallele…
- 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 f…
- 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 Special…
- 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. The…
- 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 Arl…
- 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 work…
- 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 scop…
- 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. As…
- 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 importa…
- 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 impo…
- 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!…
- 118. Implementing Standards on the Go: Insights from a Traveling Leader
Do you want to be a traveling sterile processing leader or even a permanent manager of your own department? Then this episode is for you! Leadership in sterile processing is an increasingly difficult job, but now imagine that you only have…
- 117. Launching a New HSPA Chapter: Insights and Tips from Leslie Kronstedt
Starting a new HSPA chapter in your area can seem daunting. How do you create a non-profit, open a bank account, or write bylaws? Leslie Kronstedt from the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals chapter has the answers! In this…
- 116. The Critical Role of Documentation with Andy Mikos
In this episode, we dive into the essential training of sterile processing technicians, focusing on the vital skill of documentation and record-keeping. Join us as we speak with Andy Mikos, from Getinge, to better understand sterilization…
- 115. Sterile Aware Awards An Interview with Charlie Webb
Adam Okada speaks with Charlie Webb about the Sterile Aware Awards for sterile processing and device packaging. Do you know a superstar tech, supervisor, or manager that deserves recognition? Tune in to learn how you can nominate a deservi…
- 114. The Critical Role of Borescopes in Sterile Processing with Cheron Rojo
In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, we delve into the transformative advancements in sterile processing technology over the past two decades, with a particular focus on borescopes. These remarkable tools allow us to inspect in…
- 113. The Dirty Side of Environmental Cleaning with Seth Hendee
Educated sterile processing professionals know that the environmental cleaning of their departments should be done to the same standards as an operating room surgical suite. But are they being treated that way? There’s a document that can…
- 112. A Call to Action for ALL Sterile Processing Professionals
In the past, we discussed arthroscopic shavers and the progress (or lack thereof) we’ve made as an industry with compliance for cleaning and inspection. In this episode, we are putting the onus back on the YOU, the sterile processing profe…