Welcome back to Voice for Infection Prevention! I'm your host, Jacob Hutcherson, and today I’m joined by an incredible leader in the field, Melissa Bronstein, whose career journey showcases just how dynamic and evolving Infection Prevention has become. Melissa’s path started in quality control nursing, but a chance assignment to an infection control training course completely changed her career trajectory. Since then, she’s built an impressive resume, working in academic medical centers, community hospitals, and now system-wide leadership as a Vice President overseeing Infection Prevention across a healthcare system. In this conversation, we dive into how the role of Infection Prevention has expanded over the years, moving beyond just hand hygiene and isolation to include construction, air quality, environmental hygiene, and complex regulatory compliance. Melissa shares her insights on career progression, mentorship, and how Infection Preventionists can advocate for leadership support in their organizations. We also discuss the lasting impact of COVID-19 on the profession, and how IPs can maintain their influence in hospital leadership now that the crisis has passed. If you’re looking for career advice, leadership insights, or a fresh perspective on the future of Infection Prevention, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Let’s get started.